Let's talk Thanksgiving wine

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm looking for a Gruner Veltiner this weekend. It's meant to go well with some of the usual Thanksgiving dishes.

No idea where you are, but Weygandt in Cleveland Park is my go-to for Gruner. They have at least 15 different producers on hand, unlike many stores in the area who have perhaps one or two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're trying Normandy hard cider this year, just for a change. I picked one of the drier ones and think the appleyness will pair nicely with turkey. Have a few bottles of Gewurtztraminer as backup.

Where did you get this? Am a cider addict and always looking to try new varieties/brands.

Not the PP, but I've seen a good cider selection at MOM in Rockville. Also at Conn. Ave Wine & Liquor (Conn. & Q) and One West Dupont Circle Wine & Liquor (P St. b/w 20th & 21st). The latter also has some local beers on tap with growlers.

[Anonymous]

I think Riesling goes best with Turkey. I get reliable Chateau Saint Michelle.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]The old wine columnists for the Wall Street Journal (who were really down-to-earth and much, much better than most wine writers out there) used to recommend Zinfandel, as the only truly American wine out there.

In the years since they've traced Zinfandel as being related to to some obscure European (Romanian?) grape, but I like the sentiment.
[/quote]

Interesting. I love Zinfandel.

[Anonymous]

I think Riesling goes best with Turkey. I get reliable Chateau Saint Michelle.

This or Hogue (both $10) has long been one of our go-to's. For a little more, Willm or Hugel, from Alsace, are also very good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm looking for a Gruner Veltiner this weekend. It's meant to go well with some of the usual Thanksgiving dishes.

No idea where you are, but Weygandt in Cleveland Park is my go-to for Gruner. They have at least 15 different producers on hand, unlike many stores in the area who have perhaps one or two.

Thanks, that was going to be the first place I checked out.

[Anonymous]

The old wine columnists for the Wall Street Journal (who were really down-to-earth and much, much better than most wine writers out there) used to recommend Zinfandel, as the only truly American wine out there.

In the years since they've traced Zinfandel as being related to to some obscure European (Romanian?) grape, but I like the sentiment.


Interesting. I love Zinfandel.

Me too. It's almost all that we drink at home. I wish the extended family shared our enthusiasm for it. They always go for the Cabernet, because they think it's "the best," even though (IMO) it doesn't go with any of the Thanksgiving meal.
When we host, I have a bottle of Cab for those who ask, but what I'm pouring is Pinot or Zin for the reds, and a wide variety of whites--Riesling, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Rousanne as the day goes on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're trying Normandy hard cider this year, just for a change. I picked one of the drier ones and think the appleyness will pair nicely with turkey. Have a few bottles of Gewurtztraminer as backup.

Where did you get this? Am a cider addict and always looking to try new varieties/brands.

Not the PP, but I've seen a good cider selection at MOM in Rockville. Also at Conn. Ave Wine & Liquor (Conn. & Q) and One West Dupont Circle Wine & Liquor (P St. b/w 20th & 21st). The latter also has some local beers on tap with growlers.

I'm the first hard cider poster. The closest sources for us are Tenleytown WF & Rodman's in Friendship Heights. Balducci's was another source, but their New Mexico ave location shut down a while ago. I like the other poster's suggestion of Calvados!

[Anonymous]

Calvados poster here. In addition to after-dinner sipping, I find it adds something when making chicken liver pate, or apple pie filling.

Damn, just noticed I'm out ....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The old wine columnists for the Wall Street Journal (who were really down-to-earth and much, much better than most wine writers out there) used to recommend Zinfandel, as the only truly American wine out there.

In the years since they've traced Zinfandel as being related to to some obscure European (Romanian?) grape, but I like the sentiment.


Interesting. I love Zinfandel.

Me too. It's almost all that we drink at home. I wish the extended family shared our enthusiasm for it. They always go for the Cabernet, because they think it's "the best," even though (IMO) it doesn't go with any of the Thanksgiving meal.
When we host, I have a bottle of Cab for those who ask, but what I'm pouring is Pinot or Zin for the reds, and a wide variety of whites--Riesling, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Rousanne as the day goes on.

Sounds great.
I'll be over on Thursday. I won't stay long and I won't eat much.

[Anonymous]

If you come by late, we'll be out back by the fire pit, sipping Elijah Craig. Bring some cigars.

[Anonymous]

People seem to have their own favorites and part of the tradition but if you are interesting in exploring some different wines, the NYT has a good wine column on Thanksgiving wines around $20 and they tend to skew Italian/Spanish whites and then a variety of reds, on the lighter side. Heavy reds (cabs) will typically clash with the sweet flavors. I personally do not like most of the Thanksgiving foods so I just pull out wines I feel like drinking, and often opt for Chateauneuf du Pape, but not likely to find that recommended by many wine critics for Thanksgiving. It is always a hit, likely because of the name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you come by late, we'll be out back by the fire pit, sipping Elijah Craig. Bring some cigars.

You sure know how to host.

Enjoy the holiday!

[Anonymous]

I like a crisp pinto grigio or viognier with the turkey. Port with the pumpkin pie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm looking for a Gruner Veltiner this weekend. It's meant to go well with some of the usual Thanksgiving dishes.

No idea where you are, but Weygandt in Cleveland Park is my go-to for Gruner. They have at least 15 different producers on hand, unlike many stores in the area who have perhaps one or two.

Thanks, that was going to be the first place I checked out.

Out of Site Wines in Vienna has some fantastic Gruner that was a hit at a dinner party earlier this month.