The Best Red Wines for a Thanksgiving Feast, According to Black Sheep Sommelier Constanza Cabello
As leaves fall and temperatures drop, the true wine aficionados know: it’s time for winter vintages to shine.
From the robust allure of merlots to the earthy depth of pinot noirs, the intricate layers of sangiovese to the opulence of a good port, ‘tis the season for full-bodied, full-flavored reds that envelop us in warmth and oh-so-cozy comfort.
The harmony between chilly weather and a glass of red isn’t just poetic – there’s actual science behind it. The higher alcohol content in red wines has a thermogenic effect, gently elevating our body’s temperature, and making it a delightful warmer as the days grow colder. And when you pair it with the season’s comforting dishes, from succulent red meats to hearty stews and lavish charcuterie spreads, it’s clear that red wine truly shines in winter.
As the festive season approaches, bringing with it thoughts of lavish Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, we sought wine pairing inspirations from Constanza Cabello, Executive Head Sommelier of Black Sheep Restaurants in Hong Kong. This hospitality giant – responsible for renowned eateries like Cantonese favorite Ho Lee Fook, Argentinian steakhouse Buenos Aires Polo Club, acclaimed New York-Italian eatery Carbone, and Michelin-starred New Punjab Club – is a firm favorite for hosting exquisite dinner events.
Cabello plays an integral part in Black Sheep’s well-deserved reputation, expertly curating the wine lists for their diverse culinary ventures.
“One of the most exciting aspects of Black Sheep is the variety of concepts we’ve embraced for a single group. Each concept demands its own unique wineries, so instead of settling on one major list, we think deeply about what wine fits each distinct concept, ensuring everything aligns just right.”
Eager to enhance the upcoming festive celebrations, we asked Cabello for her top wine recommendations to savor during the holiday season. Here’s what she said:
Malbec: an easy-to-love red
As a native of Buenos Aires, Cabello naturally has a soft spot for Argentinian Malbec. But her love for this wine, known for its smooth tannins and full-bodied flavor, extends beyond just national pride – it’s a universally delightful varietal that’s known for pairing well with most dishes. Her top pick? The Malbec from Zuccardi, a prestigious winery nestled in Mendoza’s Uco region.
“At Buenos Aires Polo Club, our Thanksgiving spread boasts classics like turkey and mashed potatoes – dishes that really serve as a vehicle for rich flavors. The key is to complement this richness without overwhelming it,” Cabello notes.
Pinot noir: just open and pour
Time management is crucial when planning your wine selection, especially amid the bustle of preparing a multi-course meal. With numerous dishes and a turkey roasting, you’ll need a wine that’s ready to pour without the delay of aeration.
Lighter wines, like pinot noirs, are prime choices. Cabello especially recommends one from the Chacra vineyard in Patagonia, another well-respected Argentinian wine estate. “Choose wines that you can open and easily drink. The last thing you want is to be waiting an hour or two for that wine to be decanted!”
Port: a must for indulgent desserts
“We have this thing at Black Sheep – we absolutely love a good port,” Cabello laughs. She holds Warre’s, a celebrated Portuguese port maker, in high esteem, particularly their 20-year-old variant.
“It’s a match made in heaven for chocolate desserts or sticky toffee puddings. While the fruity essence lingers, there’s a hint of nuttiness that feels just right for winter.”
Mulled wine: winter warmth in a glass
While some sommeliers may scoff at the notion of mulled wines, Cabello warmly embraces all wine expressions. “I think mulled wine is a great idea! If it’s cold outside, why not warm yourself up with something tasty and comforting?”
For the best tasting experience, she advises opting for a vibrant, fruity red wine – think merlot, zinfandel or grenache – avoiding heavily oaked varieties which might conflict with traditional mulled ingredients like star anise and orange zest.
Port: a must for indulgent desserts
“We have this thing at Black Sheep – we absolutely love a good port,” Cabello laughs. She holds Warre’s, a celebrated Portuguese port maker, in high esteem, particularly their 20-year-old variant.
“It’s a match made in heaven for chocolate desserts or sticky toffee puddings. While the fruity essence lingers, there’s a hint of nuttiness that feels just right for winter.”
Champagne: elevates every event
Finally, while not a red, Cabello believes no festive season is complete without a splash of Champagne. Celebrations and bubbly are synonymous, after all – so do yourself (and your guests) a favor and stock up on a few good bottles.
“Champagne is one of the regions that I really like to explore, because not only are there big names there that we’re all familiar with but there’s thousands of small producers that do great wines as well,” she says, singling out Diebolt-Vallois as one of her best hidden gems.
“They focus on Chardonnay Champagnes, which are great for Thanksgiving and also Christmas. And looking ahead, who wouldn’t want to usher in the New Year with a glass of fine bubbly?”
A beautiful wine deserves a beautiful glass. Discover BOMSHBEE’s exquisite range of glassware to complement your choices this holiday season.