Uncommon Pairings for Your Thanksgiving Meal
Everyone has different Thanksgiving traditions, and here at Priest Ranch, we welcome a little uncommon adventure to the dinner table. Maybe your celebrations look a little different this year, or you’re eager to test out some different recipes on new friends and family members. We’ve got you covered with a round-up of our most unique wines, paired with some equally impressive dishes for your Thanksgiving meal. Who says you need to have turkey and green bean casserole every year, anyway?
Caviar Dip with Brut Rosé
What better way to kick off the festivities than with a glass of our 2017 Brut Rosé and some classy chips and dip? Dazzle your guests with this simple yet fancy snack of sour cream, caviar, and potato chips. With the addition of lemon zest, chives, and white pepper, the sour cream has a bit of a zip to it. Top with a generous amount of salmon roe or other caviar and serve with crunchy, salty potato chips. Our 2017 Brut Rosé really highlights the subtle delicacy of this dish while complementing the saltiness of the fish roe and potato chips. It’s truly a match made in Thanksgiving heaven. (Note: this also makes for a great late-night snack!)
Kimchi Brussels Sprouts with Grenache Blanc
You may be thinking, “Kimchi? On Thanksgiving?” But trust us, we’re on to something. For those of you not in the know, kimchi—a staple of Korean cuisine—is salted and fermented cabbage and radish seasoned with gochugaru, garlic, ginger, and other umami-filled seasonings. It’s also a natural probiotic, so it’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving meal! The great thing about kimchi is that it’s become so popular in modern cuisine that you’re likely to find a jar of it at your local grocery store. In this recipe, it’s added to roasted Brussels sprouts and smoky bacon, balancing the tangy flavor-packed kimchi with a smooth richness—much like our 2019 Grenache Blanc! This is the perfect wine to serve alongside this dish with crisp, pleasant acidity on the palate and a creamy, medium-bodied mouthfeel. Not to mention, the uncommonness of both the dish and the wine makes them the perfect foils for each other.
Sherry Pimenton Pork Shoulder with Peacemaker Red Wine
Contrary to popular belief, it’s okay to serve something other than roasted turkey on Thanksgiving—especially when you’re trying out new traditions! There is something to be said about the presentation of a large turkey in the center of the table. Still, you can accomplish this showstopping look with another cut of meat, like an exquisite sherry pimenton pork shoulder. Effortless and delicious, this recipe also takes some time in the oven, so don’t worry—your kitchen will still be filled with intoxicating aromas of smoky meat. With flavors of sherry, pimenton (smoked paprika), garlic, and fresh thyme, a dish like this needs an equally impressive wine at its side. Enter our 2018 Peacemaker. This red blend is produced from our estate fruit and aged 24 months in new and used French oak. With lovely aromas of cedar, nutmeg, cinnamon bark, toasted vanilla, and spiced plum, the palate boasts vibrant flavors of crushed cranberry, pomegranate, and Bing cherry. Richly layered with smooth tannins and balanced acidity, this wine walks the line of fruit and earth and softens the smokiness of the roasted pork. Your guests will be saying, “Turkey, who?”
Share Your Dishes
We love to see what exciting food and wine pairings our fans come up with, especially for big, beautiful holiday meals. Be sure to snap and share your photos of feasts and Priest Ranch wines this holiday season and tag us on social media.