Southport Magazine

Candace Hobbs is a contributor to Southport Magazine and the owner of The Grape & Ale. Photo by Kris Beasley

We all have our favorite wines to open for Thanksgiving dinner to share with family and friends.  There is no right or wrong choice if you are drinking what you like. However, there are some wines that, because of their unique characteristics, accentuate the flavors of the traditional Thanksgiving feast: turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, collard greens, pumpkin pie or pecan pie. (Oh my … The mouth is watering!)

There are three varietals that typically grace the Thanksgiving table—Pinot Noir, Gamay (Beaujolais Nouveau), and Chardonnay—and for good reason.

The bright, fruity acidity of a Pinot Noir will not overwhelm the flavors of your meal. The thin skin of the grapes ensures fewer tannins that could overwhelm your palate.

The youthfulness of Beaujolais Nouveau produced primarily from the Gamay grape and from the Beaujolais region of France is a lovely light red meant to be served slightly chilled. It is a perfect complement to Thanksgiving fare and always arrives in our market the Thursday before the holiday, this year gracing us on November 21st.

Whether you love the creamy, buttery, oaky Chardonnays or the crisper unoaked style, this varietal is one of the most versatile of all grapes, not only in the limitless pairing opportunities, but also in styles produced. Because this grape does well in most grape growing climates, one can experience extensive terroir influences from all over the world.

In addition to the old favorites, we at The Grape & Ale are pleased to offer cranberry wines from one of our local wineries, Carolinas Vintage. Available for tasting in the shop every day is their Premier Cranberry, Cranberry Fruitgria, and Santa Berry Cranberry spiced wine.

Candace Hobbs is a contributor to Southport Magazine and the owner of The Grape & Ale.

The Grape & Ale
8521 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island
(910) 933-4384
www.thegrapeandale.com