This edition of our sipper is dual purpose. First as the name states, these are wines to work with the classic Thanksgiving meal, which really is a pretty easy meal to pair with – roasted poultry, stuffing, potatoes, perhaps Brussels sprouts or green beans – with all of its richer savory flavors. In Flor fashion we have selected a bunch of wines that will pair well, but also are some new discoveries to keep things interesting. Fun and interesting for those at your table that care, and, well, just darn tasty for everyone else! The second use of this packs is great drinking for all of November.
NV Arnaud Lambert, Crémant de Loire - Loire Valley, France
Impressions: Lambert always overdelivers with this bubbly take on the versatile Chenin Blanc variety. Lovely notes of stone fruits, orange rind, honeyed almonds and wet stones entice from the glass. A crisp acidity introduces compact bubbles that form a finessed mousse that gently sways towards a dry, fruity and slightly floral finish.
2022 Championship Bottle, 'You + Me + The Moon' - Willamette Valley, Oregon
Impressions: A harmonious blend of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc create this complex and approachable white. Opens with gorgeous notes of yellow apples, bosc pear, almond blossoms and gardenias. A lively acidity introduces a concentrated minerality that slowly descends towards a dry, fruity and savory finish. Versatile, full-bodied, and above all balanced.
2019 Olivier Morin, Bourgogne Aligoté - Burgundy, France
Impressions: Aligoté, Burgundy's other white grape, continues to grow in popularity and this will serve both as a proper introduction, and an opportunity to taste this varietal as it's entering its prime drinking window. Aromas of meyer lemon, seashells, flint and white flowers evolve from the glass. A lively acidity introduces a classic Burgundian mineral signature that leans into a dry, citrusy finish with a touch of saline.
2022 Domaine Les Gryphées, Fleurie - Beaujolais, France
Impressions: What would Thanksgiving be without a great Beaujolais? Elegant notes of raspberries, frozen strawberries, red cassis, maitakes and rose petals leap from the glass. The palate is plush with electric acidity lending to a well-rounded body. A sophisticated midpalate plays with silky tannins and subtle notes of forest floor before descending into a dry finish with lasting impressions of ripe fruits and earth.
2023 Salem Wine Company, Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, Oregon
Impressions: An instant crowd pleaser from Evening Land's 2nd label. On the nose, woody spice and ripe red cherry aromas balance one another nicely. Gentle, very fine tannins are reminiscent of the clay soils that bore the fruit. Its bright red cherry flavors are exuberantly pleasant, but it is neither overripe nor out of balance. An excellent value local Pinot Noir - a phrase we get to say less and less frequently.
2020 Domaine Labranche Laffont, 'Vieilles Vignes' Madiran - Southwest, France
Impressions: If you're a fan of old-school Bordeaux, this one will feel familiar, but with more pronounced tannins brought to you by the Tannat grape. Notes of cassis, dark plum, balsamic, nutmeg and cacao fill the glass. The palate displays a wonderful interplay between acidity and concentration before a velvet tannic grip brings forth a spicy finish.