Nov. 26, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

If you’re stumped for wine pairings at your Thanksgiving table, it’s understandable.

“Thanksgiving is a difficult dinner to pair a wine,” said Tom Slattery, owner of JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars. “Seriously, look at all the stuff on that plate! But just stop in or give us a call and we’ll walk you through some outstanding options.”

Here are few of Slattery’s dos and don’ts when it comes to Thanksgiving wine selections:

Do …

• Buy wines that you personally enjoy! Don’t be so eager to pair this with that or worry about what someone will like or won’t like. Ultimately, you will be stuck with the leftovers, so be sure to have what you want at the end of the day.
• Note the exception to the “do” above: Grandma and her wine of choice.
• Seek out wines in the price range you are comfortable with. We have a ton of great wines to fit all budgets. No need to spend a small fortune to impress your kid’s girlfriend’s parents. They will be happy with whatever you put in front of them.
• Take advice from your locally owned wine shop professional! Be armed with information about what you are serving and we will do our best to fill your cart with items we know you will enjoy! Same goes for cocktails and beer!

Don’t …

• Try to pair your wine with just the protein! There is so much going on with your plate that when you try to pair the perfect wine for turkey, you often will conflict your taste buds when it comes to the cranberry sauce, yams and mashed potatoes.
• Overspend! You don’t need to spend a lot to get a great wine but also don’t let that stop you from putting some good stuff out either. We have more than 2,000 wines to choose from at JJ’s!
• Just grab wine at the grocery store or big box because you are there. I know it gets busy this time of the year but taking a few extra steps to help out a locally owned small business hit some goals this holiday season is a reward in itself and well worth your effort. We certainly want you to shop with us, but if it’s not us, make sure it’s another “Mom & Pop” shop!
• I am a big fan of versatile wines when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, so I always lean in toward those wines that suit your personal palate when making recommendations but maybe something a little different than what you pour for your daily drink.

Whites for Thanksgiving

• Chenin Blanc, Vouvray and Viognier are still my top choices for white wines. Here are a few ideas: Matanzas Creek Chenin Blanc, San Simeon Viognier, Chateau de Montfort Vouvray and Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier.

• If you are looking for a white wine to specifically pair with turkey — not recommended, but you can’t argue with some people — I would suggest an un-oaked Chardonnay like Chablis from France. We just received our annual supply of newly released Chablis from Louis Jadot as well!

• If you are looking for something sweeter (Grandma), go for an Alsace Riesling or Gewurtztraminer. You will be surprised how well the acidic components in these wines work with your plate and still have a degree of sweetness.

Reds for Thanksgiving

• First make sure that the couch is clear for landing before the tryptophan sets in. Red wines and turkey do cause sleepiness after dinner and make a good excuse to avoid the dishes.
• Zinfandel or a hearty red blend is what I would suggest for your turkey dinner. The wines tend to be less complex and acidic, so they pair well with most of what’s on your plate.
• If you are looking for a specific pairing for turkey, I would suggest an Oregon Pinot Noir or Burgundy from France.
• If you are doing something different for Thanksgiving like a smoked brisket or other red meat, lean in towards California Cabernet or Italian big red like Chianti Classico or Brunello. If you really want to get bold, go for an Amarone, but they tend to be a bit pricier.
• Then, there is always Beaujolais Nouveau! No-frills red wine and priced right for large groups. This year’s Georges DuBeouf Beaujolais Nouveau is quite tasty, and I am certain would be enjoyed by everyone at your table.

Upcoming days

Here’s what to know about the holiday week ahead at JJ’s:

• Wednesday: Whisk(e)y Wednesday and Thanksgiving Eve! JJ’s is open for retail sales at 10 a.m., and JJ’s Bar opens at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. Lunch happy hour runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with all sandwiches 20 percent off. For Whiskey Wednesday, all single bottle spirits are 30 percent off list price. Mix and match six and get 35 percent off, plus enjoy half-price whiskey flights in the JJ’s Bar and an allocated bottle raffle.
• Thursday: Thanksgiving Day! JJ’s will be open for retail sales from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. JJ’s Bar will be open for a cocktail if you are in need of a break from family. “Two volunteers who offered to work are both skilled bartenders, so we figured why not!” Slattery said. “No food though, we figure you have that covered!”
• Friday: Stop in for drinks and food amid the Black Friday craziness. JJ’s will be releasing the 2024 Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout when doors open at 10 a.m., plus watch for a special doorbuster offer.
• Saturday: Every day feels like Small Business Saturday at family-owned JJ’s, but this is a great day to stop in and show your support. And, don’t forget to pre-order holiday cookie boxes from The Boozy Bakery! They will be available for pickup Dec. 13-31. Click here for the details.