Thanksgiving pairings

Winemakers give their suggestions for fall feast

DINNER PAIRINGS Local wine, such as Aver Family Vineyards’ chardonnay and viognier, complement Thanksgiving dinner. Submitted photo

Santa Clara Valley wineries offer everything you need for your Thanksgiving feast, from sparkling and pinot noir to grenache, sangiovese and beyond.

Begin with zingy-fresh 2018 Jason-Stephens “Pixelated” Rosé of Sangiovese and Alara Cellars sparkling, followed by Alara 2017 Barbera and Jason-Stephens 2013 Carmenere.

Carolyn Aver from Aver Family will serve cream of chardonnay and gruyere soup, plus a fall panzanella salad with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts in brown butter dressing, with 2016 “Reverence” Chardonnay. Turkey with mushroom stuffing and mushroom gravy will complement the earthiness of 2016 “Hope” Rhone Blend, and triple berry pie will shine with 2016 Family Album Petite Sirah (91 points, Wine Enthusiast).  

Nik Zorn at Guglielmo recommends 2015 Guglielmo Private Reserve Monterey pinot noir and 2018 Estate Guglielmo Private Reserve Grignolino rosé.

Dan and Thérèse Martin will be serving 2016 viognier, 2015 carignane, 2016 mourvèdre from Thérèse Vineyards, plus J.D. Hurley 2016 pinot noir.

Vic Vanni of Solis recommends 2018 Solis Vino Roseo di Sangiovese and 2016 Estate grenache. 

Geoff Mace of Calerrain will serve his smooth and refined 2017 malbec with roast turkey slathered in butter and herbs.

Satori goes big with 2015 merlot alongside squash soup, 2015 cabernet with turkey and fixings and 2015 petite sirah with chocolate pecan pie.

Kim and Todd Englehardt of Lion Ranch are pouring 2017 Cuvée Blanc, 2018 Lioness Rosé (both 91 points, WE), along with their newly released Rhone red, 2017 Four Lions.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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Laura Ness is an accomplished freelance writer offering travel tips and commentary on the California wine industry.