2007 Bonterra Viognier Mendocino County
When I think of Thanksgiving dishes, I think quantity, variety, and aromatics. Choosing a wine that matches these traits while offering up a little contrast to make things interesting is often the best choice for such a complex meal. But how does one find a wine that works with turkey, creamed corn, and green bean casserole all at the same time?
Quantity: Lots of food, lots of guests, and a long time at the table. The wine should be lower than average in alcohol…I mean yeah…we’ll be watching football and having fun all day, right? But, lower alcohol shouldn’t mean it doesn’t have the body style necessary to stand up to all the cream and gravy. For contrast, the wine should have a little zing of acidity to cut through our close friend’s delectable sausage stuffing.
Variety: This wine should be complex. With a dozen different dishes, and some strong ones at that, the wine should bring lots of different aromas and flavorsto the table.
Aromatics: Thanksgiving is the most aromatic of traditional American meals so it stands to reason we’ll need something with a high degree of aromatics so the food does not diminish its partner.
The winner? 2007 Bonterra Viognier, Mendocino County.
This cool climate wine has under 14% alcohol, offers both floral and fruit aromatics, and has a medium-full and creamy mouth feel. Without question it is consistently year in and year out one of the great values in viognier, and it is widely available around the country for around $15. Did I mention it is also Certified Organic?
Remember, its not what is in your glass, but who you share it with.
And, if you use this coupon, you’ll get a discount of $5 of any $75 purchase too!
San Diego’s own San Pasqual Winery is hosting it’s inaugural food and wine class called ”A Perfect Pairing: Cooking with Chef Dave at San Pasqual Winery“. The class focuses on the basics of BBQ and the sharing of championship BBQ pitmaster secrets.
I often tell my clients, and anyone who will listen really, that I’m all about finding quality wine for the price–no matter the price. Basically what I’m talking about is getting a good bang for your buck.
The 2010 San Diego International Wine Competition was held over the weekend where over 30 judges from around the United States tasted through nearly 2,000 total entries and awarded medals to hundreds of wines.
