Thanksgiving Wines

Give Thanks for Simple Pleasures

Wine is a simple agricultural product. It has, for centuries, fed, nourished, pleased, and healed humanity, and has graced the tables of all but the tee-totaling cultures. Wine is meant to be consumed regularly with meals, and with pleasure.

Wine doesn't have to be expensive to deliver pleasure. I like wines that are priced to drink every day, even if that day is a holiday such as Thanksgiving.

A great way to deal with what to serve and what to pair on Thanksgiving is to offer a well-rounded selection, and nothing too dear.

Ruffino Prosecco DOC Italy $15

Fresh white peach and apple notes. Dry, light, and crisp sparkler.

Sofia Rosé Monterey County $18

Tart cranberry and pomegranate, pumpkin pie spice, and juicy strawberry notes.

2010 Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé  Blanc Reserve To Kalon Vineyard Napa Valley $34

Rich, intense, and full with soft melon, apple and apricot fruit and inviting, mellow vanilla and honey notes.

2012 Steven Kent Chardonnay Merrillie Vineyard Livermore Valley $34

Soft, buttery, and fragrant with notes of pear and lemon meringue pie.

2012 Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir Marlborough New Zealand $14

Light and tart with cranberry, cherry and candied orange peel notes.

2012 Kim Crawford Small Parcels Rise and Shine Pinot Noir Marlborough New Zealand $33

Deep and ripe with plum, blackberry, cherry cobbler notes.

2011 Stoller Estate Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Oregon $25

Medium bodied with dark berry fruit, vanilla bean and cedar spice.

2012 Bonny Doon Vineyard Clos de Gilroy Grenache Central Coast $20

Jazzy and bright with notes of strawberry, rhubarb, kirsch and white pepper.

2009 Trione Vineyards Syrah Russian River Valley $35

Velvety and sexy with berry, rose petal and spice notes.

2011 Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley $18

Classic notes of cassis, plum, and vanilla. Beautifully balanced and very elegant.

2012 Assembly Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi $15

Juicy, mouthwatering Zin – the life of the party!

2011 Kenwood Jack London Zinfandel Sonoma Valley $20

A serious, complex, almost formal Zin, with red berry notes, clove, and mint.

Hawk and Horse Latigo Dessert Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills Lake County 375ml $45

Fragrant and intense with notes of dark chocolate, crème caramel and vanilla bean. Delicious on its own, with Pumpkin pie, or with a Cuban cigar.

© Copyright 2014 Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis, Planet Grape LLC. All Rights Reserved.