Dear readers, today I bring you overseas, where every fourth Thursday of November the Americans gather around the ridiculous tables to celebrate Thanksgiving, alias the “Festa del Thanksgiving”. Yes, just what we see in the movies: boards, smiling relatives and a turkey as big as a Panda 4×4.
What is it, then, Thanksgiving Day? Originally, Thanksgiving was born in the 17th century as a celebration of good harvest. Today it has become a kind of early New Year, with less glitter and more gravy. A moment to say “thank you”, between a fork and the other, to the family, friends and patience of those who cook.
The undisputed star is him: the roasted turkey, padded with stuffing, a variable filling that can contain bread, sausage, celery and questionable amount of butter. On his side, as a golose appearance, the inevitable mashed potatoes, whether yellow or sweet, strictly drowned in the gravy, or the sauce obtained from the bottom of the turkey. Then there is the cranberry sauce, a sweet-acid red hamellatin that divides public opinion more than the debate on the panettone with or without candied. Or green bean casserole, or green beans with crispy onions and mushroom cream: food comfort or food trauma, depends on who prepared it. To conclude in beauty, pumpkin pie, a pumpkin cake scented with cinnamon and autumn nostalgia. Did I make you hungry?
And now we come in alive: what do you drink Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is a real enological challenge: a sweet, salty, spicy, buttery and sour meal all together. But no fear, here is the winning trilogy of Thanksgiving, in an all-Italian version of the combinations.
It begins with a soft Chardonnay, round and slightly buttery, ready to make friends with turkey and purée. Perfect a Chardonnay from Friuli or South Tyrol, possibly aged in wood. Continue with a Pinot Noir, elegant, fruity and diplomatic: he can please everyone, even the uncle who says “red wine makes me headache”. A Pinot Noir Trentino or, alternatively, an Etna Rosso, are excellent choices to bring to the table. And to close, the Zinfandel, known in Italy as Primitivo: full, spicy and patriotic, is the wine that screams “God Bless America” inside the glass, but you know, the primitive par excellence is the Apulian one!
For those who want to add an original touch, you can bring a dry Lambrusco or a Dolcetto d’Alba, both can hold the conversation without being intrusive.
Thanksgiving is a heartbeat of gratitude in butter sauce, the perfect opportunity to thank life, family and not least the wine producer who helps us to endure both.
Cheers, and of course thank you!
L’articolo Thanksgiving, the day of turkey and tannins proviene da IlNewyorkese.
