STL Today: Mason L’Envoyé A Pinot Noir for Thanksgiving
STLToday.com
November 12, 2014
by Gail Appleseed
Thanksgiving is a time when a lot of people spend a bit more on a better wine to grace their holiday tables. If you are one of those folks, consider splurging on a Pinot Noir. Although there really is no single wine that pairs with all the different Thanksgiving flavors, many believe that Pinot Noir is about as close as you can get.
While French Pinot Noir from its native Burgundy can be super expensive, domestic pinot noir is both affordable and appropriate given that Thanksgiving is an American holiday. Pinot Noir’s bright acidity and gentle tannins go well with many of the holiday’s traditional dishes without overpowering them. In addition, the vibrant red berry flavors of Pinot Noir can complement cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes while the grape’s subtle earthiness goes well with turkey and dishes made with mushrooms.
The following is a fine example from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, which like Burgundy, has a long, cool growing season that is best for cultivating this grape.
Maison L’ Envoyé 2012 Two Messengers Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
Bought • Wine & Cheese Place, 7435 Forsyth Boulevard for $25.99 in November
Description:
This elegant Pinot Noir, which received 92 points from Wine Spectator, comes from a collaboration between Evening Land founder Mark Tarlov and Napa-based importer Old Bridge Cellars. The interesting joint venture also produces wine from Burgundy. The velvety Two Messengers is bursting with juicy red fruit and a hint of earthiness. It has lots of character, a surprising amount of body and ends with a very long, smooth finish.