Smoked Turkey and Patriot Wine

Thanksgiving is around the corner and Fred is recommending our Weibel Family Vineyards Patriot with smoked turkey! The flavors for smoked turkey are rich and somewhat sweet. The Patriot is a stronger wine, making it the perfect wine to pair with the smoked turkey and all the foods at your dinner table. Stop in the tasting room to pick up a few bottles!

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh whole turkey (15 to 17 pounds), patted dry with paper towels

• Canola oil, for brushing

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Remove the turkey from the fridge and allow to sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.

2. Meanwhile, prepare a charcoal grill or smoker for indirect heat, at approximately 275 degrees F. Sprinkle in wood chips (such as hickory, apple or pecan wood) that have soaked in cold water for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours, and allow them to char before cooking.

3. Place the turkey in a roasting pan fitted with a rack. Brush the entire turkey with the oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.

4. Place the turkey in the grill or smoker and cook for 45 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, mix together the chicken stock, honey and vinegar. Baste the turkey after cooking for 45 minutes. Repeat the basting every 45 minutes until the internal temperature of the thigh registers 165 degrees F and the breast registers 155 degrees F, about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, depending on the size of the bird.

6. Remove the turkey to a large cutting board and let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Recipe Courtesy of Bobby Flay