Since my earlier interview with Lindsay Smith of Flight Cleveland on fall wines was such a hit with you, I decided to interview her once again, this time to talk about the best wines for your Thanksgiving table. If you’re in Northeast Ohio, I hope you will stop by Flight Cleveland to pick up a bottle or two (or six, who’s judging?!) and if you’re not, ask your local wine retailer about these!
Once again, here’s Lindsay with Flight Cleveland’s Thanksgiving Wine Picks!
ON FLIGHT’S SHELVES:
Villa Wolf Gewürztraminer | Pfaltz, Germany | $12 bottle
Villa Wolf’s varietal line-up includes exceptionally affordable, classic Pfalz wines made from traditional German varietials. This Gewürztraminer is clean, fruity and light on its feet. It shows off the aromatic charm of the variety without becoming heavy, and the texture is juicy and delightfully delicate with notes of spice and fresh roses. These qualities make it a lovely pairing with the spices and herbs that season the dishes on our Thanksgiving table!
Bouza Albariño | Montevideo, Uruguay | $25 bottle
This Albariño started as a bit of an experiment for Bouza and has quickly turned into one of the winery’s most sought after bottling. This grape is Spanish in origin, but shows itself beautifully grown in Uruguay. It’s pale yellow color gives little hint to the gorgeous aromas of peach, white flowers, pear and a touch of vanilla and caramel notes. On the palate it’s sweet, with a slow evolution of balanced acidity and a long, rich finish. This wine will compliment the citrus and herbal notes in your turkey seasonings, as well as that sweet potato pie dish on the side.
Limerick Lane Rosé | Russian River Valley, California | $25 bottle
Rosé you say? At Thanksgiving? Yes please!! This wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. The result is a gorgeous light salmon color, with aromas of spring berries, rubbed thyme, chamomile, and orange zest. (See what we are doing here?) Texturally the wine feels structured, almost serious, with a chestnut-honeyed mid-palate lifted by notes of peach. But its freshness keeps it clean, and the finish is lifted by a hint of mint and citrus pith. Rosé all day for the holiday table!
Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittorio DOCG | Sicily, Italy | $25 bottle
From the countryside of Dorilli, between the sea and the Iblean Mountains, known as the center of excellence for Sicilian food, comes this Cerasuolo di Vittoria. The name of the only DOCG in Sicily comes from ‘Cerasa’, cherry in Sicilian dialect. It is produced from the indigenous varieties Nero d’Avola and Frappato. A unique wine, known for its fresh flavors and aromas of cherry, strawberry and pomegranate, due to the particular soil and climate in which the grapes are cultivated. On the palate, the wine shows black pepper, carob and sweet cherries, with a very savory rounded finish with hints of mulberry. Pretty much everything about this wine screams Thanksgiving to us! We have a limited supply on this one, come check it out!
LaMadrid Cabernet France | Agrelo, Argentina | $22 bottle
Cabernet Franc is a classic Thanksgiving wine pairing, and it’s because of the rich, yet soft structure, herbal and fruit notes. The blend of fruit and savory notes allows it to speak to so many parts of the Thanksgiving meal… This Argentinian Cabernet Franc is very complex displaying roasted red pepper, leather, and a touch of vanilla on the nose. On the palate it’s fruity, herbal and well-balanced.
As a bonus, here’s one that you can try before you buy on Flight’s wine list!
Chateau de Poncie Fleurie “Le Pre Roi” | Beaujolais, France | $23 bottle
Beaujolais is a classic pairing on the Thanksgiving table, and it makes sense. The bright red fruit aromas, balanced with minerality and floral and spice are just perfect with this meal! This Cru Beajolais shows delicious cherry-berry flavors, framed by surprising tannins for a Beaujolais. It’s crisp with mouth-watering acidity. The nose is elegant, developing pronounced notes of cherry and
Blueberry, with violets and peonies. The finish is enhanced by delicate spicy touches, with beautiful length.
Checking out some of the wines at Flight Cleveland! Photo credit: Katie Ardner
Lindsay Smith of Flight Cleveland suggests some of the best wines to pair with your Thanksgiving dinner. Available in Northeast Ohio at Flight Cleveland for $25 or under.
If you’re not in Cleveland, Ohio, ask your local wine retailer about these wines!