Perfect Wine Pairings for Thanksgiving…Now Available To Go at Stomp!
If you’re like me, you have acutely noticed how dark it gets now at 5pm and how fickle the temperature is. This brings the associated feelings of excitement for skiers, dread for beach lovers, and hibernation for introverts. In about a week or two, some of us will also ease into a panic that takes a moment to notice – Thanksgiving is over and we haven’t even started to think about holiday cards or gifts. What often follows is a mad dash to find a gift that checks the box but is largely devoid of any real thought.
I’ll hope to relieve some of your stress alongside a shameless plug. If you’ve been into Stomping Ground lately, you have hopefully noticed our expanded retail section. We carry the usual Stomp swag and gift cards, of course. We also carry locally made dishtowels, baby onesies, jams, and syrups. But here’s the big news – just in time for the holidays we recently received our license to sell wine and beer retail (to go)!
If you swing by and pick up a bottle of wine at Stomp, it isn’t just another cookie cutter, thoughtless gift. We have carefully selected a small number of wines and know exactly with which foods to pair them. Come on in and let us help you pick the right gift for your neighbor, colleague, or holiday party host. You’ll leave with a gift and some wine expertise to share. If you want to really impress, join our Debunking Wine Myths Dinner on December 15th with sommelier Matthew Carroll (details coming soon) and do your holiday shopping while you eat!
Below is a list of our opening selection. All of these wines would pair beautifully for Thanksgiving, so if you REALLY haven’t thought about gifts or even dinner, we got your wine covered!
Chasselay Quatre Saisons Beaujolais 2016
– Organic grapes that are unoaked with super-soft berried fruits and gently earthy overtones, a light and fruity wine.
– Beaujolais is a very traditional red pairing for Thanksgiving dinners.
Beran Zinfandel California 2014
– Vibrant ruby colors with flavors of sweet tobacco, blackcurrant, raspberry jam, and cocoa powder. Opulent and satisfying, this medium-weight wine is balanced with bright acidity, integrated tannins and a lingering finish.
– Pairs well with grilled lamb or beef, pasta dishes with red sauce, dried jack cheese, or aged gruyère.
– Perfect for anyone looking for a “bigger” red.
Brooks Pinot Noir Janus 2014
– 2014 Oregon Pinots are one of the best, affordable vintages available.
– Wonderful bright fruit of raspberry, cherry, and rhubarb, earth, with a hint of cinnamon and spices.
– Moderate tannins on the finish, with a long-lasting taste of mineral, red fruit, and acidity.
– Pairs well with salmon, fish, duck, root vegetables.
Milbrandt Riesling “Evergreen” Vineyard 2015
– The 2015 dry Riesling is made in a refreshing, off-dry style with aromas of sweet Elberta peach, ripe Granny Smith apple, and zesty Key lime.
– This wine is bright with a pronounced minerality, reminiscent of wet stone, and has a crisp clean finish.
Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2016
– Bright lemon gold color offering alluring aromas and flavors of licorice, banana, and toasted marshmallow. The well integrated acidity provides a fresh, lingering finish that is a perfect reflection the terroir.
– An ideal pairing with baked brie and apples or roasted poultry with rosemary.
Talley Estate Chardonnay 2014 (my personal favorite)
– Aged nine months in 23% new French oak, drink ithis over the coming 2-4 years.
– On the nose, vibrant aromas of pear and stone fruits are followed by a hint of subtle toasted oak. The palate is soft and plush with delicate acidity. Notes of peach, lemon oil, baked brioche and slivered almonds are complemented by minerality true to the Arroyo Grande Valley.
– Enjoy this classic chardonnay with light seafood fare, such as steamed mussels or Dungeness crab.
Cleto Chiarli Sparkling Rose, NV
– A dry bubbly with lively froth, red currant colour, fine and abundant perlage (bubbles). Intense and fruity scent, clean taste with feelings of wild berries.
– Excellent as an aperitif, and ideal for elegant dinners; it also goes very well with desserts, strawberry and fruit salads.
