Exploring Wines: Part 4- Pairing Suggestions with Turkey

Today is part four in my "Exploring Wine" series. I decided to focus on pairing wine with food. People often ask what wine to drink with meat, fish, poultry, etc. As I've written before, the only rule I follow with wine is to drink what you like.
With the Thanksgiving holiday in the US is just a few days away, I've received a few e-mails from readers asking for advice on what wine to serve with turkey. I do have a few suggestions for the types of wine I like with a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner. In general, think lighter wines with turkey. For white wine I suggest a Sauvignon Blanc, and for the red, go with a Pinot Noir. If you are dining with people who enjoy wine, I highly suggest starting with the Sauvignon Blanc, and working your way to the Pinot Noir with the turkey itself. I am partial to reds, so that is what I will show today. Pinots are known for having a light to medium body with aromas like black cherry, currant and even raspberry.
Tasting the Pinot Noir

Above: Pinot Noirs usually have a lighter color than many other reds. As with any wine, always observe the color first. Whether white or red, take a look. Enjoy the richness of the wine. Let your mind wander with the color...how does it make you feel? Warm and cozy? Light and airy?

Above: Then smell the wine. Put your nose right in the glass and inhale deeply. Close your eyes and let your senses take over. Then sip it, and enjoy. A Pinot will smell and taste lighter than many reds as well.
Relax with the wine and enjoy yourself

Living in Palm Springs, I like to enjoy my wine outside, under the big desert sky. But wherever you live, when you drink wine, r-e-l-a-x, enjoy it. Let the flavor wash over you, so to speak. Let it romance you. Enjoy some chocolate as you sip your wines...it enhances the flavor!
Try a range of wines

Above: For Thanksgiving dinner, consider serving a range of two or three wines for your guests to enjoy. Serve with fresh grapes, sliced apples, cheese, mixed nuts and a good, high quality dark chocolate.
A Few Suggestions from My Wine Cellar

Above left: Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc, and above right: Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc

Above left: MacMurray Pinot Noir

And for after dinner...a nice Port

Above: Try serving a Port Wine after dinner. With a cheese plate, fresh fruit or just alone. I like this Ledson Port, it is absolutely delicious.

Whatever you serve, I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the wine!

-Rick Rockhill