PINOT Schmee-No:
Fresh wine pairing for your holiday table
Ready or not: The whirlwind of the holiday season is upon Lodi Wine Country! If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to start planning your Thanksgiving Day feast menu – arguably one of the most important aspects of the holiday. But don’t forget the wine – an equally important component! So what is the perfect wine to serve with your Thanksgiving feast, you ask? While many wine and culinary “experts” will be traditional in their tried-and-true (a.k.a. oh-so-boring) recommendation of Pinot Noir, we say Pinot schmee-no: Dare to be different this holiday by not serving what everyone else is. With over 100 different wine grape varieties being cultivated right here in your own backyard, you’ll have no trouble finding a unique and delicious Lodi wine, perfect for pairing with whatever you’re serving this holiday. To get you thinking, here are three fresh, out-of-the-box suggestions:
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ACQUIESCE WINERY 2014 LODI VIOGNIER
The beautiful bottle alone is reason enough to showcase this 100% Lodi Viognier wine on your dinner table this holiday season. Crisp and dry, this wine exhibits bright fruit reminiscent of honeyed tangerine and peach with aromas of violets. Serve chilled alongside a first course of roasted butternut squash soup topped with crème fraiche, toasted sage and pumpkin seeds, or individual servings of lobster macaroni and cheese. ($23) AcquiesceVineyards.com
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MICHAEL DAVID WINERY 2014 LODI ANCIENT VINE CINSAULT
Sourced from the revered Bechthold Vineyard (planted 1885) – Lodi’s oldest producing vineyard and one of the world’s oldest Cinsault plantings – this garnet wine is loaded with aromas of ripe strawberries, bing cherry and raspberry. This Cinsault is the perfect alternative to Pinot Noir and will shine when served with herb-roasted turkey or pork loin with fennel and garlic. ($25) MichaelDavidWinery.com
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KLINKER BRICK WINERY 2013 LODI “OLD GHOST” OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
Representing the very best Zinfandel that the winery produces annually, the “Old Ghost” Old Vine Zinfandel is aged in a combination of French Oak (40%) and American Oak (60%) and displays brambleberry fruit aromas intermingled with anise, clove and exotic spices. The smooth yet firm tannin and structure of this dark wine allow it to complement richer, denser entrées such as coffee-rubbed prime rib roast or rack of lamb with rosemary pesto sauce. ($38) KlinkerBrickWinery.com
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