10 Thanksgiving Wines That Won’t Break The Bank
When you’re the one making the holiday meal, you’re usually so consumed with Top-Chef worthy food that you forget about selecting the wine until the last minute. And then you just grab something pricey, hoping the high cost reflects a high quality. But you can be in a rush and still not break the bank on your wine this Thanksgiving.
2008 Erath Pinot Gris, $14
This fruity wine is from a seasoned Oregon winemaker and has hints of pear, ripe banana and peach blossom.
2009 Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling, $13
This wine is crisp and light—great with the cheese platter appetizer—with hints of apricot and lychee.
Gruet Brut Champenoise NV, $15
If you want your Thanksgiving dinner to feel more like a party than a stuffy tradition, pop a bottle of this New Mexican sparkling wine. It has super fine bubbles and a little taste of green apple.
2009 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier, $14
From the blend of two rock-star grapes, you get this flavor-dynamic wine. It has notes of honeydew, peach and jasmine.
2006 Hayman & Hill Russian River Valley Reserve Selection Chardonnay, $14
This wine has a big, rich flavor with a bold finish. It’s perfect to sip on with the turkey, because of the surprising notes of tropical fruit, butterscotch and oak.
2009 Bonny Doon Vineyard Ca’ del Solo Muscat, $15
This is totally different from the sweet dessert wines also made by Muscat—this is a light white with scents of honeysuckle and basil.
2008 Pertinace Barbera d’Alba, $15
This rich, Italian wine has hints of blackberry, black cherry and violets. Break it out with the roasted vegetables.
2008 Georges Duboeuf Morgon Jean Descombes, $15
This bottle is bursting with the scents of black currant and roses but even though it’s jammy, it isn’t overwhelming.
2009 Matua Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir, $14
This is all you could want from a Pinot Noir: bing cherry flavors, a medium body, and a floral, smoky aroma.
2006 Montevina Zinfandel, $11
One of America’s tastiest grapes shines in this delicious wine. Drinkable even without food, it’s also a great accompaniment to hearty dishes.