A little quirky for the holiday with turkey

You like tomato, I like tomahto, you like Frappato, I like Frappahto? What the? Just had to grab your attention so you'd know how to pronounce this grape varietal that is brand new to me.

I recently fell all over myself for the Sicilian grape, Frappato, and the endless possibilities it would have on the holiday table. The 2008 Valle Delle'Acate "Il Frappato" is a food-worthy dynamo. It has a rapidly beating heart of black and red berries, dancing a sexy tango with bright acids. Here is a wine that is medium-bodied with moderate alcohol that will please all attendees at Gobble Gobble fest 2010!

On a somewhat less quirky note, the other go-to grape that is gaining speed is Grenache. Here is a low tannin, fruit-driven wine that may de-throne Pinot Noir as the food-friendliest of all. It's easy to love for a few reasons.

Spanish Garnacha and French Grenache wines are gargantuan values. Most, in fact, come from old-vine vineyards, ranging from 30-80 years old. And, to me, old vines make better wines. Lastly, Grenache is ample in body, showcases Bing cherry and ripe raspberry fruit, and can back it up with a bright finish.

So there you have it. The road-less-traveled wines for T-Day.


Mama Somm recommended producers:

Italy-Valle Delle'Acate "Il Frappato" $19, Spain-Comerc Garnacha $9, Spain-Garnacha del Fuego $8, Spain-Tres Picos $12, France-Domaine la Martinelle $22, WA producers-McCrea and Dusted Valley Vintners

QUOTE of the day: "Now it is well known in the Midwest that the Old Man is a turkey junkie, a bonafide golly turkaconis freak..."
[After the Christmas turkey is stolen by the neighbors' dogs] "The heavenly aroma still hung in the house. But it was gone, all gone! No turkey! No turkey sandwiches! No turkey salad! No turkey gravy! Turkey Hash! Turkey a la King! Or gallons of turkey soup! Gone, ALL GONE!" Ralphie as an adult in, "The Christmas Story."

Gobble Gobble, 
The Mama Somm