November brings us at least two annual events which relate to wine, Thanksgiving (of course) and the annual release of Nouveau Beaujolais. Unlike the (more wine friendly) Holiday in late December, where the roasts, goose, duck and other assorted meats are perfect fare for the best wines in your collection, Thanksgiving means turkey. This in itself is not much of a wine dilemma, but green bean casserole? Cranberry sauce, gravy, sweet potato pie and the other dozen or so traditional sides make finding the perfect wine nearly impossible.

 So let’s just agree there is no perfect wine. I usually get elected by my family to ‘bring the wine’, since they either expect I will bring some of my good bottles, or expect I should bring the right wines, since I am the ‘wine guy’. Works just fine for me, since I don’t have to spend any time in the kitchen, and instead get to shop for wine! A few reds, a few whites and my part is done.

 Some of the most popular wines for this holiday are Riesling and Gewurztraminer, which both work well with not only turkey, but with all of the other dominating flavors of the most traditional side dishes. Riesling has a unique style and flavor that everyone loves, and pairs well with many foods.  German Riesling has plenty of fresh acidity, like biting into a Granny Smith apple, and this works wonderfully! Also try Riesling from Alsace, France. These tend to be dry, but work equally as well. While you are in the Alsace wine section, check out Gewurztraminer.

I usually end up with this one at my end of the table.

 Full bodied Chardonnays have enough personality and flavor for turkey as well as the sides.  Aim for the oak influenced wines, which will have enough going on to stand beside the poultry as well as the accompaniments. California and Australia have the edge here.

 Red wine is also an option. Wines with good fruit and moderate body and alcohol are your best bets.  Try Pinot Noir from Oregon, California or the Burgundy region of France. The basic Pinot Noir in Burgundy goes by the name Bourgogne, and can be excellent value.

--Shayne Hebert, Wine Supervisor Central Florida