November 2010 Newsletter

Give Thanks for Wine!

November is here, and with Thanksgiving quickly approaching, consumers will be on the hunt for wines to complement their November 25 feasts.  Whether you are looking for delicate whites, elegant reds, or the ultra-versatile rosé, at Pioneer we've got you covered.  Below, we dive in to the popular varietals served at Thanksgiving, and why they complement our traditional Turkey Day fare so well.

Sauvignon Blanc

Known for it's underlying citrus tones, Sauvignon Blanc's fruit flavors are often wrapped in crisp grassy and herbal notes, making it a nice partner for herb infused stuffing and the spices used in tradition Thanksgiving side dishes.

John Anthony 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

John Anthony Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that the magazine Wine Spectator calls "Wonderfully lemony, a nice display of pure citrus flavors in an elegant framework, featuring spice, mineral and fresh herb details, an integrated acidity and a long, lingering finish."  The perfect pairing for Thanksgiving from appetizer through the final course. 

Riesling

Whether it is finished bone dry or slightly sweet, the vibrant acidity and minerality of the noble Riesling provides a sturdy and dependable pairing partner with any dishes that are spicy, salty or sweet.  The notes of pear, apple, and honey typical to the Riesling grape provide a nice zinging support to traditional Thanksgiving dinners, and will add pop to the sides, such as sweet potatoes.

Johannes Selbach 2009 Riesling "Incline"  Mosel, Germany

A touch of sweetness helps balance the intense acidity and minerality of "Incline," a great introduction to German riesling and a great addition to your Thanksgiving table!  The name refers to the steep slopes in the Mosel region of Germany where the wine was grown and produced.

Weingut Joseph Leitz 2009 Riesling "Dragonstone" Rheingau, Germany

The Leitz 09 "Dragonstone" is aromatic and powerful, with notes of mint and wisteria.  The nose is bright and savory, highlighting dishes with herbal spice.  Named after the vineyard sourced for the grapes, "Dragonstone" is a product of Johannes Leitz, and its vigorous character will bring punch to your feast.

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

The ability to stand up to dishes heavily seasoned and high in fat content make Pinot Gris a natural pairing for Turkey Day.

Alexana 2009 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

The nose of the 09 Pinot Gris is filled with minerality, star anise, and spiced pear.  Bright acidity and rich apple evolve on the pallate, showing great structure.  Silky, yet clean, it will stand up to even the most heavy handed cook's Thanksgiving masterpieces.

Raptor Ridge 2009 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

Pale yellow in color with a great nose of pear, citrus and white flowers, the Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris is a refreshing light alternative wine for your Thanksgiving dinner.  Moderate palate weight and flavors of pear and lemmon make it a pleasing respite from rich holiday foods.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir has long been a traditional favorite for Thanksgiving.  This earthy red won't overpower dishes, but instead will pair well by lifting the flavors of their seasoning.

Heron 2009 Pinot Noir Sonoma County
 

The Wine Enthusiast called the Heron Sonoma Pinot "fruity ... offers very pretty, polished Pinot Noir character. Feels rich and silky in the mouth, with flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola and spices."  A great value for the holiday table.

Syrah

Syrah has a tendency toward the edgy and the peppery.  It will bring complexity to the meal while still handling the "cornucopia" of flavors, so to speak.

Domaine Lafage 06 Côté Sud Côtes Catalans
 

Aromas of ripe tomato and smoked meats dominate the nose of this vin de pays of the Rousillion in Southern France.  One of the oldest vine-growing areas of the country, it's wines always have a distictive meaty character and chewy tannins.  If you're looking for body and texture in your wine at the table this Thanksgiving, then this is it!

Rosé

The balance of acid to sugar in rosé make it an extremely versitile choice with respect to food pairing.  Rosés come in many styles, but those that tend toward the dry side will be more versatile when paired with Thanksgiving dinners.

Domaine de la Solitude 09 Rosé Côtes du Rhône

An intense salmon color, the Solitude 09 Rosé has a complex nose of vine flower, strawberry and grapefruit develops into fresh and fruity flavors on the palate.  Nice balance and good length make this wine a surprising value.

Ask your sales representative about these or any other wines you would like to order for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Cheers!

The Pioneer Wine Company Team