Although it’s very much an American holiday, Thanksgiving is now a date well-known across the world. Those who celebrate it see it as an occasion on which to enjoy family and friendship, offer thanks for the good times and, of course, enjoy a big meal.
The classic menu is the one we’ve seen in the films we all grew up with, with a big roast turkey and all manner of accompaniments followed by a wide array of desserts. In spite of all the riches on the table, we mustn’t forget the perfect ally to enhance the experience even more: wine. So why not choose a good Argentine one?
But that just raises more questions: which Argentine wine to choose amid all the different options available? To help you orient yourselves, below we offer a few ideas to make Argentine wine the perfect complement to Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving: connecting flavors
Thanksgiving dinner can be a challenge for wine pairings. The traditional accompaniments – mashed potato, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato and cranberry jelly – and the undisputed star, turkey, combine for a symphony of sweet, acid, salty and spicy flavors. The key lies in choosing versatile, easy to drink wines that can handle the vast range of stimuli.
Here’s some good advice: forget the rules. This isn’t the time for debates over the ideal pairings, dish by dish. Instead, we recommend using Thanksgiving to savor a wide variety of options to please every guest.
Classical options that never fail
If you want to stay on safe ground, it’s best to choose wines that have already won pride of place on festive tables.
There’s no doubt that thanks to their versatility, Pinot Noirs have become classics on the Thanksgiving table. These light reds, with their freshness and red fruit notes, pair very well with the mildness of the turkey and its garnishes. Patagonia and the Uco Valley (Mendoza) both produce an array of fresh, elegant labels. For example, from the hills of Mendoza we suggest Salentein Reserve, Serbal from Bodega Atamisque and, if you’re looking for something more sophisticated and exclusive, Domaine Nico La Savante is an ideal choice for fans of Burgundy. From Patagonia, meanwhile, three excellent Pinot Noirs are Barda from Bodega Chacra, Saurus from Familia Schroeder and 45 Rugientes, made by Otronia in the most southerly vineyard in the world.
On the other hand, to balance out the sweeter flavors of the garnishes, the vibrant acidity of Argentine white wines are an excellent option for those looking for something different. Of the varieties that will do very well on the Thanksgiving table, Semillón stands out. Options for the grape include Mendel or the Patagonian Humberto Canale Old Vines. Sauvignon Blanc might also be an alternative and among these stand outs include Sophenia Synthesis from Mendoza or, from Buenos Aires by the Atlantic coast, Costa y Pampa Sauvignon Blanc.
Another essential presence on the festive table is sparkling wines. Argentina has some wonderful options in that area. Whether it’s Brut Nature or Extra Brut, Argentina produces effervescent wines that help to clean out the palate between mouthfuls, and also make for excellent toasting material. Excellent options include Rosell Boher Grande Cuvée Millésimée 2019 and Cruzat Single Vineyard Finca la Dama Extra Brut while others that will certainly stand out are Barón B Brut Nature, Bressia Royale Brut Nature and Teho Espumante. All these are made using the champenoise method, which has become something of a local specialty.
Moving beyond the classical for Thanksgiving
If instead you’re looking for something a little less conventional, there are plenty of Argentine wines that bring an unexpected but delicious touch to the table.
Argentine curiosities in the segment include dry whites such as the Rieslings made by Doña Paula or Luigi Bosca, the Gewürztraminer by Rutini or Old Vines Torrontés from El Esteco, all of which will give you plenty to talk about at the Thanksgiving table.
Thanks to their balance between fruit and acidity, Argentine rosés have become the perfect option for those looking for something light and festive. Recommendations for offering a pleasant surprise to your fellow drinkers include Gran Lurton Rosé de Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc from Los Chacayes, Susana Balbo Signature Rosé de Malbec and Pinot Noir, and Saint Felicien Rosé de Grenache, Syrah and Malbec.
Finally, it’s worth noting that a lot of wineries are now making available their back catalog of vintages to demonstrate the aging potential of Argentine wines. Without a doubt, uncorking an aged bottle from an Argentine terroir is an unforgettable experience. Here, one option is to look to the wines of Bodegas López and their Montchenots; a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot that is released on the market 10 years after its birth. This means that the wine can become the star of the show, especially among those who appreciate tradition and refinement.
To show thanks and share with others
Beyond food pairings, wine at Thanksgiving is also an excellent means of connecting with family and friends. So what better time to open the bottle you’ve been saving for a special occasion?
Whether it’s a Grand Malbec from Altamira, a Cabernet Franc from the Pedernal Valley, a Pinot Noir from Patagonia or a Tannat from the Calchaquí Valleys, the important thing is to share and enjoy the moment together.
But if you’re still unsure what wines to go for, why not head to your favorite wine store and ask about some of the Argentine wines that are making waves across the world? For example, Cheval des Andes made jointly by Terrazas de los Andes and Cheval Blanc in Mendoza, Altura Máxima Malbec from vineyard owned by Bodega Colomé at a height of 10,200 feet in the Argentine northwest, or Piedra Infinita Malbec from Zuccardi, one of the most award-winning labels in the country.
