Turkey day calls for wine and the pairings are super easy for those familiar for Northwest wine. If you are a fan of white wine, Chardonnay is a classic pairing for turkey. Especially a moderate to heavy oaked Chardonnay can bring out the rich flavors of turkey. Chards from Sonoma and Napa work well but also more lightly oaked Chardonnays from Washington will be a good fit. In terms of price, it is hard to go wrong with a bottle of Chateau St. Michelle 90 point Chard for 10 bucks. But if you want something even more expressive, the 2011 Landmark Chard and the 2012 Ferrari-Carano Chard are worth a try. Looking for a splurge? The 2012 Cakebread Chard is an excellent expression of classic Napa Chard.
In terms of red wines, Pinot Noir is a classic pairing for turkey. Pinot, especially Oregon Pinot, has an earthy character that will pair well with turkey, as the California style of Pinot tends to be too fruity or even jammy for turkey day. Most of these red and white wines can be found at area wine shops, although the Washington Chards can be found at most Northwest grocery stores. As a caveat, Oregon Pinot is not cheap (expect to pay at least 30 bucks for a bottle for good Oregon Pinot, and Domaine Drouhin retails for more than 40 bucks). Here are my recommended white wine and red wine pairings for Thanksgiving dinner:
Washington Chardonnay:
2013 Chateau St. Michelle H3 Chardonnay- This wine has butter with mushroom and cut grass on the nose. Palate is lithe with green apple, pear, minerals and moderate oak flavors. Classic Washington style Chard. Drink this excellent value now. -90
2012 L’Ecole Number 41 Chardonnay- One of my perennial favorite Washington Chardonnays. This has oak, butter and tropical fruit on the nose. Palate is vibrant and has oak, cream, cantaloupe, pear and butter. Rock solid. -92
California Chardonnay
2012 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay- Pale color with toasted oak and vanilla on the nose. Palate has vibrant minerality with pineapple, butter, honeydew melon, starfruit and pear. Drink now. -92
2011 Landmark ‘Overlook’ Chardonnay- Oak, brioche and pineapple on the nose. Palate has butter, vanilla, minerals, pear and golden delicious. Classic Sonoma style. Drink now. -92
2012 Cakebread Chardonnay- Lemon zest and crème brulee on the nose. Palate is crisp with lemon, pear and crème brulee. Finish lingers with cream. Excellent. Drink now. -92
Oregon Pinot Noir
2012 Willakenzie Estate ‘Giselle’ Pinot Noir- This is their estate cuvee with oak, red cherry and guava on the nose. Palate has nice balance. Medium weight with pomegranate, guava, cherry pie and smoky oak. Very tasty, drink now. -92
2012 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir- Excellent expression of this esteemed vintage for Oregon Pinot. Ripe cherry and raspberry on the nose. Palate has mushroom, red cherry and raspberry with provenceale herbs. Maybe orange peel in there as well. Nice richness. Drinks good now, but can also cellar for 1-2. -92