11/7/17 Top Ten Turkey Tipplers
'TEN TURKEY WINES' - Cellar Door's T-Day Wine Suggestions
RED WINE SUGGESTIONS FOR TURKEY
2016 DOMAINE LES FINES GRAVES
MOULIN-A-VENT
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
MOULIN-A-VENT
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
There is something about this time of year that makes us swoon for good Beaujolais. Perhaps it's the leaves turning every color under the sun. For Bryan, it's over the river and through the woods toting several bottles of Grand Cru Beaujolais to Grandmama's house. If it were in a sleigh, there would be no reason to worry about open-container laws!
The late Jacky Janodet was one of the regions genuine superstars: 17 hectares of old vines (50 years plus) ideally situated on the finest granite soils which are now tended by his wife Evelyne and son Jerome. Fermentation takes place in lined concrete vats and maturation in barriques prior to bottling the following spring. A burst of violet, rose, deep and dark juicy red and blue berry and resounding spicy/minerally/stony aromas roll from the glass. 2015 was an exceptional vintage in Beaujolais and the wines have an added core of rich fruit and depth of flavor, basically everything is amped up several notches. This is one of the most food friendly red wines on the planet. Gamay and in particular, Cru Beaujolais, is the bomb with turkey and it pairs well with fresh morels or chanterelles over pasta or stuffed into the turkey.
The late Jacky Janodet was one of the regions genuine superstars: 17 hectares of old vines (50 years plus) ideally situated on the finest granite soils which are now tended by his wife Evelyne and son Jerome. Fermentation takes place in lined concrete vats and maturation in barriques prior to bottling the following spring. A burst of violet, rose, deep and dark juicy red and blue berry and resounding spicy/minerally/stony aromas roll from the glass. 2015 was an exceptional vintage in Beaujolais and the wines have an added core of rich fruit and depth of flavor, basically everything is amped up several notches. This is one of the most food friendly red wines on the planet. Gamay and in particular, Cru Beaujolais, is the bomb with turkey and it pairs well with fresh morels or chanterelles over pasta or stuffed into the turkey.
2014 J. CHRISTOPHER PINOT NOIR
'CHEHALEM MT. 'VILLAGES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'CHEHALEM MT. 'VILLAGES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Wow, is this one ever drinking beautifully right now. An excellent choice for yourself or to serve to out of town guests, this new offering from one of Oregon’s apex producers and a twenty-dollar version that tastes and behaves like it should be a hell of a lot more.
Made from mostly estate fruit and Lia’s Vineyard, this Pinot is serious business! An achingly beautiful Pinot Noir value that has enticing and beautifully aromatic aromas of crushed black raspberry, violet and cinnamon that shine brightly from the glass. Texturally, the wine is stylish and refined with an abundance of penetrating fruit along with sneaky structure. The finish is suave and understated with a hint of allspice, red earth and cocoa from oak. A mouth filling Pinot, this selection will pair wonderfully with chops and will drink and develop wonderfully through 2022.
Made from mostly estate fruit and Lia’s Vineyard, this Pinot is serious business! An achingly beautiful Pinot Noir value that has enticing and beautifully aromatic aromas of crushed black raspberry, violet and cinnamon that shine brightly from the glass. Texturally, the wine is stylish and refined with an abundance of penetrating fruit along with sneaky structure. The finish is suave and understated with a hint of allspice, red earth and cocoa from oak. A mouth filling Pinot, this selection will pair wonderfully with chops and will drink and develop wonderfully through 2022.
2014 SAINT-JEAN DU BARROUX
VENTOUX ROUGE 'LA SOURCE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASEE
VENTOUX ROUGE 'LA SOURCE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASEE
Many of our friends have become smitten fans of Saint-Jean du Barroux’s Ventoux wines. For the first time I decided to bring in the gateway drug, I mean wine, that Philippe makes called La Source. In an abundant vintage only about 1800 cases are produced of this stylishly smooth Ventoux offering. Around 70% Grenache dominates this particular blend along with Carignan and Cinsault, this wine comes from sites that produce plumper grapes near a natural spring, hence La Source. These grapes are picked earlier and aged 18 months in tank, which allows superior freshness to go along with the dimension.
Almost instantly, the fresh red fruit of raspberries bounces on you and joins with some white pepper, black olive, a splash of fresh rosemary and wind-swept mineral. No question about it, the aromas correlate to run together with the texture and involuntarily grab the taster’s attention. Ethereal and spicy throughout then finishes up with pronounced strawberry, currant and thyme notes that coat and cleanse the palate. When I tasted this in France, I just thought that it had turkey written all over it. It will also pair nicely with pork barbecue dishes.
Almost instantly, the fresh red fruit of raspberries bounces on you and joins with some white pepper, black olive, a splash of fresh rosemary and wind-swept mineral. No question about it, the aromas correlate to run together with the texture and involuntarily grab the taster’s attention. Ethereal and spicy throughout then finishes up with pronounced strawberry, currant and thyme notes that coat and cleanse the palate. When I tasted this in France, I just thought that it had turkey written all over it. It will also pair nicely with pork barbecue dishes.
2014 DASHE ZINFANDEL DRY CREEK
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
Zinfandel actually can pair quite well with the turkey but it definitely has to be a civilized one. Commencing in 1996 after spending time working at Ridge with Paul Draper, Michael Dashe is definitely one of the go-to producers for well-balanced Zinfandels.
California gone good, aromas of smoked raspberry, briar and subtle pepper tones impressively penetrate the senses. The texture is ripe, smooth as hell, mouthfilling with density and spice spreading out then following through to the exhilarating and fine finish. This wine never becomes overly heavy, so pull off a turkey leg and go all Cro-Magnon while drinking this tasty Zin.
California gone good, aromas of smoked raspberry, briar and subtle pepper tones impressively penetrate the senses. The texture is ripe, smooth as hell, mouthfilling with density and spice spreading out then following through to the exhilarating and fine finish. This wine never becomes overly heavy, so pull off a turkey leg and go all Cro-Magnon while drinking this tasty Zin.
2015 TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA 'LUCCHINE'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Normally one of my rules in pairing wine with turkey is not to use Italian reds because they go better with their own cuisine. Rules are made to be broken and in this case, this fresh and engaging Valpolicella promises to be a damn delicious pairing.
Tedeschi is a top-notch Amarone and Valpolicella and Lucchine is the unoaked, trattoria version in this splendid lineup. Pleasurable and made for drinking rather than aging, this Valpol is about pent-up, red-fruit hedonism. Flashy, aromatic cherry-soaked balsamic aromas with underlying herbs and minerals. Illuminating and fun with flavors that attack from start to finish. The sheer succulence works so well with turkey as well as for pizza the day after or before the main day.
Tedeschi is a top-notch Amarone and Valpolicella and Lucchine is the unoaked, trattoria version in this splendid lineup. Pleasurable and made for drinking rather than aging, this Valpol is about pent-up, red-fruit hedonism. Flashy, aromatic cherry-soaked balsamic aromas with underlying herbs and minerals. Illuminating and fun with flavors that attack from start to finish. The sheer succulence works so well with turkey as well as for pizza the day after or before the main day.
WHITE & ROSE WINE SUGGESTIONS FOR TURKEY
2016 TERRE NERE ETNA ROSE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
One of my favorite things to pair with turkey is dry Rose and this year we have one of our perennial favorites from Sicily’s Etna region. It’s funny because this wine tends to arrive late summer/early autumn and does not coincide with the usual Rose season. I really don’t care; this wine is absolutely made to be consumed with food and shows even better later in the season or even the following year.
Pliant, bright and teeming with cherry pit, blueberries and plenty of smoky and savory aspects from Etna’s volcanic soils. Lovely presence on the palate, this wine stretches out nicely on the palate and bursts into being vivacious and mouthwatering on the home stretch. Flavorful and fun yet with no shortage of sophistication this Rose also matches well with mussels, grilled shrimp, roasted or grilled chicken with Italian herb. Also is quite an enchanting drink on its own.
Pliant, bright and teeming with cherry pit, blueberries and plenty of smoky and savory aspects from Etna’s volcanic soils. Lovely presence on the palate, this wine stretches out nicely on the palate and bursts into being vivacious and mouthwatering on the home stretch. Flavorful and fun yet with no shortage of sophistication this Rose also matches well with mussels, grilled shrimp, roasted or grilled chicken with Italian herb. Also is quite an enchanting drink on its own.
2016 CAZIN CHEVERNY ROSE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
We have utilized Francois Loire Valley white wines for years but for some reason the Rose has always flown under our noses and either we have missed selling it or could never get enough to offer broadly. This year we change all of that and are able to put it out in time for the holidays. OK, so we really do love the late arrival Rose wines!
When I tasted this rose, a big, merde-eating smile appeared across my face and the first sentence in my tasting notebook was "This rose combines speed metal, hiphop and baroque on the palate”! Ultimately, I won't torture you with this mind-warped description, but will entice you with the wine's sheer pleasure instead. 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Gamay with aromas and flavors that reflect the clay, flint and chalky soils with throbbing tones of currant, melon and a core of minerality that is always evident in Cazin’s wines.
When I tasted this rose, a big, merde-eating smile appeared across my face and the first sentence in my tasting notebook was "This rose combines speed metal, hiphop and baroque on the palate”! Ultimately, I won't torture you with this mind-warped description, but will entice you with the wine's sheer pleasure instead. 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Gamay with aromas and flavors that reflect the clay, flint and chalky soils with throbbing tones of currant, melon and a core of minerality that is always evident in Cazin’s wines.
2016 MAXIMIN GRUNHAUS RIESLING
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
As we careen toward the end the year, I begrudgingly put the Christmas music into the stereo rotation. Since it is early and in order to prepare myself to handle the holidays, this morning I am dropping Pink Floyd's legendary 'Dark Side Of The Moon'. Like this aural masterpiece, Dr. Carl von Schubert is one of Germany's iconic producers - think of a Riesling equivalent of Chave or Chateau Lafite Rothschild in quality!
A real blazer with fierceness and elegance at the same time, dry wine lovers really owe it to themselves to try some! Wonderful dimension both aromatically and in the mouth, it reveals the slate aspect of the Ruwer region Livewire, slightly off dry and loads of succulence and stoniness. Brilliant and blazing on the finish, this wine seemingly grooves its ass out on the dance floor and is cool as a cucumber. Always a wonderful match with turkey, it also can be paired with seared albacore tuna marinated in ginger, soy and garlic or spicy Thai specialties. Lastly, there is plenty of zest and character for those who may fancy themselves as aficionados, but also fruity enough to serve to Grandma who normally doesn't drink wine during dinner.
A real blazer with fierceness and elegance at the same time, dry wine lovers really owe it to themselves to try some! Wonderful dimension both aromatically and in the mouth, it reveals the slate aspect of the Ruwer region Livewire, slightly off dry and loads of succulence and stoniness. Brilliant and blazing on the finish, this wine seemingly grooves its ass out on the dance floor and is cool as a cucumber. Always a wonderful match with turkey, it also can be paired with seared albacore tuna marinated in ginger, soy and garlic or spicy Thai specialties. Lastly, there is plenty of zest and character for those who may fancy themselves as aficionados, but also fruity enough to serve to Grandma who normally doesn't drink wine during dinner.
2016 DOMAINE DE RIEUX
COTE-DE-GASCOGNE BLANC
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE
COTE-DE-GASCOGNE BLANC
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE
At 11% alcohol, this white wine provides lots of drinking pleasure and possesses no shortage of intensity! From Gascony in the Southwest of France, this non-manipulated number is fragrant, lively and quite the charmer. Mandarin, lemon, mango and subtle mineral leap from the glass and follow into a texture that is direct, engaging, mouthwatering and alive. Enjoy this delicious and versatile white wine on its own with a bunch of friends, with hors d'oeurves, fresh shellfish, holiday turkey or spicy Asian or Latino cuisine.
2016 BOW & ARROW MELON
'JOHAN VINEYARD'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
'JOHAN VINEYARD'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
We have been proud to feature Bow & Arrow’s Melon since its inception but for 2016, and to quote winemaker Scott Frank, ‘he threw the Johan out of the nest’. This has allowed this fine vineyard that has, unlikely for Oregon, granite in the soils to stand out and orate a different tale than his classic Melon Cuvee.
Strikingly pure aromas of peat, lemon zest and a kiss of white peach that shows calibration and clarity. On the palate, it is cut like a diamond, very refined and multi-dimensional with stellar depth of flavor. Bright and linear acidity balances everything out and finishes with extra length. I literally cannot stop myself from gushing about this, but will sum it up in a few words – Rock Star Melon that will pair handsomely with your feast. It will also pair very well with freshly shucked oysters, steamed mussels, clams and it go well very with chicken in a light sauce or just about any fish done in a beurre blanc sauce.
Strikingly pure aromas of peat, lemon zest and a kiss of white peach that shows calibration and clarity. On the palate, it is cut like a diamond, very refined and multi-dimensional with stellar depth of flavor. Bright and linear acidity balances everything out and finishes with extra length. I literally cannot stop myself from gushing about this, but will sum it up in a few words – Rock Star Melon that will pair handsomely with your feast. It will also pair very well with freshly shucked oysters, steamed mussels, clams and it go well very with chicken in a light sauce or just about any fish done in a beurre blanc sauce.
FRIDAY SIPS
COOKBOOK & FRENCH WINES POP-UP
Special Guests - Local Cookbook author Ivy Manning and Chad Zimmerman, owner - Animaux du Vin Selections
Special Guests - Local Cookbook author Ivy Manning and Chad Zimmerman, owner - Animaux du Vin Selections
This Friday November 10 from 3:00 – 6:30
Join us this Friday as we welcome local cookbook author Ivy Manning who will be on hand with her new cookbook 'Easy Soups From Scratch & Quick Breads To Match'. Ivy will also have a nibble or two to share that will be specifically paired with a lineup of Chad's French wines. Both will be in the house with wares to share! If you like food, wine, cooking and entertaining, this is a special event that is one to attend.
FEATURED WINES:
2015 Voge Cotes-du-Rhone
2014 Pesquier Cotes-du-Rhone
2014 Chateau Beausejour Fronsac Rouge
2015 Chateau Haut-Rian Bordeaux Blanc ‘Cuvee Excellence’
