Local bottles for your Thanksgiving table
A version of this column was published was published 11/17/21 in The Observer and The Review & Express.
As an only child who is extremely close to her parents, the importance of family time is unrivaled. Add in good food, good drink, big laughs and the occasional Soul Train line and you’ve got a typical Johnson Family holiday. Thanksgiving is only second to my favorite holiday just around the corner, Christmas.
After last year’s tiny Turkey day for two, we’re excited for a return to something that feels normal this year. It’ll be a moment to savor, and the wine needs to match. With the help of a few friends, I’ve compiled a list of local seven bottles to serve with your Thanksgiving meal. I hope you enjoy!
2020 Red Tail Ridge Riesling Pétillant Natural
“This wine is a delight through and through” says Thera Clark, Resident Sommelier at Hermann J. Wiemer and Standing Stone Vineyard. “It has bubbly lift, which frankly you need with the five pound plate [of food] we make for ourselves on Turkey day. It also has a pleasant texture of creaminess that plays so well with every bite. The apple notes and crispness on the finish make it refreshing & cleansing.”
2020 Hermann J. Wiemer Gewürztraminer
Thera also suggests giving the 2020 HJW Gewürztraminer a try. While the grape can be alienating on it’s own, she says “pairing Gewürztraminer might be the most fun of all wines. There is a reason this wine will work with the chaos that is your plate on Thanksgiving. Turkey: got it. Cranberry sauce: check. Gravy: Let's do this! Brussel Sprouts next to sausage stuffing: no problem.”
2017 Dr. Konstantin Frank Blanc de Noirs
When asked what would be on her Thanksgiving table, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance Executive Director Kyle Anne Pallischeck answered with confidence: “I make sure my longstanding favorites are there and the Dr. Frank Blanc de Noirs is a non-negotiable.”
2019 Hosmer Estate Winery Chardonnay
Kyle also suggests a balanced Chardonnay to compliment the day. The 2019 Hosmer Chardonnay by winemaker Julia Hoyle features an 80/20 blend of stainless steel and oak. Kyle calls the resulting wine “crisp and lovely” and an easy pairing across the board.
Eve’s Cidery Sparkling Perry Pear Cider
For Amy Loritali, the resident cider champion at BayTowne Wine & Spirits, the Eve’s Cidery 2020 Sparkling Perry Pear Cider is a fun and interesting alternative for your Thanksgiving table. Made from a blend of 100% wild pears hand harvested throughout the 2020 growing season, Amy says the dry cider will pair well with your meal as it offers“the brightness of your fall flavors with some of the earthier, more muted tones of winter as well.”
2019 McGregor Pinot Noir
Visit Ithaca Marketing Director, Erin Rafalowski keeps a spot for a McGregor Vineyard Pinot Noir on her table annually. This year, she’ll share the 2013 and current 2019 vintage with close friends. She calls the wine a real treat “consistently one of my favorite Pinot Noirs in the Finger Lakes, made from estate vineyards on the east side of Keuka Lake, typically leaning medium bodied with a pleasant amount of dark fruit notes.”
2020 Treleaven Wines Stainless Steel Cabernet Franc
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a slightly chilled Cabernet Franc and for local wine writer Adrian Prieto, the 2020 Treleaven Stainless Steel Cabernet Franc is a perfect candidate. “This (2020 specifically) is my new favorite Cabernet Franc from Cayuga Lake,” says Adrian, who calls the wine a beautifully balanced “all steel super juice” from the new winemaker, Matt Denci. Serve with a chill to really impress.
Maiah Johnson Dunn is a writer based in the Finger Lakes region. Visit maiah.com for more.