Who Is Tim?
My name is Tim Brinkmann and while I'd prefer to answer your questions in person at my store, you will always have 24-hour access to my wine and spirits knowledge on my Ask Tim page. My background and my passion both lie in the wine and spirits industry, with over 10 years experience as a spirits wholesaler and 9 years in fine wine distribution. I opened Brinkmann's Wine & Spirits because I love to discover new wines and spirits and I have a great appreciation for the evolution, growth, and maturity of existing brands. Please come visit me in the store so we can talk shop, or feel free to interact with me here. Just remember: Good, Better... Brinkmann's!

Updated November 16, 2010

Mary Anne asks Tim –

Dear Tim,

I need your help choosing the right wine varietals for family members who are coming into town (along with their diverse palates) for Thanksgiving. Some love only red and others are strictly white wine drinkers. I would love to accommodate all of their needs, however with such a wide range of dishes to serve, I want to make sure I'm pairing the wines correctly! Help!

Gobble Gobble,

Mary Anne W.

Tim responds – I am here to the rescue! Pairing the right wines with Thanksgiving feast is one of my favorite times of the year! First, have fun with it. This is a great holiday that allows us to stuff ourselves into a comatose state and sip on fantastic wines at the same time, woo hoo! When choosing a red wine, be sure to choose ones with tame tannins.
These will include Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel, Beaujolais Nouveau and Rose. These wines will pair wonderfully with turkey and stuffing without overpowering the food's intense flavors. While shopping for white wines, consider Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Albarino, Viognier, and sparkling wines. As a side note, be careful when choosing Chardonnay! You run a higher risk of it tasting bitter when pairing it to most traditional Thanksgiving dishes. I am certain these wines mentioned will carry you from appetizers all the way to your favorite slice of pumpkin pie. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

 

Cheers! Tim