Buonissimi Wines for Thanksgiving
Tuscans know and understand the art of feasting. A relaxing meal with the extended family is a time honored ritual still alive in Tuscany. A family gathering always includes thoughtfully chosen wines for each course. We’re taking a clue from our wine making friends in Montefollonico as we select wines and beverages to serve this Thanksgiving.With turkey on the center of the plate in most homes, a fresh white wine is a natural. Trebbiano Toscano is the most common white wine grape in Italy. Wine made from the Trebbiano grape ranges from crisp and delicate to fruity and medium bodied. It is a versatile wine with bright acidity reminiscent of lemon or green apples. Look for a vintner that produces it as a single varietal wine and ask your wine merchant to recommend a respected producer. When served lightly chilled to 45-50°F, it complements a range of flavors including turkey and all the vegetables that accompany it.Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano’s more famous cousin, makes a stellar companion to stuffed turkey too. With its delicate acidity and fruit notes, it can complement the mild and savory flavor of turkey and cut through the richness of stuffing. Like Trebbiano, it is best appreciated when served lightly chilled. While turkey is usually the main attraction at Thanksgiving, don’t overlook the rich side dishes when selecting wines to accompany your meal. Meaty stuffing, savory roasted potatoes, sliced turkey and deep brown gravy stand up to bolder flavors. The Sangiovese grape forms the backbone of wines in Tuscany. By law Chianti wine must contain 70% Sangiovese grapes. Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines must be made from 100% Sangiovese. While these big Tuscan reds might sound overpowering, young red Sangiovese has a bold acidity and food friendly herbal and plum flavors that complement a range of dishes. As it ages, Sangiovese wine develops more complexity with rich notes of dried cherry and figs.For dessert, a bracing glass of limoncello might suit. Many Italians drink it after a meal to aid digestion. But our friends in Montefollonico including Cantine Innocenti are renowned for their Vin Santo, a storied dessert wine closely tied to the town and region. The Vin Santo made by the Innocenti family is an intense golden elixir with origins in medieval times. They make it from a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, and Mammolo grapes aged for many years. Served in diminutive stem glasses, vin santo is meant to be sipped slowly and savored, like the fine company gathered at the Thanksgiving feast.