Wines To Enjoy On Thanksgiving
Blog Post By Laura Barrett
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for many of us here in the Napa Valley. After the busy harvest season, it’s the first rest for those of us working in the cellar. It’s the chance at creating a unique spin on a traditional meal. It’s an opportunity to show off our delicious fall and winter wines at the table.
Sparkling wine is a wonderful, celebratory way to begin the holiday festivities. With its bright acidity, beautiful presentation and delicious flavors, the Clif Family Sparkling Rosé is perfect on its own as you greet your guest or paired with a Charcuterie board overflowing with cured meats, rich cheeses, dried fruits, olives and nuts.
Clif Family Sparkling Brut Rosé
Bright pink in color with aromas of pink grapefruit and potpourri, complimented by a slight nutty characteristic. The palate is tickled with gentle and elegant bubbles, bright acidity and a subtle yeasty finish reminiscent of brioche.
Another perfect white wine match for the holiday table is Gewürztraminer. A combination of aromatic fruit and spice, this wine is ideal for pairing at the start of your meal. Consider serving it alongside a winter salad of kale, fresh apples, pumpkin seeds, persimmons and a citrus vinaigrette.
Clif Family 2018 Mendocino Gewürztraminer
Aromas of ripe apricot, jasmine, rose petal and a hint of minerality leap from the glass. This wine has a soft entry, light tannin on the mid-palate, a burst of acidity, followed by a lush and fruit filled finish.
As the evening and dinner progress to red wine, we often look to the lighter style reds to pair with turkey. For something fruit driven and elegant, I always serve the Clif Family Grenache from Sonoma Valley. For the more robust palate, The Climber Bordeaux-style blend is an excellent choice.
Clif Family 2019 Sonoma Valley Grenache
Bright fruit aromas of cherry pie with a hint of citrus peel. This wine opens up to savory aromas of umami and vanilla bean. There are medium weight tannins that fill the midpalate, followed by a tart Bing cherry finish.
Clif Family 2019 The Climber Bordeaux-Style Red Blend
A classic Bordeaux-style wine with aromas of cedar, black olive, dried herbs and savory spice. The palate is well balanced and focuses with bright acidity, medium weight tannins and a long finish.
So, as we cheers and give thanks, be sure there are lots of glasses on the table topped up with our exciting offerings from Clif Family Winery.
Salud!
Laura Barrett