• Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Resources
Menu

Owen Bargreen

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Resources

Thanksgiving White Wines

November 27, 2014

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

← Confessions From a Newly Minted Level 2 SommLong Shadows →
 

Latest Posts

Featured
May 16, 2025
Royer Vineyard
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
May 2, 2025
Cellar Selection: 2008 Dom Perignon Champagne
May 2, 2025
May 2, 2025
May 2, 2025
Cellar Selection: 2021 Chateau Branaire-Ducru
May 2, 2025
May 2, 2025
May 1, 2025
Gramercy Cellars
May 1, 2025
May 1, 2025
May 1, 2025
Foley-Johnson
May 1, 2025
May 1, 2025
Apr 26, 2025
Dusted Valley
Apr 26, 2025
Apr 26, 2025
Apr 26, 2025
Review: British Airways Lounge Seattle, A Brilliant Refresh
Apr 26, 2025
Apr 26, 2025
Apr 25, 2025
Long Shadows 'Julia's Dazzle' Rose
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 25, 2025
TruthTeller
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 24, 2025
In Memoriam: Bill Stoller, Founder of Stoller Wine Group
Apr 24, 2025
Apr 24, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Open Claim
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Champagne Lanson
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Doubleback
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Revana
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Bodega Hnos. Perez Pascuas
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Soter
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Raptor Ridge
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 22, 2025
Trisaetum
Apr 22, 2025
Apr 22, 2025
Apr 21, 2025
Amos Rome
Apr 21, 2025
Apr 21, 2025
Apr 21, 2025
Stoller and Chehalem
Apr 21, 2025
Apr 21, 2025