Embracing Variety at the Thanksgiving Table

Some meals are created around the wine. A special bottle can dictate the meal, the elements of the bottle calling out for certain compliments. There are meals that are easy to pair, classic combinations driven by the recipes origin or region. And then there is Thanksgiving, the holiday centered around a feast, a feast that can be as diverse as the families for which are grateful. So how do we choose a wine that can stand up to the variety of flavors, literally and figuratively, at your Thanksgiving table?

My advice would be to think versatile, think flexible, think Rhône. Not just Rhône, Texas meets Rhône. The Rhône varieties are finding a happy home here. Old world meets new world; French refinement meets Texas gusto. And they are getting along swimmingly.

Viognier

Viognier wears cashmere and floral print. Soft and round, peaches and cream, honeyed. She has a captivating laugh and dabs the corner of her lips with her napkin after every bite. Her favorites are the turkey, curried butternut squash soup, hazelnut dressing, and oysters.

• Brennan Vineyards
• Pedernales Cellars
• Kuhlman Cellars

Roussanne

As Jeremy Wilson called it, “the tomboy sister to Viognier.” She makes her presence known quickly, scents of honeysuckle and apricot. But when no one is looking, she hands you a fireball shot around the corner. She loves the fruit and cheese appetizer, turkey, and roasted root vegetables.

• McPherson Cellars
• Bending Branch Winery
• Kuhlman Cellars

Carignan

The cousin that takes a little while to warm up. A bit acerbic, he doesn’t say much at first but knows just how and when to insert the under-the-breath comment to make the table roar with laughter. He’s often with Syrah or Grenache. He really likes the cranberries, squash, and turkey.

• Kuhlman Cellars
• McPherson Cellars

Mourvèdre

She doesn’t have to raise her voice to be heard. There is depth in her concise words, wisdom that sits with you long after she’s done speaking, words to chew on. And yet there is a bright levity in her delivery. She loves the savory stuffing with rich gravy, roasted veggies with herbs.

• William Chris Vineyards
• Kiepersol Estates Winery
• Salt Lick Cellars

Syrah

She glides in a colorful kaftan. Diverse and exotic, intriguing. She can be boisterous, but her stories are so intriguing you don’t mind listening. She likes her food rich and hearty but don’t worry, she brought just the thing. Braised lamb with Moroccan spices. Tradition is boring.

• Barking Rocks Winery
• Kiepersol Estates Winery
• William Chris Vineyards

Grenache

Depending on where you meet, you might not recognize him. Stern and driven in certain settings. He has a softer side, easy-going and friendly with his boots up on the railing of the porch.  He likes it all: roasted vegetables, turkey leg (skin on), gravy, and squash. He and Syrah have been together forever. Along with Mourvèdre, the complementary personalities make perfect dinner guests.

• Fall Creek Vineyards GSM
• Messina Hof Winery GSM
• Pedernales Cellars GSM

Enjoy

Isn’t that the beauty of family meals? My table may look different than yours; the menu varies from home to home. Each person brings something to the table. And while we all have our differences, we all shine in our unique way.

This Thanksgiving, be grateful for those differences. Be flexible with one another. Assume your powers of versatility and enhance your meal with plenty of Texas wine. Cheers!