Time to Shake Things Up This Thanksgiving!

By Nikki Berglund
Contributing Writer

If you are looking for something comfy and familiar to bring to the Thanksgiving table this year, I can help you out in a couple of sentences. As far as your white wine choice goes, you just can’t go wrong with a nice bottle of Riesling. Yes, it is a little sweet, but it compliments a turkey dinner like nobody’s business. If you prefer a red wine, go with a lighter style of red such as Pinot Noir. These two wines are holiday staples and make very versatile choices regardless of whether you are having the traditional turkey or, say, lamb curry. But maybe, just maybe you are tired of the same old traditions and instead would like to try something a little sassier this year. Here are a few ideas to really mix it up a little (and maybe even create a holiday tradition of your own).

Looking for a Bubbly? Segura Viudas Cava Brut $24
Although the concept of bringing bubbly to Thanksgiving isn’t new, how about switching it up with something a little less customary than your standard French (expensive) or California (less expensive) versions. Made using the same method as French Champagne (méthode champenoise) Spanish Cava provides all of the necessary effervescence with a much friendlier price tag. This year I am in love with Segura Viudas Cava Brut not just because of the wine itself but also for the super cool bottle it comes in. This bad boy is a definitely a looker and appears to be a lot more expensive than it actually is. Most importantly the juice itself is scrumptious.

Or Maybe Just Slightly Bubbly? Gazela Vinho Verde $8.00
This little Portuguese number is a delicious and inexpensive alternative to your usual white wine choices. Vinho Verde is a crisp, slightly sparkly unique white wine that is starting to make itself known around town and this is a stellar example. You may want to serve it with the appetizer course as the delicate nature of this wine may get overpowered by some of the more complex holiday flavors. As an added bonus, with its low alcohol content (usually under 10%) you can rest assured that everyone won’t get too buzzed up before even sitting down for dinner…I think you all know what I am talking about!

How About a White Wine? Oroya Sushi Wine $11
Sounds weird, I know, but one of the reasons this wine works so well with sushi has to do with its ability to work so well with complex flavors; this also happens to describe most Thanksgiving dinners perfectly. This wine is quirky and delicious. Oddly enough, it is actually a Spanish wine created by a Japanese winemaker whose goal was to marry the two cultures. This is a blend of three grapes you may or may not have heard of; Airen, Macabeo, and Muscat. It is slightly sweet and although I admittedly haven’t tried it with Thanksgiving dinner (yet), I know it will be delightful.

Or Is Red Wine Your Thing? Duxoup Charbono $18
Anyone can bring over a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, but how many people are going to show up with a Charbono (pronounced shar-BOH-noh) of all things? This rare grape varietal with its dark and intense color and juicy flavors is extremely food friendly. If you are not familiar with the Duxoup portfolio, you should be. Andy Cutter, the owner and winemaker, has ties to North Dakota and even though his winery produces limited quantities of wine, he is always sweet enough to give us North Dakotans some!

Don’t Forget Dessert! Chaucer’s Mead $13.99
If you have never tried Mead before, maybe T-Day, with all of its interesting and distinctive flavors, would be the perfect time to try it. If you are unfamiliar, Mead is a yeast fermented drink made from a base of honey and water. There are very few Meads around these parts, but the one from Chaucer is absolutely awesome! If you feel like really getting fancy with the stuff check, out these serving instructions I snagged off their website. Admittedly the alleged “included” spice packets they speak of are not on some of the bottles, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to replicate the flavors.

The Maiden Hot-Spiced Mead Recipe (using included two CHAUCER’S spice bags)
1. Pour half or full bottle of CHAUCER’S Mead into a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Drop in spice bag(s). One spice bag for half of a bottle and two spice bags for a full bottle.
3. Let the bag(s) steep over medium heat for 5-10 minutes or until Mead has reached the desired spiciness. Do not bring to a boil.
4. Remove spice bag(s) and pour hot-spiced Mead into a favorite goblet, mug or glass

Cheers to everyone, and please be safe this Thanksgiving holiday!!

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)