Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

It’s really hard to believe it’s that time again! A week from today, it’s another Thanksgiving. A day when we say our “Thanks” and start “Giving” our hard-earned cash to the retail stores to bolster the economy! But, really. . it’s all about the food! For some of us, we are able to show off our culinary prowess, while others may show their utter capacity for imbibing. Wine is essential in these seasonal feasts, and a wonderful compliment to a meal well done! Or, sometimes, it takes center stage when someone’s culinary prowess is not quite up to par.

So what we have here are 7 wonderful selections to wash down that poultry (the one Benjamin Franklin wanted as the National bird). The Turkey! (And as a disclaimer for those of you bucking the turkey trend and going with the ham: All these wines go well with ham, as well.) Our special Carpe Vinum Food-and-Wine-Matching Test Laboratory, with our Wine Test Monkey (me), has genuinely approved these 7 wines as delicious and perfect for the Thanksgiving meal. (Tofurkey notwithstanding.)

But this year, I have brought back an old favorite from last year: the Brick House Gamay Noir! This wine goes with just about anything, in my opinion, and unfortunately for us, there is half as much around as there was last year. I will have some on hand, and will order as much as I can until it’s gone, but it holds the “Mike the Carpe Vinum Test Monkey Seal of Approval.” Also approved is a blend from the winery Erin Glenn. It’s my first selection from the newly recognized AVA of the Columbia Gorge, and a blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot and Barbera. Yum.

So Friday, November 19th, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

Wines to Go With Turkey (Or Not)!
Amity 2002 Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Brick House 2003 Organic Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Bodegas Palacio 1999 Glorioso Reserva, Rioja, Spain
Marc Bredif 2001 Chinon, Loire, France
Erin Glenn 2003 Tantrum Red, Columbia Gorge, Oregon

The Extra-Special Premium Pours:
Lapierre 2002 Morgon, Beaujolais, France
Telegramme 2002 Chateauneuf du Pape, France

A stellar deal at $10 for the first 5, and $6 for the Extra 2 Premium Pours.
Hope to see you here!
Seize the Wine!

There will be not tasting the following Friday (Day after Thanksgiving.) I need a day to recover too!
Next Friday tasting is Wonderful Wines of Spain! (December 3rd)
M