by Ellen Andre

Ellen Andre co-owned Tutto Bene in Downtown Lowell, a gourmet wine and cheese shop carrying wines from 15 countries, for many years.  The clientele entrusted Ellen with making choices for them, often blindly. She led weekly wine education classes, each with a different theme. Routine tastings were also held to introduce people to new wines.  In addition, Ellen held wine fundraisers and events benefiting non-profits in the community, including Merrimack Repertory Theatre and Lowell Boys and Girls Club.

Let’s say you want to impress your friends and family who will be visiting for an enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner.  The food is inviting, and smells delicious…you can’t go without the carrots and green beans, mashed potatoes and rolls.

Slowly you welcome guests into your home and hand them a glass of prosecco.  This will “soften the edges” from the start.

They are mildly impressed by this initial gesture, inexpensive champagne flutes can be found.

Everyone gets seated around the table set with dishes and silverware.  You have the wines set on a table nearby to compliment your Thanksgiving dinner.

You should have your whites slightly chilled.

I recommend:

1. Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer $12-15
2. Decoy Sauvignon Blanc $20
3. French or US Pinot Noir such as Angeline or Meiomi $18-20
4. And of course the current vintage of holiday Beaujolais.  $15

-The Gewurztraminer is a light white wine that has strong aromas, low acidity, can stand up to any foods even exotic ones.  Nice with cheeses and appetizers.  It originated in France in the Alsace region.

-Decoy Sauvignon Blanc is a grape varietal with aromas of apple, melon and grapefruit.  Has some acidity but is easy drinking.  This wine pairs well with just about anything or drink it alone.  I like this sauvignon blanc because it doesn’t have overwhelming tartness that makes your mouth pucker.

-Meiomi Pinot Noir is a smooth, less oaky red with hints of strawberry some say raspberry that pairs really well with roasted vegetables and turkey dinner in general.  You’ll notice the strong flavor on initially sipping and mid mouth.  Careful though you could easily not notice how fast this one goes!

-The holiday beaujolais follows this tradition of not being released until the week before Thanksgiving.  Generally there is a release party and the wine stores don’t get it until a specific day.  All the mystery unfolds with a cool graphics label and affordable price usually $13-18.  Other than the annual fanfare the wine is very young and super light.  It reminds me of homemade wines friends have made, no aging, little depth but easy.

Impress your guests, read the labels in advance.

These lighter wines tend to compliment the mild poultry and variety of vegetables and sides.  They are quite easy drinking and most people will enjoy them.  Not to mention, you won’t break the bank.

Any questions:

Ellen Andre
edandre38@gmail.com