46 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 16-22, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com CHILL Every November, it’s the same question. There’s turkey ladled with rich gravy, perhaps a sweet honey-baked ham, the shrill note of cranberry sauce, all the nutmeg and cinnamon in pumpkin pie—can any wine cope with Thanksgiving dinner? As wine manager at Stave Wine Cellar in Pebble Beach, Jesse Salazar understands the frustration. “People want to do the right thing,” he observes. But, he adds, we are prone to overthinking the problem. To begin with, there are any number of wines that will cooperate with something on the plate. Pinot Noir is food friendly, as are many Rosés. With different styles—oaked, stainless and so on— Chardonnay is a good option, as is Riesling. A vintage Cabernet Sauvignon “is delicious,” even if it might violate some pairing rules. And there are wines of the Cru Beaujolais, “if you’re feeling European.” And numbers matter. “I’ll bring four or five bottles to the table,” Salazar says. He likes to start with a cheerful, celebratory Lambrusco to set the mood and go from there, finishing with what is left of the Madeira (“deglazing—it’s a key ingredient,” he explains). Three bottles, however, is a can’t-miss plan— one white and two reds. As a general rule, Salazar suggests wines with pleasant fruit, easy on the oak. Yet selecting the right wines for the big meal is much simpler than all of that. “Go with something you enjoy,” Salazar says. “You really can’t go wrong.” Stave Wine Cellar is at the Inn at Spanish Bay, 2700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. 6447997, pebblebeach.com. Bottle Shock Selecting wine for the Thanksgiving meal? It’s actually not that difficult. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com NIC COURY Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 580 Broadway Ave Seaside • 831-583-0411 Authentic Mexican Seafood Try our CAntArito An agave cocktail made with grapefruit soda and citrus tASte the trAdition! Woody don’t know Santa, Woody knows Holiday Cheer Try a Wild Woody Kir-Royale, our favorite holiday drink Call Tim or Chris and customize your holiday gathering – 831-373-1232 WOODYSMONTEREYAIRPORT.COM ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ Baccarat FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • Gega-003846, Gega-Gega-003703, Gega-000889 Gega-000891 Gega-002838 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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