Plan the Perfect Thanksgiving: Course by Course

Over the past week I have picked out hundreds of wines for people's Thanksgiving meals. In the chance that you weren't one of them, here are my suggestions for perfect Southern Oregon wines to pair with your Thanksgiving entertaining: 

Start with bubbles. Sparkling wine always adds an element of celebration to any occasion and it's the perfect aperitif. But, what many forget is it's also a very versatile wine to pair with food. Both white and rosé goes well with starters like appetizers, soup or salad. Recommendation: Wooldridge Creek Winery 2007 Brut

Turkey, unlike most poultry, is dry in texture. So you'll need a mouth-watering wine to compliment it. Great options are crisp whites like Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Rhone blends. Recommendations: Del Rio Vineyard 2008 Pinot Gris, Cowhorn Spiral 36 (Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne), Brandborg Winery Riesling

Yes, you can drink red wine with turkey. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Malbec and Grenache all have juicy, bright berry flavors that go well. Avoid tannic reds, because the bird won't lessen their astringency. Recommendations: Cowhorn 2008 Grenache, Troon 2008 Kubli Bench Zinfandel, Crater Lake Cellars 2008 Grenache, Misty Oaks 2008 Viper Trail Malbec

But, turkey is only one aspect of the meal, the range of side dishes gives you a lot of freedom. Syrah can possess both fruity and savory flavors or try a lush Petite Sirah. Recommendations: Folin Cellars 2007 Syrah, Quady North 2007 Sam's Valley Syrah, Carpenter Hill 2006 Petite Sirah, Spangler 2008 Petite Sirah

If you have any room left, end on a sweet note. For pumpkin or pecan pies (or cheesecakes) pair with port like Abacela 2007 Port or Madrone Mountain Vineyard Vintage 2004. For fruit pies pick a late-harvest dessert wine like Slagle Creek Vineyard Late-Harvest Gewurztraminer or RoxyAnn Winery 2008 Night Harvest Viognier

But, most importantly, drink what you like!