Southport Magazine

Joaquin and Amanda Carbonell are contributors to Southport Magazine and owners of Uncorked by the Sea Wine Shop and Gallery in Southport. Courtesy photo

Thanksgiving is the most American of holidays. A day where tradition prevails at dinner tables across the country. Family recipes that spend the other 364 days tucked away in a box and stained with signs of Thanksgivings past take center stage. Whether you prefer your stuffing with sausage, apples, oysters, or giblets, there are a variety of great wines to enjoy with the feast.  We’re proponents of keeping it American when it comes to Thanksgiving and have picked four of our favorites.

THE WHITES

2011 Three Albariño
Three Wine Company
Monterey, CA
Although the Albariño grape is typically associated with Spain, the 2011 Three Albariño is sourced from the Sweetwater Ranch in Monterey County. With great aromatics, plenty of luscious flavors and a crisp finish, there is a mineral component on the palate that mingles with refreshing honeyed flavors of apple, citrus, and stone fruits.  $16.99

2011 Pinot Gris Dundee Hills
Alexana Winery
Willamette Valley, OR
Pinot Gris is actually a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. American Pinot Gris tends to be crisper than its Italian counterpart, Pinot Grigio. The 2011 Alexana Dundee Hills Pinot Gris exudes aromas of candied pear, tart apple, minerals, and peach. The palate explodes with papaya and peach, interlacing with intense minerality. The rich palate-feel is framed by vivid acid, creating a deep textural quality. Perfect at cellar temperature, either alone or with food. $32.49

THE REDS

2010 Meiomi Pinot Noir
Belle Glos Wines
Santa Barbara, CA
Pinot Noir is considered by many as the universal red wine to pair with turkey. It is an elegant, refined wine, and one of the most difficult grapes to grow.  The 2010 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir is an affordable, approachable, and food-friendly wine from the Wagner family of Caymus fame.  Meiomi gets its fruit from the most noteworthy coastal areas in California. This wine is lush, balanced, deeply flavored and truly balanced. Great to drink on its own or at the dinner table.  $19.99

2007 Korte Ranch Zinfandel
Elyse Winery
Napa Valley, CA
Red Zinfandel is a more “fruit forward” style of wine with a peppery finish that can stand up to the savory flavors of Thanksgiving foods. The 2007 Elyse Korte Ranch Zinfandel is dark ruby red in color with aromas of spicy berries and cracked black pepper. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and lavishly textured as it reveals flavors of wild plums and blackberry. This is a rich, jammy Zinfandel that remains balanced on its way to a graceful and long finish. 89% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah. $33.49

SAVE THE DATE:

Every Thurs., 5 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.
Uncorked by the Sea hosts weekly wine tastings, which always benefit a local Brunswick County non-profit organization. Tastings through 2012 will support the Southport-Oak Island Food Pantry.