Capricious Whimsy: Its Thanksgiving! What kind of wine should we drink?

I am so thankful for my sister Sandi. Not only is she an amazing sister and awesome friend, she is super talented in all things culinary. She has a degree in culinary arts and works as the wine buyer for Whole Foods in Dublin OH. We have affectionately dubbed her the head wino, and if you really want to know about some wine folks, go and talk to her. Chances are she will pull a bottle right off the shelf and let you taste it on the spot. This lady knows her stuff. She can tell you why a wine tastes the way it does, what it is about the soil that the grapes are grown in that give it such a distinct flavor, the different process that the fruit goes through to become wine, what year is a good vintage and why. Its like having an encyclopedia of awesomeness right at my fingertips.I love to pick her brain about the "good stuff". One day, I am going to have her write a guest post all about the wonders of wine. Until then we will all have to settle for her 2011 Thanksgiving wine picks.Last night I called her to ask about some wine selections that will pair well with a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Of course she did not disappoint and the following are her selections.

FireSteed Pinot Noir

http://www.firesteed.com/wines/pinot.htm

This is an Oregon Pinot Noir and is silky smooth with a fruity flavor. The purchase price is roughly $15.00 per bottle. For vintage of your choice and availability visit the website.

Anne Amie Pinot Noir

http://www.anneamie.com/2009-anne-amie-annahala-vineyard-pinot-noir

This Pinot is a 2009 vintage and has a black cherry, vanilla flavor with more complex notes of black tea and chocolate combined for a rich flavor. This wine retails for approximately $50.00 per bottle.

Flowers

http://flowerswinery.com/

Flowers pinot is a deep ruby color with fleshy bright red fruit aromas accompanied by notes of thyme, spices and black pepper. Ripe black cherry and blackberry flavors are complimented with accents of black peppercorns. This wine retails for approximately $30.00 per bottle.

Peninsula Cellars Hot Rod Cherry

http://www.peninsulacellars.com/pages.php?tabid=2&pageid=12&title=Fruit+Wines

Hot Rod Cherry is described by Peninsula cellars as a high octane blend of Montmorencies, Ulsters, and Balatons, (all types of Traverse City Cherries) resulting in a great cherry flavor, with a hint of ginger spice.This wine retails for $12.00 a bottle.

Well there you have it folks, Sandi's 2011 Thanksgiving wine selections. I know that if you try them you will enjoy! I posted a few more links to some of Sandi's favorite local wineries and breweries.