Wine people...

[kresta]

Okay, so I've just recently grown up from "cheapfruitywine" (this is what I called it; think Strawberry White Zin or something very strongly and sweetly flavored) to preferring a white that is a little less fruity. Loving Reisling (although I know that's still fairly sweet as far as wine goes).

So, my question is, what's a good wine to have w/ Thanksgiving dinner. I'm not so much into reds (too dry), but I'd be willing to give it a try if that's the best.

And, in addition to kind of wine, what's a good brand that's not terribly expensive. Like, something decent I can pick up at the grocery or in the liquor section at Walmart.

Thanks!

[aggiefamily]

I would go with a dry white wine. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay or Gewurztraminer if you want a semi-dry wine.

Oops! Just saw the question about brands. I generally go with local brands. I don't know if you would have Messina Hof but that is what I like.

[adrianka]

Since we are continents apart, I can't help you with brands. But there's little to lose with trying dry or semidry white wine. I love Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois and Chardonnay. Someone from your region might help you with the brands, it would be a waste of time if I started preaching Luxembourgish / French / German ones (that I love).

[Jengerbread88]

I hadn't even had wine until I few weeks ago... so I can't help you. I'm a white zin girl, myself. I tried merlot and about gagged, and then tried chardonnay, and also wasn't fond of it. I imagine eventually my tastes will change, though.

[Valgal]

Kresta, try some Autrailian wines. My FAVE is Yellowtail. White wines will go well with turkey dinner... their chardonnay is really warm and buttery and their riesling is super light and crisp. Yum. So the first is much deeper than the fruity ones you're used to, and the 2nd is more like what you're used to. I think once you try other wines you won't be able to stand the zinfandels anymore, lol!

Just keep trying and experimenting till you find kinds that you like

[Valgal]

oh, and while looking at the whites you might want to stay away from pinot grigio... very flowery. that's the only word i can think for it. i've never found one i like. tastes like i'm sipping a drink that had roses floating in it or something. to each his own i guess!

[schock77]

I have two whites I like (I wasn't a wine drinker before either and then we went to Napa...) Anyway, one is called New Age (it's from Argentina) and a newer fave called Barefoot Moscato (from California) Both are CHEAP but good with chicken so I imagine good with turkey too. At less than $10 a bottle you could try it first too.

[jannylynn]

Thanksgiving is difficult to pair-up a wine for because of all the rich flavors. So pairing it soley on the meat won't work. Rarely is the turkey the main focus on your plate.

You will want something that clears the taste buds in between each bite. For that I would go with a very dry white wine that has some citrus (lime or lemon) notes. Read the bottles and see what they contain. It's best to avoid anything too sweet.

[kresta]

Originally Posted by Valgal

Kresta, try some Autrailian wines. My FAVE is Yellowtail. White wines will go well with turkey dinner... their chardonnay is really warm and buttery and their riesling is super light and crisp. Yum. So the first is much deeper than the fruity ones you're used to, and the 2nd is more like what you're used to. I think once you try other wines you won't be able to stand the zinfandels anymore, lol!

Just keep trying and experimenting till you find kinds that you like

Yes! My latest bottle of Reisling was Yellowtail and I really like it!

But I still had some of the really fruity sweet wine in the fridge and tried it the other night - YUCK! It was WAY too sweet!

I definitely prefer my Reisling. Maybe I'll just stick w/ that.

Thanks everyone!

[Kat Stokes]

If you want to try a good Chardonnay and can find it in your area, I would recommend Bogle Chardonnay or Kenwood Cellars Chardonnay. They are both very smooth and buttery. If by chance you can find it in the stores, try a Grenache (specifically Holly's Hill Vineyards). It's a nice light red, full of fruity flavor but not heavy like a Cabernet or Zin.

[adrianka]

Originally Posted by Valgal

oh, and while looking at the whites you might want to stay away from pinot grigio... very flowery. that's the only word i can think for it. i've never found one i like. tastes like i'm sipping a drink that had roses floating in it or something. to each his own i guess!

That's strange. I suppose pinot grigio is the same thing I know as pinot gris? But pinot gris that I know is divine a not at all flowery. Maybe it's the regional differences? I've tasted Luxembourgish and German Moselle varieties so far.

[Valgal]

Could be the area. I've tried 2 and both tasted like flowers and I just couldn't get over it. I've had deserts with rose water in it before and couldnt' tolerate it either. No one should drink flowers!!!! lol!

[adrianka]

Originally Posted by Valgal

Could be the area. I've tried 2 and both tasted like flowers and I just couldn't get over it. I've had deserts with rose water in it before and couldnt' tolerate it either. No one should drink flowers!!!! lol!

:-D

I do tolerate flowery tastes well, and have even eaten flowers (hehe, the French will eat just about anything, and in my 6 years in Luxembourg I've discovered it's a rather nice attitude). Still I would never describe Pinot Gris as I know it as flowery. But even if the variety is the same, the weather conditions, processing etc. etc. are so different with each winemaker that it's very difficult to draw comparisons. :-)