Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to explore food and wine pairing. With a wonderfully diverse menu, the traditional Thanksgiving feast presents a multitude of exciting opportunities. However, the wealth of wines available to consumers makes it easy to get overwhelmed. How do you find a wine that will successfully pair with everything? With so many wines on the market today, where on earth do you start?
Why not make it simple this year and stick to one incredibly versatile grape? The grape that lives up to such a bold challenge is France’s illustrious Chenin Blanc. The delightful variations of Chenin Blanc are just what you need for a successful and delectable Thanksgiving table.
From savory to spicy to meaty to vegetal to sweet, if there is a wine grape that can effortlessly compliment everything, surely it is Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is produced in a range of styles, from bone dry to off-dry to lusciously sweet. The wide array of dishes that grace our holiday tables demands wine that will embrace all of the eclectic flavors and textures. Chenin Blanc is the answer.
A white grape originally from France’s historic and beautiful Loire valley, the wines produced from Chenin Blanc have been a favorite in the chic bistros and restaurants of Paris for centuries. With soft floral and fruit aromas on the nose and flavors of honeycomb, lime, and ripe pear, with zippy acidity on the palate, Chenin Blanc is fine wine at its best.
Chenin Blanc has great adaptability and can be grown successfully in both cool and hot climates. Chenin Blanc’s naturally high acidity makes it desirable to winemakers, as acidity is one of the keys to a balanced wine. Chenin Blanc was one of the first white grapes to be grown in California in the 19th century. Unfortunately, in the early days of California, the wines were produced emphasizing quantity rather than quality, and Chenin Blanc was relegated to the dregs of bulk wine production. Its potential for greatness was ignored and Chenin Blanc became known as a cheap jug wine in the United States.
Today, Chenin Blanc continues to be undervalued in the USA, in spite of the valiant efforts of forward-thinking wine producers. It still battles its jug wine reputation and is easily overshadowed by the more popular chardonnay, pinot grigio, and sauvignon blanc. Of course, economically, this is to the benefit of the informed consumer. Due to the low demand, superb imported and domestic Chenin Blanc is available for a song.
If you’d like a sampling of classic Chenin Blanc from its native land, French Chenin Blanc won’t disappoint. Seek out a sparkling Cremant de La Loire and a crisp, dry Savennieres. Vouvray and Montlouis are spectacular off-dry wines that will add finesse to your table. Try a sweet, unctuous dessert wine from Coteaux du Layon with your pumpkin pie. You may never go back to coffee!
The popularity of domestic Chenin Blanc is rising and many small producers in California are making well-crafted Chenin Blanc with aplomb. The grape is rising to new heights of excellence. If you prefer to serve American wine for this American holiday, don’t hesitate to pick up a few bottles of delicious Chenin Blanc from fine California boutique winemakers. Excellent producers can be found in Santa Barbara, Mendocino, Sierra Foothills, and the Central Coast. Delight in the bounty of Chenin Blanc!
Happy Thanksgiving! And cheers!
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