Chef Dave Schy’s savory and delectable dishes rocked the
crowd at our November food and wine dinner this past Sunday at Cooking with Class. The energy buzzed around the demonstration kitchen as guests kept Chef
and I busy tossing around Thanksgiving tips, ideas and stories.
The wine picks for our holiday-themed dishes were Secateurs
2012 Chenin Blanc from South Africa, Commanderie de la Bargemone 2012 Rosé from
Aix-en-Provence, California’s Block Nine 2012 Pinot Noir and Torbreck 2011 Cuvée
Juveniles from Australia’s Barossa Valley, a Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro blend.
Even though the food pairings showcased the versatility of
these four wines for turkey day, we’re betting some guests will still be
tempted to open an oaky Chardonnay or big Cab tomorrow. Resist! Stash them away
for next month’s big holiday dinner, where those wines will match up
beautifully with rib roasts and sing with other wintry foods.
Since we’ll all be eating leftovers the rest of the week,
consider a few more Thanksgiving wine tips as opportunities to try something a
little different.
Lambrusco
A slightly sweet and fizzy red from Emilia-Romagna, Italy that
bubbles with holiday cheer. It’s easy on the wallet and sure to please. Look
for “Grasparossa di Castelvetro” on the label for a sure bet.
Riesling
A no-brainer white that can tie together the sweetness and
spice of holiday dishes. Find great choices at 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro or pick up Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Kung Fu Girl Riesling for just
under $10 at Dan’s Wine Shop.
Beaujolais
Low in tannin and big on fruit, this French red pairs
beautifully with turkey and fixin’s. Find nice selections at Dan’s Wine Shop
and LA Wine Company in Palm Desert.
Norton
For a taste of Americana, look to Norton, a native American
red wine grape.
We found one we like at the Palm Desert Total Wine from
Virginia’s Horton Vineyards.
Merlot
California and Washington vintners make deliciously soft and
smooth Merlots to suit any budget. An excellent value pick from Washington is the
Barnard Griffin 2011 Washington Merlot you can find at Dan’s Wine Shop: 760.674.0305.
With thanks for all your support – best wishes for a Happy
Thanksgiving!
