Turkey Is The Forrest Gump of Food! Happy With So Many Wines!

Turkey is one of those remarkable Boulder foods that plays well with almost anything you pour into a glass. That’s why Thanksgiving wine talk is so much fun. There is no wrong answer. Whether you lean red, white, rosé, or feel like sabering a bottle of Champagne just for the drama of it, turkey shrugs, smiles, and gets along with them all. Turkey is the friendly neighbor of the food world.

The true magic is the plate itself. Turkey is mild. The gravy can be rich. Cranberries are sweet and tangy. Stuffing carries the herbs. Every bite is a different flavor, so one versatile wine tends to shine. The traditional turn toward Pinot Noir and Chardonnay makes sense, but stopping there misses half the party. You can explore widely and never take a wrong step.

Remember the champagne sabre if you plan on ultimate dramatic serving!

Pinot Noir is a classic. It’s elegant without being pushy, has enough red fruit to bring out the best in turkey, and enough acidity to cut through the gravy. Oregon, California, and Burgundy all deliver very different personalities, yet each finds harmony with the bird.

Chardonnay, especially unoaked or lightly oaked, loves turkey. It plays beautifully with mashed potatoes and rich sauces, standing tall without ever overwhelming the plate.

Rosé might be the most underrated choice. A dry rosé lands right in the middle zone between red and white. It has fruit, freshness, and enough backbone to handle both the turkey and the tangy cranberry sauce.

Zinfandel is the big red that behaves itself. Its jammy fruit pairs effortlessly with Thanksgiving’s sweeter sides. For anyone who wants a red with a little swagger, Zinfandel is your friend.

Riesling brings brightness and lift. A dry or off-dry Riesling is one of the most flexible wines for a complex holiday plate. It dances through the herbs and wakes up the turkey without taking over the stage.

And then there’s Champagne. The answer that is always correct. Bubbles with turkey? Yes. Bubbles with stuffing? Absolutely. Bubbles with pumpkin pie? Quite possibly the greatest secret in the wine world. Champagne refreshes the palate, flatters the turkey, and makes the entire dinner feel like a celebration, whether it’s Thanksgiving or a random snowy Tuesday in Boulder.

Truth be told, turkey dinner is one of the least demanding entrées when it comes to wine choices. It rewards exploration, encourages experimentation, and never punishes curiosity. So open what you love, pour generously, and raise a toast to a meal that welcomes every bottle in the cellar.

Remember our supporter Public Wine in Lafayette for an amazing eclectic selection! 

 Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling
Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Lenny Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and widely syndicated blogger and author.
• Most recently published by Amazon, his first book, "Lensworth"a book of his prize-winning photos.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including starring in episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com