Thanksgiving Tipples

It’s that time of year again—timing the turkey perfectly, reinventing green bean casserole and gathering together to give thanks for our friends and family and the good things in life. Here in Oregon, Thanksgiving also signals another annual event: the Willamette Valley Wine Country Thanksgiving weekend to continue the celebration.

Pinot Noir is the reigning grape in Oregon, and it pairs beautifully with turkey, so we got together with our friend Bruce Bauer, owner of Vino wine shop in the Sellwood area of Portland, and came up with some suggestions for your holiday meal. Though just a few of these are available far and wide, there are many wonderful wines from Oregon—just ask the staff at your local wine shop:

J. Christopher 2005 Zoot Allures Pinot Noir – Bruce calls this the best Oregon pinot value today.
EIEIO 2004 Cuvee E Pinot Noir – This is a several-vineyard blend with a big flavor. Bruce says this wild & wonderful wine has a lot of spice.
Scott Paul 2003 Audrey Pinot Noir – Inspired by the great Hepburn of the same name, this is an elegant wine with a smooth texture, berry & floral nose and a full fruity palate with a long finish.
Cameron Winery 2004 Pinot Noir Abbey Ridge – Bruce feels the single vineyard wines from this vintage are classic, “ripe, rich, perfectly balanced and filled with terroir.” Cameron’s John Paul was featured in our Sept/Oct issue story, “Crush Time.”

If it’s whites you prefer with your turkey, here are a few ideas:
J. Christopher 2005 “Zoot Allures” Blanc – Another value from J. Christoper, this wine is a blend of sauvignon blanc, with a little pinot gris and riesling. This stainless steel fermented white is crisp and dry, with notes of citrus and melon.
2002 Ponzi Chardonnay Reserve – This silky chardonnay has a touch of spice and lovely citrus notes.
Chehalem 2005 Dry Riesling – Chehalem’s 2005 vintage is bright and dry with intense fruit and a long finish.

When it’s time to dig into some pie or wind down after your big meal, try SerendipiTea’s Holiday Cheer blend ($10). With peppermint, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, spearmint, orange peel and black tea, this blend is so delicious and warming, you’ll drink it all winter long!

What drinks are the stars of your Thanksgiving menu?