Wines that go with Thanksgiving Pie by Philip S. Kampe

                                                   Joseph Carr of Josh Cellars


 I know I may sound a little like a Joseph Carr ad in this article, but, after reading the latest issue of The Tasting Panel magazine, where Joseph is featured, it was only fitting for me to sample his wines for the Holiday season.

Joseph and I have been friends for years. We met originally at the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, followed by the Tanglewood Wine & Food Classic, when, at the time I was involved behind the scenes.

Since those early days, Joseph Carr has become a large wine personality. He teamed up with winemaker Aaron Pott and has successfully made Napa wines at the fraction of Napa prices. He has a new line of wines from his JOSH Cellars collection.

JOSH Cellar wines are available at your local wine merchant, as well at restaurants throughout the America and all over the world. Mr. Carr is a marketing genius.

As you will see, the results of the wines I sampled should rate 90+, on most critics lists. Pairing the JOSH Cellars collection with Thanksgiving or Christmas desserts has its advantages.

Below are the results.

           Always lay your wines down sideways says Joseph Carr.

Apple Pie, the American tradition

Josh Cellars Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatics of fresh lime and citrus are the core of this Sauvignon Blanc. The bouquet is intense, with nectar, peach, and tropical melon. My palate was crisp, acidic and alive with clean, balanced fruit flavors of apple, kiwi and pear.

Pecan Pie, the southern tradition

Josh Cellars Chardonnay

Chardonnay pairs well as it is a medium bodied wine that is versatile enough to stand up to some of the richer flavors and sweetness in the pie. Tropical fruits and citrus, beautifully marry the background  notes of oak. Bright yellow and white stone fruit lingers on the palate followed by fresh acidity.

Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie, a New England tradition

Josh Cellars Pinot Noir

Aromas of cherry and strawberry on the nose with layers of spicy oak are captured in Josh Cellars’ Pinot Noir.  On the palate, the wine is plush and subtle, yet has a firm texture. Dark cherry and chocolate flavors fill the mouth with a rich intensity and lingering finish.  The earthiness and spice of the Pinot Noir compliments both pies’ cinnamon and spice.

Mincemeat Pie, our parents tradition

Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

This Cabernet is an approachable blend with aromas of rich, dark fruit and baking spices on the nose yielding to fresh plum, blackberry, violet, dried fig and vanilla bean. The cab has intense plum and blackberry flavors, prominently layered with smoky and sappy maple oak followed by roasted almonds and hazelnuts. Its firm tannins and full body will stand up against the rich fruit flavors, spices and brown sugar featured in this decadent pie.

Philip S. Kampe philip.kampe@thewinehub.com