With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s that time again when the wine scribe community holds forth on the annual “what wine to drink with the big dinner” question. Somehow, they always seem to land in the same Beaujolais, Zinfandel, Riesling neighborhood….hmmm. We’ve pondered the question ourselves and, with a bit of a bias as you might suspect, came up with some different answers…
Dassai 39 Sparkling Daiginjo Nigori (Yamaguchi) — Every holiday begins with a kanpai/toast and this expressively effervescent sparkler which strikes the perfect balance between sweet and dry is not only a festive aperitif, but is also a great match with hors d’oeuvres to serve as you welcome your guests.
Akita Bare Suirakuten Junmai Daiginjo (Akita) — To complement your first course, serve this elegant, gentle, compact brew with a clean dry finish. After tasting this sake, you’ll want to add it to your list of reasons to give thanks.
Sawanoi Kiokejikomi Kimoto Junmai (Tokyo) — For a sublime pairing with roast turkey, savory stuffing, and sides e.g. sweet potatoes, maple bacon brussels sprouts, etc., nothing beats this nutty, creamy, sake with its layers of butterscotch and caramel flavors balanced with just the right amount of acidity
Housui Tokubetsu Junmai (Tokushima) — As an alternative or a second option for the main course, this aromatic, silky, slightly sweet sake’s peppery flavor and long finish also has the acidity to stand up to the richness of traditional Thanksgiving fare.
So, try sake this Thanksgiving. You may find yourself thanking the Japanese for something on this quintessentially American holiday. Perhaps if all those wine writers did the same, they might come up with a new answer to the annual question.
Please come visit us for specific suggestions for sake ideas to match your menu.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Rick & Hiroko
