Thanksgiving is about the time-honored tradition of giving thanks and sharing food with family and loved ones. And yes, it is mainly an American holiday, but we certainly aren’t the only ones who gather with family and loved ones over food during the season. Thanksgiving in Bordeaux means celebrating the end of harvest season. From the chateau owners to the winemakers and farmers, all are welcomed to join the celebration with classic Bordeaux cuisine and wine.
Bordeaux is in the southwest region of France. The famous wine region produces wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. The region is also known for their rich white blends using Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grape varieties. Let’s meet a few of the families, hear about their harvest Thanksgiving celebrations, and what wines to enjoy during your Thanksgiving celebrations.
Château Guibeau
Brigitte Destouet manages the vineyards and sales at Chateau Guibeau, which is situated in the Saint-Emilion appellation. Her husband Eric oversees the technical side of the winery. For five generations it’s been a family affair at the property, starting with her grandfather who taught her how to taste wine. “I’m thankful every year for my husband and three children and our home,” Brigitte Destouet says. “Chateau Guibeau is a quiet and peaceful place to stay and each moment there is like a gift.” Known as the Gerbebaude, the family throws a large dinner party to celebrate the end of harvest. A great wine suggestion is their 2016 Le Vieux Château Guibeau, a well-balanced, fruit-forward red blend.
Château Simon
The Dufour family has been operating their winery in Barsac for over two centuries. Now run by sisters Anne-Laure and Pauline, Château Simon operates under the philosophy that Sauternes is for all to enjoy. They are thankful “to work in this beautiful region with our family and to have the vines as our office. We are lucky to live among nature and that our children have grown up in this wonderful environment.” Acabailles, the Dufour family’s end of harvest celebration, honors the skilled pickers who return year after year. They often serve the freshest fermentation, also known as “Bourru,” the young wine that becomes Sauternes. The chateau’s AOC Graves are beautiful white wine blends that pair beautifully with grilled fish and shellfish, like oysters.
The Despagne Family
The family runs three estates (Girolate, Château Mont-Perat, and Château Tour de Mirambeau) located in the Entre-deux-Mers wine region of Bordeaux. “We are thankful to live in the beautiful Entre-deux-Mers region and to raise our children in this environment. Also in 2020 especially, we are particularly thankful for our families and for the trust and confidence of our customers and suppliers.” During their month-long harvest, the family can serve up to 30 daily meals to farmers, vineyard employees, winemakers and family. Try their 2019 Château Tour de Mirambeau, an elegant white wine with citrus aromas that pairs well with seafood pasta.
Nath. Johnston & Fils
The Johnston family is one of the great names in Bordeaux wine history, dating back to the 18th century. Their company originally started on the négociant side of the wine industry. Négociants are wine merchants who assemble the grapes of smaller growers and winemakers and sell the result under their own name. This is a common practice in places like Bordeaux and Burgonone. The firm has expanded with acquiring numerous chateaus. “We are thankful for having our beloved in good health and for the evolution of the family company.” During harvest, the family spends lots of time in the cellars and vineyards working with their wine partners. Their Château Ampelia is from the Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux region. It is a luxurious red blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc that pairs well with the family’s cherished meal of veal and cepes.
