Cheers N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 8 6 3 courtesy photos Enjoy a glass for every stage of the meal. Let’s be honest– wine may very well be more essential than the turkey itself. By Ralph Hersom S urrounded by family on Thanksgiving day, you can bet you’re not the only one relying on a glass or two of wine. Let’s be hon- est–it may very well be more essential than the turkey itself. The question is, what kind of wines do you serve? The various flavors on the table can present challenges for the pairing. Luckily, I’ve been there and have the selections to make sure your meal is a success. Gruet Brut Rosé - Founded in 1984, the New Mexico-based win- ery Gruet makes delicious sparkling wines that rival those pro- duced anywhere in the U.S. Made from 100-percent Pinot Noir, this fuller-bodied sparkling wine has aromas of flowers and berries with notes of raspberry and strawberries. With plenty of zesty acidity, this is the perfect wine to start the festivities. (RSVP Discount Beverage, $15.99) 2017 Anne Amie Two Estates Pinot Gris - From Willamette Valley comes this delicious Pinot Gris—a white wine I find to be truly versatile when it comes to food and wine pairing. I absolutely love this wine for Thanksgiving. Intensely aromatic with flavors of Asian pears and Meyer lemons, it’s beautifully balanced with crisp acidity, making this a perfect pairing for your feast. (Bow Street Beverage, $17.49) 2017 Anne Amie Winemaker’s Selection Pinot Noir - I couldn’t resist recommending this red from the Willamette Val- ley, the same producer as the white above. It’s that good! Medi- um-full bodied with jammy red fruits and lasting finish, this is the perfect red kick-off for the meal. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines in the world for pairings. This wine helps drive that point home. (Bow Street Beverage, $30.99) 2015 Ridge Lytton Springs - First produced by Ridge in 1972, this Zinfandel-forward red blend is absolutely delicious. Made from a blend of 74-percent Zinfandel, 16-percent Petite Sirah, 8-percent Carignan, and 2-percent Mourvedre, this is one of California’s most consistent Zins. Red and black fruit aromas lead to flavors of black cherry and blackberry with hints of herbs and spice. This is a memorable wine to finish your meal and enjoy by the fire. (Old Port Wine Merchants, $39.99) n RalphHersomisasommelierandtheownerofRalph’sHinghamWineMerchantinHingham,MA. The Wines of Thanksgiving