JACKSON, Wyo. — Though the holidays might look a bit different this year, that doesn’t mean they have to be any less special! Whether you’re planning to celebrate with a few close family members or just a roommate or two, Jackson Whole Grocer has you covered with a large selection of wine and cheese options and a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to make recommendations this holiday season.
Wine not
Looking for some wine options to pair with your holiday meal? Mary Covert, Jackson Whole Grocer Beverage Manager, shares her favorite varietals for holiday pairings, all found in Whole Grocer’s wine department:
Chenin Blanc delivers an elegant and supple texture full of exotic spice and ripe fruit, without being heavy. The backbone is mineral-driven, and the finish is incredibly long.
What to buy:
- Domaine Huet “Clos du Bourg” Vouvray Sec (France) $38.99
- Rustenberg Chenin Blanc (South Africa) $14.99
The celebration of any holiday brings to mind the ultimate party wine: bubbles. Along with the celebratory aspect, sparkling wine can also be a great pairing with many dishes. The acidity and effervescence of the wine serve as palate-cleansers. Also, the flavors of most sparkling wine are somewhat more restrained, making them easier to match with a variety of food.
What to buy:
- Laurent Perrier Brut (France) $49.99
- Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne (France) $63.99
It may seem a little played out, but Beaujolais remains a great Thanksgiving wine. This wine is refreshing and juicy and goes with the wide range of foods you will likely have at Thanksgiving.
What to buy:
- Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Nouveau (France) $16.99
- Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Villages Bistrot (France) $16.99
Looking for something a little more unconventional? Viognier (think Chardonnay’s sultry sister) has richness, body, and resonant spice and fruit notes that make it an ideal complement for turkey—dark meat or white—and will cut through carb-heavy, buttery sides like potatoes, sage-laced stuffing, or rolls.
What to buy:
- Stags’ Leap Viognier (California) $29.99
- Yves Cuilleron Viognier (France) $33.99
A fan of Pinot Noir but looking for something a bit more earthy? Try branching out to an Italian Nebbiolo from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Nebbiolo often needs some age-ing, so look for an older vintage. You’ll love the soft texture, playful acidity, and earthy profile. In Piedmont, Barolo and Barbaresco offer two very different, but equally incredible expressions of this native Italian grape. Barolo is the earthier, more ‘masculine’ of the two, while Barbaresco is seen as the more feminine, delicate counterpart. Both will be a hit at your Thanksgiving feast.
What to buy:
- Produttori Del Barbaresco (Italy) $49.99
- Franco Serra Barbaresco (Italy) $25.99
If entertaining only for yourself and your family, which we suspect a lot of people might be doing this year, splurge on Estate Argyos Mavrotragano (Greece) $62.99 or Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Mersault “Les Clos” (France) $61.99.
Sweet dreams are made of cheese
The key to creating any cheese/charcuterie board is to mix a variety of textures, strengths, colors, and shapes. For example, brie, blues, aged cheddars, fruits, nuts, olives, and honey. Placing fresh herbs like rosemary on your board is a great way to provide delightful aromas and is visually pleasing. When assembling, start off by placing the cheese in different areas of the board, then adding the other components around the cheeses. Keeping the whole wedge or wheel is also very beautiful and organic.
Some favorite staples when creating a cheese board:
Lincet Le Delice de Bourgogne TripleCream:
$21.99/lb (approx. $8 for a slice)
El Trigal Manchego:
$24.99/lb (approx. $10 for a slice)
Melkbus Truffle Gouda:
$29.99/lb (approx. $15 for a slice)
Marcona Almonds: these were made for cheese boards!
$10.99
Savannah Bee Co. Honeycomb
$19.99
Lastly, Jackson Whole Grocer is making cheese selections easier with the Creamery of the Month Program. The Creamery of the Month program is a month-long feature on a creamery that the team at Whole Grocer loves. This month, they are featuring Cabot Creamery, with a variety of cheddars. Enter to win their Instagram giveaway until Wednesday, Nov. 25. Two winners will win five different cheddars.
Stop by the Whole Grocer today to talk with a knowledgeable member of the Wine and Cheese staff. They love sharing recommendations, helping customers create pairings, and suggesting new products.
