Hello, my lovelies. I scribbled the following tasting notes while trying not to appear too nerdy among friends at the recent wine dinner. And, you know what? They’re pretty good picks to pair with Thanksgiving eats too. We tasted all of the wines while snacking on an assortment of cheeses. Once dinner was set, we carried the bottles to the table and continued comparison tasting throughout the meal. Sip. Bite. Gulp. Nibble. Discuss. As nervous as I was to introduce new-to-me wines to dinner guests serving an impressive meal, once the tasting was in full swing, I remembered to relish the exploration of wine tasting. That’s how to discover what works and what fails. Another perk? Charming new friends with sustainable wines…They sip. Pause. Glance reflectively at the glass. Newfound affection appears in the corners of delightful smirks. There may even be a smack of the lips. Then, the nod. I’ll never grow tired of that introduction.
Two of these selections (above), I wrote about prior to this post. I enjoyed them enough to show them off at the dinner as well. I couldn’t bring six unfamiliar bottles, could I? I was nervous enough with the four strangers I presented, and counted on the comfort of these two sure-things. La Marouette 2008 Chardonnay Vin de Pays d’Oc and Parés Baltà 2007 Blanc de Pacs served well with the assortment of cheeses and the scallops. To my relief, the remaining bottles impressed as well.
Bonterra 2006 Zinfandel, Mendocino County, California
Paired well with the duck.
Smell: Bing cherry, chocolate, caramel, dark berries, and cinnamon
Taste: Oak, red raspberry, red currant, clove spice, strawberry, boysenberry, caramel, vanilla, malolactic fermentation, medium tannin and body
Lolonis 2006 Fumé Blanc, Redwood Valley, California
Paired well with the blue cheese wedge and the scallops.
Smell: Apricot and white peach
Taste: Lime, peach, mineral, green apple, medium-low acid and slight spritz
La Fortuna 2008 Pinot Noir, Lontue Valley, Chile
Paired well with the duck and short ribs.
Smell: Peppery spice, candied cherry, and brambly fruit on the vine
Taste: Oak, cherry, cinnamon, strawberry, medium tannin and medium-low body
Natura 2007 Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile
I dubbed this a “man in a glass” for its masculine aromas. Paired well with the short ribs.
Smell: Leather, spice, plum, bell pepper, red pepper, earth, pepper spice, meat, cherry
Taste: Black cherry, red raspberry, tobacco, plum, medium tannin and body
I’ve been so focused on the meal, I’ve completely forgotten about wine! Thanks for the post.
I thought of you last week as I was driving past Bonterra in Mendocino. I wanted to stop, but it was to early in the day. GREG
We were just talking about drinks for Thanksgiving! Thanks for great recommendations!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I do hope you’re able to try any of these selections as they’ll compliment different aspects of a Thanksgiving meal.
Greg, That’s a fine coincidence!