Wine Cornucopia
The cornucopia is synonymous with this time of year, capped off with the Thanksgiving holiday. This month allow me to fill that symbolic goat’s horn with several little tidbits to get you into the holiday spirit!
Senior Center Re-cap:
The 12th Annual “Wines from Around the World” uncorked a few weeks back. The turnout was one of the best yet! Seventy wines were sampled along with an array of meats and cheeses. Guests topped off their wine glasses, grabbed a seat on the patio, and sipped and snacked while taking in one of the most breathtaking views in all of the city on one of the last beautiful evenings the summer had to offer. This event is always a great success and if you have yet to attend, this quaffer highly recommends you do. Never a disappointment!
Two wines stood out among the masses, one white wine and one red; real crowd pleasers if you will. Thought it would be great to highlight them as they both pair well with the fall weather, and more importantly, with the fast approaching Thanksgiving spread!
The white wine winner was the 2007 Rudi Wiest Mosel River Riesling from Germany. Not only did tasting patrons applaud this wine, it also recently received a Best Buy award from Wine Enthusiast, a reputable source indeed. This is not a super-sweet Riesling, nor super-dry. I would cast it somewhere in the middle. Winery taste notes include a floral-citrusy nose with a fresh, clean, green apple palate that gives way to a touch of spice and minerality on the finish. While this wine can definitely stand alone, it will pair exceptionally well with cheeses and dishes with creaminess to them. (Mom’s mashed potatoes anyone?) A must try this November at a steal of a price too…….$10!
The red winner was the 2005 Freemark Abbey Merlot from Napa, California. This is a simply delicious wine that has been significantly reduced in price recently from $30 to $19! Very dark in color with a beautiful nose of blueberries, chocolate, and spice. The palate delivers a welcoming richness of black cherry, plum, and a hint of mint. The touch of oak offers a very smooth texture leading to a long, yummy finish. This is a perfect example of what Napa Merlots can be without being a “Napa priced” wine. A solid, worthwhile try to say the least!
Turkey Day
This brings us to the end of the month and the Thanksgiving celebration! Don’t be afraid! Wine pairs just fine with Thanksgiving fare. If you are really conscientious, just remember to stay light with the wine. Great white wines include Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, and some unoaked Chardonnay. With reds, go with a Pinot Noir or Burgundy. (Personally, I think the ultimate turkey and ham wine is a nice, dry Rosé!) Otherwise, grab your favorite flavor of wine, kick back, relax, and enjoy the holiday.
Want to buy some wine now? Find Ken at Leschi Mart in Seattle, www.leschimart.com
