Banyan  2017 Gewürztraminer  Monterey County

I stopped by the Centerra Coop store for Thanksgiving supplies and near the cheese counter there was a person pouring samples of white and red wines that would pair well with the traditional meal on Thursday.

All of the wines were good, but the Banyan and a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre blend from Paso Robles stood out. I can't remember the name of the winery that produced the red blend, but all of the wines that were sampled are on the stand in the aisle near the cheese counter.

Beautiful notes of white stone fruits in the nose, spice, intriguing, matching flavors on the palate with distinct flavors of peach and apricot, a nice mouth feel and very pleasant finish. There was a hint of saltiness as well on the finish, perhaps due to the vineyards proximity to the ocean influence in Monterey. One of the best 'Traminers I've tried in a while, and at a decent price for the quality. I kept thinking about this wine after I left the tasting and had to go back for a bottle....

Available at the Centerra Co-op store for $15.99, maybe the Hanover store has some, and 2 of the NH Liquor outlets near the MA border for $13.99. I think they had 6 or 8 bottles on the stand at Centerra, if you like Gewürztraminer you should try a bottle of this wine.

Cheers,

Ed

Thanksgiving meal wine options

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, I have been asked by a few people about what my thoughts are on which wine to serve with this meal.

I always answer that question with a question, what are you serving for food?

These days people don't always stick to the old traditions for this meal, so the wine selection for it can vary greatly. But I think some wines can pair well across a number of different choices for the main course.

A light to medium body Pinot Noir will taste good with oven roasted turkey, and also with prime rib. A good quality Merlot would also match up well with both of these options, and all of the side dishes can bring out nuances in both wines.
I tried a wine from Bertani last year with our meal, it's a blend of Sangiovese and 3 other grapes native to the Verona area of Italy. Some of the grapes are air dried on a bed of straw like Amarone and make for a smooth food friendly wine that pairs well with a number of dishes.

Some people prefer white wines, so in my experience a dry or off dry Riesling works well with poultry. I also like a Frascati or Fiano di Avellino from Italy, they have good fruit and balance with a nice palate cleansing quality.

As always, if you like a wine, then that's the right one for you....

 Red wines;

Starmont - Pinot Noir -  well made, good value $14.99 @ NH Liquor outlets

Mark Herold -  Flux -  Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre blend  $14.99 @ NH Liquor

Secco Bertani - Sangiovese and 3 native Italian varieties  @17.99 @ NH outlets

J. Lohr - Los Osos - Merlot -  well made, smooth  $14.99 @ NH outlets

White wines;

Chateau Ste Michelle - Riesling - dry or off dry  $8.99 @ NH outlets 

Fontana Candida - Frascati - food friendly wine,   $7.99 @ NH outlets

Vendange - Sauvignon Blanc - great value,  $7.99 (1.5 liter) NH  outlets


Wishing you all a great Thanksgiving with family

Ed