"Penicillin cures, but wine makes people happy." - Alexander Fleming (1881-1955), the Scottish bacteriologist credited for discovering penicillin in 1928.
This week, I'll be introducing you to several different grape varietals, and the general rules of food pairing. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as far as wine choices go, but it's best to start with the most well-known varieties and learn from there.
When it comes to breaking wine down into categories, you have the two most common divisions - whites and reds. This can further be broken down into sparkling wines or champagnes, rosés or blushes, and dessert wines, such as port. However, for today I will just be exploring popular whites and reds.
Whites
Chardonnay - One of the most popular and easy to find in restaurants. Depending on the style, it may be very dry, with little to no residual sugar and very crisp, or smoother and more oaky with a buttery finish. Chardonnay grapes are one of the most adaptable and easiest to grow which explains why this wine is found in almost all wine growing regions.
Pinot Grigio - Italian variety of the Pinot Gris grape. Very light-bodied and crisp, slightly acidic, and can vary from semi-dry to dry. It's refreshing on a hot day.
Riesling - Can range from semi-dry to sweet. This varietal varies greatly depending on whether or not it is an authentic German Riesling or an American Riesling. The German style tends to be a bit sweeter and fruitier, with a hint of apple.
Sauvignon Blanc - Originates in the Bordeaux region of France. It's a delicate and elegant wine that works well with many foods, and is one of the only wines to pair well with sushi. It can vary in taste from earthy to tropical, depending on the growing conditions.
Reds
Merlot - One of the most popular single-variety red wines on the market, and is generally smooth and fruity. Not as heavy and acidic as some other reds.
Pinot Noir - The lightest and easiest to drink out of the reds. Originally a French grape, it's also found in California and Oregon. Extremely hard to grow, which accounts for the delicate taste.
Cabernet Sauvignon - The granddaddy grape of Bordeaux, it's very bold and rich. Much heartier than the other grape varieties, and used often for blending. It's excellent with steak.
Syrah/Shiraz - The name changes based on where the grape is grown. Shiraz grapes are from Australia where Syrah grapes are found in Europe, the United States and South America. Full-flavored and can be spicy, especially with Australian Shiraz.
As for pairings, the most basic and elementary rule of thumb is that whites go best with poultry and fish, whereas reds are best with red meat and hearty pasta. The most important thing to remember about this rule is there are always exceptions, and it should only be used as a guide.
If you enjoy red wine with chicken, or white wine with steak, then by all means drink what you like. Don't ever feel like you need to order a specific wine based on what you are eating.
Recommendations for Thanksgiving
So, what pairs best with turkey and stuffing? Chris Charette of Russell's Package Store in Amherst said Rieslings and Pinot Noirs are the way to go, and had some suggestions to fit your price range.
Recommended Rieslings
Budget: Doctor L 2007 (German), average retail price of $9.99
Mid-Range: Leitz Dragonstone 2007 (German), average retail price of $13.99
Premium: Trimbach 2006 (France), average retail price of $17.99
Recommended Pinot Noir
Budget: Domaine Brunet 2006 (France), average retail price of $8.99
Mid-Range: Hunterdon 2006 (California), average retail price of $13.99
Premium: Buena Vista Carneros 2005 (California), average retail price of $17.99
Though he spoke passionately about all the wine suggestions, the Trimbach Riesling was Charette's top white choice. "[It's] sweet, but not high in residual sugar with beautiful acidity and a long finish."
When I asked him to describe his premium red pick, the Buena Vista Carneros, Charette said it had a "classic style, [it's] fruity, smooth, supple, bodied and textured." Sounds good to me.
Whether you choose one of the recommended wines or go with something else, enjoy your Thanksgiving and use the break to explore some vino!
Wine Fact of the Week: California produces approximately 77% of the U.S. wine grape crop.
Jennifer Turner can be reached at jturner@student.umass.edu
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