Thanksgiving in France
NOVEMBER 2024
The traditional turkey dinner on the fourth Thursday in November is a quintessentially American thing, but the wines you enjoy with that dinner can come from anywhere. This year, we're suggesting two great choices from France: a Viognier (white) and a Syrah-Grenache-Merlot blend – both from Vin de Pays d'Oc on the French Mediterranean near the border to Spain.
For Thanksgiving pairings, you're looking for a softer white (not crazy acidic or it will go tart with the sweeter elements of the meal) with pleasant fruitiness and a little more body, not too light.
For a red, the traditional pairing is Pinot Noir because it's not too heavy (won't overpower the turkey), and it's not super dry or acidic, again so it won't go tart with the sweeter items on the table (cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, etc). The red blend in your club is made of different grapes, but the wine hits all the pairing markers! Enjoy.
Maison Brotte — Southern Rhône
The Brotte family (generations 3, 4 & 5 pictured above) is now in its fifth generation of running and growing this family business. It started in the 1880's with plots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Cairanne. They have their estate properties, but starting in the 1930's, they began selling their neighbors' wines around France, and then in the 1970's, they expanded to selling their book of local wines outside of France. They were one of the first families to grow their business in this way, and it has been quite successful for them.
Brotte 2023 Viognier
Vin de Pays d’Oc, France • Reg $15.99 | WINE CLUB $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99
100% Viognier. Floral on the noise. White peach, dried apricot, ripe apples. Good body. Pleasant acidity. Citrus on the finish. Classic French Viognier. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner! Drink now to 2 years.
Domaine de Cassagnau — Limoux, France
This wonderful little property is located in the tiny village of Pauligne, 30 minutes southwest of the fortified city of Carrcassone (a world heritage site) in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The owner is a gentleman named Jacques Abet (pictured above left), a doctor by profession, he carries on the long tradition of this family-owned estate (since the 1700's). His grandmother, Berthe, managed it for more than 60 years. Jacques inherited the property from his mother, Jacqueline. Today, he runs the estate with his wife, Colette.
Jacques has played a huge roll in the renovation of this estate. Like so many winemakers in the Vin de Pays, he's creative and takes advantage of the IGP's lack of regulations.
He grows traditional grapes (Syrah & Grenache), traditionally Bordeaux varietals (Merlot & Cabernet), varietals from Burgundy (Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, as well as local varietals (Mauzac & Chenin Blanc). The terroir is unique.
The exporter says it's where the Mediterranean (lots of sunshine) meets the Atlantic (providing humidity & freshness). The soils are full of large, round gravel with some black slate.
Domaine de Cassagnau 2022 Rouge
Vin de Pays d'Oc, France • Reg $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99
Syrah 35% - Grenache 35% - Merlot 30%. Wild berries with a pleasant nose of herbal garrigue. Intoxicating. Flavors of black raspberries(!), dark plums, black cherries, note of black currant. Again some herbal notes. Medium-bodied. So incredibly tasty for the price! Smooth fresh fruit. Made for turkey dinner! Drink now to 1 year.
The above photo was taken this time of year at Domaine de Cassagnau with its foggy view of the Pyranees. So lovely. Just like your wines. Hope you enjoy them with your Thanksgiving dinner or with any fall dinner of your choosing. They are both terrific fall wines!
Your wine club pick-up tasting is always the 2nd Saturday of the month. Join to taste and learn about your November club wines as well as the Portalis FLAGSHIP club wines – a Cab, a Zinfandel & a Sauvignon Blanc from Ancient Peaks, a winery in Paso Robles.
Cheers,
Jens Strecker, Owner
Portalis Wine Shop
If you are here because you’re curious about our wine clubs: Here’s more general info & online signup> You can also peruse the last 12 months of both clubs to get a feel for the themes we pick and the wines we showcase: Portalis EXPLORES (our everyday wine club) & Portalis FLAGSHIP (our signature club).