What kind of wine for Thanksgiving? Two Reds and Whites sure to Delight

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

So, you are all ready for Thanksgiving, right? You got the turkey, potatoes, yams, corn, beans, crescent rolls, gravy, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and apple pie. Did I forget anything? Then, someone asks the dreaded question. What kind of wine should we get??? Oh no, now what are we going to do? The whole day is going to be ruined. Okay, the important thing is that we don’t panic here. We are going to explain to you how to pick a good wine for Thanksgiving Dinner. Armed with a few minor tips, that dreaded journey into the wine store will be such a breeze.

First off, good idea on waiting till the last-minute to buy the wine. Many wine stores run some pretty good specials the week of Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, it’s one of my favorite times to stock up on wine. Second, remember the list I just read to you earlier on all the different foods you are making? See, all this variety makes it darn near impossible to select the “perfect” wine for Thanksgiving dinner. Actually, it’s probably a wine and food pairing expert most dreaded job. The key here is to stick to something very neutral. For whites, you would like the acidity to be balanced. For reds, a wine that does not have very strong tannins. Remember, though, that wine and food paring is very personal. The key is to just not make any big mistakes.

White wine pairings:

1. Riesling – Probably what I would pick. Riesling can come in many varieties of sweetness. It can range from very dry to very sweet. Riesling is known to be very fruity and floral. You will find flavors of honey and melon along with the aroma of rose.
2. Sauvignon Blanc – A little more of a bold choice. My favorite white wine, but second on the white wine list for Thanksgiving. Two words that best describe this wine, crisp and fresh. You will definitely find flavors of citrus, green apple, and melon in this wine.

Red wine pairings:

1. Pinot Noir – Pinot is a very neutral and versatile red wine. Usually of light to medium body which makes it a good pairing for Thanksgiving. Take a whiff and you are likely to smell and eventually taste black cherry, raspberry and currant. Pinot’s can very widely from vineyard to vineyard especially when you are talking about different countries.
2. Syrah – Also known as Shiraz. Syrah is known to have a powerful flavor, and it’s a little fuller bodied than the Pinot Noir. Flavors and aromas known to be found in Syrah tend to be blackberry, plum, cloves, and even some black pepper.

So, there you go, a quick guide to selecting wine on Thanksgiving. I’d highly recommend picking up both some white wine and red wine. That way, you will be sure to keep all the guests happy. Also, be sure to take a look at some of the recommended wine accessories below. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

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Photo Worthy Food – Great Espresso/Coffee at Home

Homemade espresso, as prepared in the Triplo G Italian Kitchen.

As I have said before, you don’t need to spend a ton of money at a fancy coffee store for high quality. Here’s an example of what brewing at home can look like. In a previous post, I’ve reviewed the very reasonably priced Delonghi Espresso Machine. The results of what you can produce at home are as good a quality (or better) than you can buy at any coffee shop. So, what’s stopping you? Please check some of the related articles below that will show you what needs to be done in order to brew coffee shop quality coffee at home. I hope you enjoyed this edition of photo worthy food coffee…

Have you had a great meal that you want to share with everyone? Maybe you prepared it yourself, or you enjoyed a great meal at a restaurant. If so, we’d love to see it and post it on our website. So, please take a picture and submit it to us at triplogitalian@yahoo.com. Please include your first name, location, what it is, and why you took the picture. If you have a website, please include the web address; and we will be sure to mention it.

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Margarita Martini

Margarita meets Martini, combining the best of two worlds.

As the famous saying goes: One Martini, Two Martini, Three Martini, FLOOR. This couldn’t be more accurate. Please be careful with these drinks. Make sure to drink Martinis with caution. When blended properly, it’s very hard to taste the alcohol in a Martini.  Another word of warning: DO NOT GO IN A HOT TUB AFTER DRINKING THESE. You will end up having a conversation with Ralph on the big white telephone.

Okay, the attorneys are happy for the disclosures now. You can’t beat a good martini. Martinis are easy to make, taste great, and can come in many flavors. This recipe is for a Margarita Martini which is a glass of absolute deliciousness!!!!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Parts Tequila (Please use something high-end i.e Patron, Don Julio, 1800, Dos Manos, Tres Generacions, etc.)
• 1 Part Triple Sec
• 1 Part Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 Part Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• Lemon or Lime Wedge
• Koshar Salt
• Ice

DIRECTIONS:

• Put salt in a bowl.  Wet rim of Martini glass and dip in salt.
• Add ice to your Oggi Cocktail Shaker.
• Add tequila, triple sec, and fruit juices.
• Shake (don’t stir) martini.
• Pour into frozen Martini glass and garnish with a lime/lemon wedge.

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Wine Review: Vermentino

Vermentino, a very nice white wine.

While vacationing in Sardinia a couple of months ago, I was introduced to a white wine that I had never heard of before.  It is called, Vermentino.  It is the most popular white wine in Sardinia.  As a matter of fact, they have been cultivating this grape since the 14th century.  (At least that is what Wikipedia says.)  Everywhere you look in Sardinia, the Vermentino is flowing.  It was the house white wine at every single ristorante or trattoria that I visited.

Now for the hard part, I will try to describe it.  Vermentino has a citrus taste, but low acidity.  You will find hints of lightly peppered lime, pear, and green apple.  The wine finishes by leaving a very refreshing taste that enjoyably remains in your mouth.  The wine pairs very well with appetizers and grilled fish.  Personally, I paired it with roasted chicken, and it did not disappoint.

When returning home, I checked the Italian section of the wine store to see if they stocked it.  To my surprise, they carried it.  However, they didn’t have any from Sardinia, only from Tuscany.  My guess is the Sardinians save it all for themselves!!

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What Every Kitchen Needs: ESPRESSO MACHINE

Delonghi Espresso Machine, made in Italy.

In this column, we will highlight items that every kitchen needs in order to function. These items will make your kitchen function to its true potential, save time, and also intrigue guests. In addition, these items would make wonderful gifts for that person in your life who loves to cook and/or entertain. Enjoy!

For those who know me, they would find it very hard to believe that I didn’t drink coffee until 5 years ago.  My friend, Monica, introduced me to espresso while on a trip to Italy. Since then I have been hooked.  As a matter of fact, I purchased  DeLonghi Espresso Machine as soon as I got home.  First, I would like to tell a little history on coffee.  When in Italy, if your order a “Cafe” you will get an espresso.  I always get asked if I’d like an “Americano”.  No Americano for me, I want the good stuff!  The reason why it’s called an Americano in Italy dates back to WWII.  When the American GI’s were in Italy, the soldiers would complain that the coffee was too strong.  Then, the baristas would add hot water to the Espresso and VOILA’ the “Americano” was born.

So, why do you need an Espresso Machine?  Quite simply, it makes the best coffee you can imagine.  I use this machine at least once a day, and I adore it.  Did I mention that I can’t live without it.  Don’t laugh, but I have been known to take it camping and on weekend getaways when I know there won’t be a good coffee shoppe nearby.  The possibilities are endless with this machine.  You can make Espresso, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Americano, and numerous other types of coffee.  There is even a side-steamer so you can froth milk. So, I ask you this.  How much do you spend on your coffee habit?  Be honest now!!!  Let’s say it’s $5/day.  This machine is on sale for $160.  Guess what, in 32 days you break even.  Ok, you have the cost of beans…make that 35 days.

Go ahead and treat yourself to the DeLonghi Espresso Machine.  Not only will you love your coffee, but you will save a ton of money by brewing at home.

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