Top 10 Turkey Wines
Happy Thanksgiving Leschi! Let Leschi Market be your one-stop-shop for the upcoming holiday. Turkey, prime rib, Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, pecan pie and of course, wine! Here are six reds, two whites and two pinks that are in good supply and sure to please the whole family. The Market will be well staffed to help you with all your needs. Don’t forget the cranberries! Enjoy!
Red
2017 Savage Grace Red Côt Malbec Dineen Vineyard Yakima Valley ($25)
“This bright and light-bodied red wine was made from 100% Malbec grapes. It is reminiscent of some of the Malbec-based wines I’ve tasted from the cool-climate Loire Valley, where the grape is called Côt (pronounced ‘Coh’). Food-friendly and almost Pinot Noir-like. It shows aromas of red berries and spice. A truly unique spin on Malbec. 96 cases produced.” ~Michael Savage, Winemaker
2017 Paetra Red Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Oregon ($23)
“Our second release Pinot Noir is even better than the first. It is fresh and elegant with moderate alcohol and a long finish. It is very red-fruited (strawberry, raspberry) and aromatic with notes of rose and hibiscus. The longer, cooler vintage of 2017 produced very special Pinot Noir of lighter and brighter character. 13% Alc., 195 cases produced.” ~Winemaker notes
2016 Syncline Subduction Red Columbia Valley ($20)
“This wine is a blend of 40% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 14% Cinsault and 11% Carignan. High toned aromas of dried herb, red plum, white pepper, smoked meat, raspberry, dried flower and fennel lead to a soft, flavorful palate, with a lengthy, raspberry and spice filled finish.” ~Wine Enthusiast, 90-points.
2013 Zenato Alanera Rosso Veneto Italy ($15)
A blend of 55% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 10% Corvinone, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. “A red with dried and juicy fruit. Medium to full body, round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now.” ~James Suckling, 91-points.
2017 Domaine Chanteleuserie Cabernet Franc Cuvée Alouettes Loire ($15)
“Thierry Boucard represents the seventh generation. The Cuvée Alouettes comes from sandier soils, which tend to yield softer wines with very supple tannins. It saw fermentation and aging in stainless steel to preserve maximum aromas of fresh fruit. Wild berries jump out of the glass invitingly, while a peppery note adds an earthy twist.” ~Winemaker Notes
2016 Gérard Bigonneau Rouge Reuilly Loire Valley ($14)
What’s this? It’s Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley. This 370-acre appellation is unique among neighboring villages because it produces Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris as well as Pinot Noir. This small-production, estate Pinot is medium-bodied with framboise on the nose, and ripe raspberries and red plums on the palate. The long finish is bright and fresh with hints of earth.
White
2015 Tranche Pape Blanc Estate Blue Mountain Vineyard Walla Walla ($20)
“Vibrant melon and stone fruit aromas are complemented by notes of honeysuckle, citrus, white tea and baking spice. The wine is fresh and tactile on the palate with flavors of cantaloupe, white peach and nectarine, enhanced by flint and lightly toasted notes. A blend of 29% Viognier, 22% Roussanne, 16% Grenache Blanc, 15% Marsanne, 10% Clairette Blanche and 8% Picpoul Blanche. 489 cases produced.” ~Winemaker Notes
2016 Newton Skyside Chardonnay Sonoma County ($18)
Taking a blend of fruit from Knights, Alexander, Russian River and Dry Creek Valley, Newton crafts their 2016 from grapes of optimal ripeness and balanced acidity. New and used barrel aging lends a soft background of vanilla and spice to honeysuckle and ripe peach flavors followed by baked apple and a supple, slightly mineral finish. Expressive and delicious.
Rosé
2017 Moulin De Gassac Rose Guilhem Languedoc Roussillon ($13)
Aromas of fresh picked strawberries and crushed red fruits—raspberries and cherries—get a lift from floral accents and a hint of citrus rind. In the mouth, it’s bright and crisp but also fleshy and rich, with loads of ripe berry fruit and just a touch of mineral. It fills your mouth with flavor and fun before the acids come up on the finish. Equal parts Syrah and Carignan.
2016 Domaine Sorin Rosé ‘Terra Amata’ Côtes de Provence ($11)
Brilliant pink robe with aromas of white peaches and citrus fruit on the nose, hints of minerals and spice. Attacking freshness with hints of raspberry and red current on the palate. The blend is 40% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Carignan, 10% Rolle and 5% Orgi.
Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket.