Winemakers offer suggestions for Thanksgiving pairings

Picking a wine pairing for Thanksgiving dinner can be difficult, partly because of the riot of flavors at play in a traditional feast.

So we asked Spokane winemakers to recommend their best match for the holiday table. Here’s what they said:

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars: The velvety, full-bodied Arbor Crest Syrah ($22) has concentrated flavors of black cherry with blueberry nuances, perfect for a holiday spread. It was aged in new French oak, which gives it hints of toasty spices including nutmeg, clove and licorice, according to winemaker Kristina Mielke-van Loben Sels.

Barrister Winery: Attorneys Michael White and Greg Lipsker say they start with a glass of their 2006 Cabernet Franc ($27) as the family begins to gather in the afternoon. With dinner, serve Barrister’s 2005 Columbia Valley Merlot ($23).

Grande Ronde: Serve the Grande Ronde 2007 Cellar White ($15) with your Thanksgiving turkey, along with the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Hills Vineyard ($30), said co-owner and winemaker Dave Westfall.

Latah Creek Wine Cellars: Winemaker Mike Conway said both the 2006 Merlot ($14.99) and 2006 Chardonnay ($10.99) will be on the table at their celebration. They also serve his wife Ellena’s cranberry relish. To make it, combine 2 cans whole cranberry sauce, 1 can crushed pineapple, 1 cup Natalie’s Nectar ($13.99).

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars: Shelly Smith recommends the Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2005 Syrah ($25) paired with a dark chocolate truffle to end a holiday meal. Smith said Just American Desserts truffles are the perfect match.

Lone Canary: Winemaker Michael Scott recommends the 2007 Cuvee Rosé ($12.95) for any holiday gathering. “This charmingly dry rosé will pair beautifully with the many fall flavors of which Thanksgiving is comprised,” Scott said.

Mountain Dome: Serve a bottle of Mountain Dome Brut Rose ($25) with Thanksgiving dinner, said owner Pat Manz. “Sparkling wine is actually easy to pair with almost any meal.”

Nodland Cellars: Winemakers Tracy and Tim Nodland recommend their 2005 Private Blend ($35), which offers ripe bing cherries, dark plums, cracked peppercorn, licorice, chocolate, blackberries, espresso and exotic spice.

Robert Karl Cellars: Serve the 2006 Merlot ($24) with dinner, said owner Rebecca Gunselman. “It will pair nicely with the cornucopia of Thanksgiving fare,” she said. “The savory hints in our merlot bring out the sage and thyme highlights in stuffing.”

Townshend Cellar: Jill Rider, Townshend tasting room manager, recommends Townshend’s T3 Rosé ($14.95): “The crisp, refreshing berry flavors are the perfect complement to turkey.” Or, try the Huckleberry Brut sparkling wine ($18.95).

Vintage Hill Cellars: Winemakers recommend the Vintage Hill 2006 Merlot ($25). “The flavors of black currant and dark cherry with a touch of sage and cinnamon will bring out the essence of a cranberry spiced stuffing and a generous helping of golden roasted turkey,” said winemaker Cody George.

Whitestone Winery: Winemaker Michael Haig and his family will have a bottle of the winery’s Pieces of Red ($15) open while they make dinner. “We also have some Cougar Gold cheese and some fresh crusty bread … to snack on while dinner is cooking,” Haig said.