What a great response to last week’s newsletter! It is heartwarming to know my random jottings make a difference.
As we prepare to celebrate a wonderful and joyful Thanksgiving, we thought we would keep things simple and re-share our Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations from last week (see below). Do remember that this Friday is the last delivery before Thanksgiving.
In addition to our current wine list, we also have a number of superb cellar wines if anyone wants to go big and have a monumental bottle for the holiday. These include Vico Barolo ‘Prapo’, an epic Nebbiolo; Domaine de Montille Meursault ‘Christophe’, a stunning Chardonnay; Champagne Coutier Pierre Aux Larrons, a Grand Cru Champagne, just to name a few. Do reach out directly if you’d like me to put together a special selection that will take center stage at your table.
SIMON'S THANKSGIVING TURKEY TIP
Here's my favorite trick for an extra flavorful bird:
Cover the top of your turkey with strips of bacon sprinkled with sage. Don't forget to baste your turkey every 40 minutes to keep it moist. You'll have a stampede for who gets the crispy skin.
When it comes to making gravy, pour some hard dry apple cider in the base of your turkey dish when you deglaze. It will add a little je ne sais quoi. Really scrub all the drippings into it, then add your stock and thickening. The richness from the bacon will take your gravy to a new level.
HERE'S WHAT TO DRINK!
From our current wine list, we've put together a curated selection of bubbles, whites, reds and even a sweet wine that are a match made in heaven with the flavors of a Thanksgiving feast.
THANKSGIVING WINE RECOMMENDATIONS
BUBBLES
Our house favourite. This vivacious, crisp bubbly wine is just the ticket, whether you are drinking it on its own, or in an Elderflower Fizz or Kir Royal to start the evening.
BACK IN! Thomas Batardiere La Croix Hardie ($40)
This is a spectacular wine from the Loire made from 100% Chenin Blanc, which has so much depth and character that it can stand up to rich cheeses but is also wonderful on its own.
BACK IN! R.H. Coutier Grand Gru NV ($48)
This is in our opinion by far the best Grand Cru champagne for the price by a long way. Selected from vintages from the family's Grand Cru vineyards, so the best of the best, it is full of brioche, citrus zest, and minerals, and it is a must have with some fresh oysters or smoked salmon starters.
WHITES
NEW! Homonna Tokaji Furmint -Harslevelu 2017 ($27)
This blend of 50/50 blend of Furmint and Harslevelu is just world class. Vibrant deep mineral complexity and incredible acids allow the plethora of mandarin, lychee, and pear fruit to magically blend with lemon mint and apple blossom. I am struck how well it would go with turkey and cranberry sauce.
This is a beautiful wine made with Vernaccia grapes from a fantastic vineyard near the hilltop Tuscan town of San Gimignano. They only use the free run juice (not harsher press juice) and it creates this elegant fresh white with lemons and melon. Serve as an aperitif or with your turkey as well.
REDS
NEW VINTAGE! Clos Marie Pic St Loup L’Olivette 2019 ($24)
This winey is one of those hidden gems that you just love to find. Fastidious care in the vineyards and low yields of Grenache, Mouvedre and Syrah, create a wine full of dark, ripe fruit, with an impressive finish. Great with a selection of cheeses as the family gathers, or with your bird later on.
NEW VINTAGE! Fabio Motta Pieve 2019 ($27)
This unconventional blend of Bolgheri Rosso, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese is a serious wine for those who like a little more structure. Violets and blackberries abound with hints of sea breeze reflecting the vineyards position right on the ocean.
NEW! Lopez di Heredia Vina Tondonia 2008 ($60)
This is a special wine. One of the oldest riojas in continuous operation, this is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, plus Grenache and a couple local grapes. Velvet texture with dried red currants and hint of tobacco, it has the kind of depth you can just dive into. It could easily age for another 20 years, but drink it this Thanksgiving and go weak at the knees.
SWEET
BACK IN! Francois Chidaine Mont Louis Clos Habert 2018 ($43)
This is a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, which is harvested late to allow the sugars to build up in the grapes. The wine then goes through a wild yeast fermentation to create this cornucopia of honey, mandarins, apple, pear, and lemon zest. Serve it chilled with cheese or dessert and you will round out your Thanksgiving in style.
Ceasar will be delivering this Friday. Place your orders by Thursday 2:00 PM to make sure you have the perfect wines for your feast.
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