Pairing wines with a thanksgiving meal can be a little difficult at times. Unlike most dishes where you have 1 or maybe 2 side dishes, once a year you have a cut of succulent turkey on your plate accompanied with 4, 5 or even 6 side dishes! It is a feast not a meal. Salty flavours like gravy combined with sweet flavours like cranberry sauce or marshmallow topped yams can make pairing a minefield.
Over the years I have been lucky enough to have been invited to a few Thanksgiving dinners both here in Argentina and in the UK, but for this post have been fortunate to have a little help from US natives Jena and Tiffany. Thank you both for being my food consultants!
La Mascota - Extra Brut Rosé
Argentina produces some really wonderful sparkling wines at incredible prices. Outside of of the country they are often overshadowed by Prosecco and Champagne, but they are well worth exploring. This is a 100% Pinot Noir Rosé made in the traditional method (like Champagne) It is a dry style but with fresh notes of strawberry and raspberry on the nose. It makes for a classy way to receive your guests while they wait for the main event.
Available in the USA at Total Wine from $13.49
Widely available in Argentina
El Enemigo - Chardonnay, Mendoza
El Enemigo belongs to world famous winemaker Alejandro Vigil (of Catena Zapata fame) This Chardonnay is seen as one of the best in the country. He ferments the wine in oak barrels rather than stainless steel. This adds more complexity to the wine and also makes the oak flavours combine better with the fruit notes. After fermentation the wine is aged for more time in oak.
One of my favourite pairings is turkey with a rich white wine like El Enemigo. It's a great option for those who prefer to drink white over red but still enjoy pairing their wine to the food. This wine also works really well with cornbread or even a corn soufflé if you are feeling fancy!
Available online the US starting at $22
Available in Argentina at Wine Discovery
Finca La Anita - Malbec, Mendoza
Now time for some reds. Malbec is the backbone of the wine industry in Argentina and there are plenty of styles to choose from. A lot of what we see are medium bodied, fruity styles which are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This is a richer style, aged 12 months in French and American oak barrels with a medium toast. Finca la Anita are masters at using oak - they make sure you have those lovely spicy and smoky aromas but also allow the quality of the fruit to shine though. This is a wine which will stand up to a Thanksgiving dinner, but won’t overpower it.
Available online the US starting at $24
Available in Argentina at Wine Discovery
Finca Flichman, Paisaje de Tupungato, Mendoza
Finca Flichman is a large winery based in Mendoza which make reliable wines with lots of character. This a blend of 50% Malbec with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Both from vineyards in Tupungato in the Uco Valley, Mendoza. This is a deep, full bodied wine. The Vabernet gives it structure and while the Malbec adds elegance and aromatic red fruit notes.
Available in the USA at Total Wine from $17.99
Widely available in Argentina
Bodega Del Fin del Mundo - Reserva Pinot Noir, Patagonia
This is something a little lighter than the previous two wines. Pinot Noir from the north of Patagonia. Bright raspberry notes with a touch smoke from the use of oak (60% of the wine is aged to French oak) This a nice option for those that prefer something a little lighter. It also works well with a vegetarian option such as stuffed butternut squash with blue cheese, rice and toasted almonds. Delicious!
Available online in the USA from $18.00
Widely available in Argentina
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