Friendsgiving and What to Serve This Thursday
What better way to practice for Thanksgiving then to do a dry-run with good friends. We had a few things we wanted to put into use including the Traeger Grill that Blake bought when our old gas grill went caput in early spring, Blake’s grandmother’s china and Turkey platter that his mother gifted me, the Kip&Co cutlery that I obsessed over at the Milkweed Inn this summer and Blake bought me for our anniversary, and of course some of our favorite wines. We are fortunate to have friends who also love to cook and the spread was glorious.
When selecting wines for our Friendsgiving, or really for any meal, I wanted to ensure that our main course would get a chance to shine without being overpowered and that we offered a little something for everybody. For me, that means starting with a sparkling and having both white and red on hand. You know your friends best so you’ll want to think ahead for how many bottles of each to plan for. A standard red or white bottle will offer about 5 glasses per bottle (5 oz pours) and a sparkling or champagne can usually stretch to 8 glasses as you typically pour slightly less. If you are confident (like we were on Saturday) that we will go into a second bottle, open it in advance so that you aren’t having to excuse yourself from the table right when the eating and conversation is in full force. This also allows for your red wine to open up (“breath”) a little before serving.
Sparkling
I always love a little bubbles to toast as we sit down but a sparkling wine can also be a great alternate to a cocktail when people arrive and mingle. I was recently in Napa to run the Napa to Sonoma half with my best friend and some of her running pals and had brought home a few bottles of Under the Wire Zinfandel that I was eager to share with Blake. A project between two guys in their late 30s; owner and winemaker of Bedrock Wine Co., Morgan Twain-Peterson and his then friend and colleague Chris Cottrell (now a partner in Bedrock as well), this label was started just eight years ago and gives me hope that Blake and I still have time to run away and start a winery. Easy to drink, this sparkler has just the right amount of effervescence; it was gone almost as quickly as it was opened. Wine can be purchased directly by emailing the winery.
2015 Under the Wire Bedrock Vineyard
Crisp and not overly sweet. Dry strawberry with a little minerality that quickly diminishes on the palette. Ready to drink but could sit for a few more years as well.
White
Thanksgiving and whites bring on the challenge to find a pair for both the mild flavors of roasted (or smoked in our case) turkey and the more robust sides of caramelized sweet potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. I often fall into the category of someone who shies away from Chardonnays — fearing the overly oaky and butteriness characteristic of most traditional versions of this wine. If you are game to try one, you would not be disappointed with any of the Failla Chardonnays. We served an elegant and crispy favorite from the Keefer Ranch Vineyard. If we had not recently run out, we would have also looked to serve a Rose. My personal favorite is the Saintsbury Vincent Vin Gris Pinot Noir Rose.
2015 Failla Chardonnay Keefer Ranch
Uber, ultra-balanced. Citrus and melon notes to compliment the turkey with just the slightest bit of oak and butter to keep in step with richer sides. One of the smoothest Chardonnays I’ve EVER had.
Red
You have the same considerations in pairing when you go to select a red as you did when selecting a white. A pick for the evening can’t be too meek or overpower. We were feeling the Failla (and also because they never steer us wrong) and selected the Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir. This wine is what made us loyal Failla followers in the first place. Pinots are a great match for your Thanksgiving meal typically offering a well balanced mild fruit base with some earthy undertones.
2013 Failla Sonoma Coast Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir
Deeper cherry and umami (think mushroom) and has a longer finish than most pinots. Well balanced.
