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Quench Recap: Episode 2
In the holiday season, I go a little Peanuts – “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” are eagerly-awaited staples in my house every year. So, during my latest Quench episode: the doctor was in – and we dove into Thanksgiving pairing advice with a nod to the “doctor” herself, Lucy Van Pelt. Joined by David and Coral Brown, we even tested my wine picks and pairing principles with fun takes on popcorn and toast! (Remember Snoopy and Charlie Brown’s impromptu take on the Thanksgiving meal?)
My 4 S’s of Thanksgiving pairing: Savory, Sweet, Steal, Splurge – recognize that the Thanksgiving table is often a cacophony of flavors from savory to sweet; think herbal or spicy meats and stuffings, to candied yams and cranberry sauces. So, finding the right wines for the dinner can feel intimidating. One good rule of thumb to follow:
The wine should be at least as sweet as the dish. But! Sweet, when it comes to wine, can mean “fruit sweet” wines made from perfectly ripe grapes into a dry style.
I was also joined by my friend, Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of FOOD & WINE Magazine. We chatted about his book, “The World in a Wineglass” which I used to select a few wines for this episode. Ray’s advice for selecting wine for Turkey Day: Look at who is coming to your dinner – you want wines that will appeal to the crowd. “Thanksgiving is about the social and family connection.”
Stream via my YouTube Channel or Facebook page, where you can also sign up to get reminders when the upcoming episode is about to air live.
QUENCH Live Next Episode: Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 5:30 pm PDT – Holiday Spirit & Sparkle
In my third episode, I’ll be joined by my longtime colleague and Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, who worked at the Rainbow Room above Rockefeller Center. AND December 4th just so happens to be when the famous tree lighting ceremony takes place in New York City! Dale and I will explore a holiday-spirited remake of a classic cocktail using his Amaro and Bitters!
I’ll also be joined by Kelli White, author of Napa Valley Then and Now, and we’ll discuss her new book, Wine Confident: There’s No Wrong Way to Enjoy Wine.
And because everything is better with bubbles, I’ll dive into sparkling wines for the holidays. During my first episode, Myles Trapp, MS and I broke down “What is Champagne, and what is it not.”
In this upcoming episode, I’ll break down the two main types of quality sparkling wines, including great picks that over-deliver for the price, and are deliciously worthy of this festive time.
- Dr. Loosen Red Slate Riesling Kabinett, Mosel Germany
- Trimbach Gewurztraminer, Alsace France
- Sokol Blosser Kalita Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR
- Brown Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel, California
- Chateau Rieussec Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
For wine lovers, a subscription to my video wine course is a gift that keeps on giving, in new knowledge and pleasure all year long.
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The BEST Thanksgiving Turkey Technique
Food & Wine Pairing, Holiday TraditionsRather like our American melting pot culture, our Thanksgiving turkey approach is a crazy quilt of inputs and experiments refined. And we’re not done! I’m also eager to gain more feedback and words of wisdom. But here are our must-dos.
The Ultimate End-of-Summer Food & Wine Pairing – No grill needed.
UncategorizedThe knock-your-socks-off end-of-summer pairing is a no-heat, no meat even, match with Napa Cabernet or really any favorite red wine with some grip and spunk. Tomatoes+basil+Cabernet=music for your mouth.