November 19, 2020, Submitted by Ralph Hersom, owner of Ralph's Hingham Wine Merchant
This Thanksgiving is sure to be unlike any other that we have experienced in our lives due to the pandemic, but we will persevere. Below are some of our favorite wines to pair with the holiday bird with the hope that we can make your Thanksgiving as wonderful as possible!
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs Brut 2017 – Blanc de Blancs was the first wine Schramsberg produced in 1965 and was America's first commercially produced Chardonnay-based brut sparkling wine. Made from grapes selected from cool climate vineyards on the North Coast of California that are barrel fermented with extended aging to create a totally unique sparkling wine!
“Lithe and delicately balanced, with vibrant lemon custard, blanched almond and steely citrus tones that take on richness and speed on the long finish.” - 93 Points The Wine Spectator
Andre Blanck Pinot Gris 2014 – A “Wow” of a white wine from Alsace, France made from 100% Pinot Gris that is drinking beautifully with 6 years of age on it. Super versatile as a pairing wine this unoaked white is a perfect match for the flavors on your Thanksgiving plate.
Route Stock Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018 – 2018 was a great growing season on the Sonoma Coast, especially for Pinot Noir, with a very consistent ripening curve. Grapes grow best when the rate of sugar accumulation is consistent with the physiological ripening (days on the vine) and 2018 was just that.
“Svelte, with a crisp, minerally composure to the well-structured dried raspberry and berry flavors. The finish offers notes of forest floor and floral accents.” - Wine Spectator 91 Points
Crivelli Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato 2019 – Hailing from Piedmont, one of my favorite regions, Ruchè is a beauty of an indigenous Piedmontese red variety, and Crivelli's is a must-try. An array of aromas to savor: roses, pepper, black cherries, and cinnamon. Lovely fresh acidity and a fine backbone of mineral make this a delicious wine to enjoy with your Thanksgiving meal.
Seghesio Old Vine Sonoma Zinfandel 2015 – This wine comes from the old head-pruned vineyards in Alexander and Dry Creek valleys farmed by the multi-generational Passalacqua and Saini families for Seghesio. The older vines devigorized root system produces less, yet more intense, fruit highlighting Zinfandel’s briary spice characteristic.
“Medium to deep garnet-purple, the 2015 Zinfandel Old Vine offers a beguiling nose of crushed blueberries, Black Forest cake and crème de cassis with hints of dried roses, licorice, incense and tilled soil. Full-bodied, rich and with wonderful purity, it has an amazing frame of ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed." - 94 Points The Wine Advocate
If you have any questions or need additional recommendations stop on in and see Ralph at 74 North Street or give him a call at 781-740-9393.