Holiday Kick Off Wine That's Oh So Fine!

Ready...set...go! Beaujolais Nouveau release 2012 is upon us (the Thursday before Thanksgiving) and to me it signifies kick off for the holidays! Most consumers can recall seeing Beaujolais Nouveau on the shelves every year around this time but might not understand the beauty of this wine for the holiday season. And yes, there is some brilliant Cru Beaujolais (to be explored further in a future post) that has age ability but Beaujolais Nouveau is released young and meant to be enjoyed upon release and celebrated!

And now as I begin to write my shopping list for Thanksgiving I thought I would share my plans, suggestions and briefly wax poetic on Beaujolais Nouveau and a few other favorites for the Thanksgiving table.

1. 2012 George Duboeuf', Beaujolais Nouveau, Beaujolais, France $12 ;Pomegranate! It is singing of this glorious fruit as well as cranberries, red currant,peach and a punch of black pepper. Perfect for parties and a crowd pleaser for the season!
(Note: They release a special one for Whole Foods only and is pictured above)

2. NV Lucien Albrecht, Cremant D'Alsace Brut Rose, Alsace, France $19; In my mind no holiday table (or really any table!) is complete without a bottle of bubbly and this is my chic little value go to. It's dry and offers notes of toast, strawberries, raspberries, citrus and a hint of herbal, get a full glass, it goes quick!

3. 2011 VML,  Gewurztraminer, Sonoma, CA $25; I discovered this beauty on a recent trip, it's dry and crisp with notes of rose petals, lychee, citrus, green apple and dressed in an absolutely gorgeous label.

4. 2011 Bodegas Martin Codax, Burgans, Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain $15; This is one of my new favorites and whether you offer it as an aperitif and with cheese (fantastic with Asiago) or serve it with turkey and stuffing the notes of peach, lime, pineapple and mango with a hint of chalky minerality will brings smiles to all your guests.

5. 2010 Four Graces, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR $32; It's an elegant woman in a black dress, classic and sophisticated with notes of cranberries, strawberries, cherries and even hints of violet and black tea.

May I also suggest as a twist if you'd like to try something new this year,  give Cornish game hens a whirl! They are small, and make an equally beautiful presentation...roast them in a pomegranate molasses and red wine sauce and garnish with pomegranate seeds for holiday flair!

Happy Thanksgiving and Slainte!