Thanksgiving Wines (and a couple of beers)
Thanksgiving is my favorite wine Holiday, with so many flavors and dishes on the table you can really drink whatever you like and it's bound to go perfectly with something on the table. We always struggle with the question of what is the perfect Thanksgiving wine, because really the perfect Thanksgiving wine is the one you want to drink the most. So we have come up with a few suggestions from our 4 locations -- Aaron, Wine Buyer Forsyth location
2015 Chateau Du Donjon Minervois Rose On-Sale...$11.99
This Rose makes a great transition from late afternoon to early evening, low in alcohol but bursting flavor, Donjon’s classic, bone-dry rosé offers aromas of strawberry, cherry and plum, with a silky texture, and a long, piquant finish. A perfect complement to the tart Cranberry sauce and a nice foil to that sometimes a little too dry Turkey. -- Aaron, Wine Buyer Forsyth location
2015 Jean Paul Thevenet Morgon VV....$25.99
I absolutley loved the 2014 vintage of this wine and was very excited we were able to get the 2015 vintage prior to Turkey Day. The 2015 Thevenet Morgon is one of the most versatile red wines around full of up front fruit intensity that is tempered by laser like acidity. This wine may actually pair well with every dish on the table from the Chestnut Soup to start through the pecan pie al la mode at the end. -- Aaron, Wine Buyer Forsyth location
Domaine Collin Cremant de Limoux Brut Rose...$19.99
Don't forget Sparking to get the festivities started off right. Plus pink sparkling to make it extra festive. Sparkling does not just have to be a starter, you can drink this one through the whole meal. The acidity and bubble will help cleanse the palate on the wide variety of food you will be eating. -- Paul, Forsyth location
2015 Schreyer Alsace Edelzwicker....$13.99
Alsatian wines have always been a great traditional pairing with Thanksgiving. The reason is they work well with the wide variety of food. This new 2015 vintage release is a blend of 55% Pinot Blanc, 15% Pinot Gris and 30% Sylvaner. It has the right weight and acidity to bring your food to the next level. -- Paul, Forsyth location
2014 Domaine Roche Audran Côtes du Rhône Villages “Cuvée César” Rouge...$22.99
I am a big fan of Cotes du Rhone with Thanksgiving, I have it almost every year. It has the right weight and that black pepper in the wine matches well with turkey. This wine is rich, but not overpowering for the meal. The vines for the César range from 55 to 100 years old . This very old vine Grenache is loaded with black raspberry and black pepper. -- Paul, Forsyth location
2014 Le Cirque Grenache Gris....$13.99
"...Lots of citrus, Dried pineapple and rocky nuances, medium-bodied richness and a crisp, juicy feel on the palate. Plenty of bang for not much buck" 90pts The Wine Advocate -- Marc, New Ballas Wine Buyer
2015 Wente Pinot Noir Rose....$16.99
"This beautiful rose is completely dry and fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain its bright, crisp acidity. With undertones of raspberry, pear and floral notes, this wine is the perfect complement to a wide variety of dishes." Marc, New Ballas Wine Buyer
2015 Henry Fessy Beaujolais Villages VV....$9.99
This wine offers red fruits, lightly spicy notes. The mouth is full of fresh fruits flavours, remarkable softness and a nice concentration. A very pleasant wine with mellow tannins. Marc, New Ballas Wine Buyer
Manicardi Lambrusco Grasparossa....$16.99
"A single vineyard, fully dry wine, the Ca del Fiore is rich and complex with hints of cassis and dark fruit. It pairs beautifully with a variety of foods including turkey!" Marc, New Ballas Wine Buyer
Good Company makes the wine that much better. Keeping that in mind here are a few of my suggestions – Kevin, Ballwin wine buyer
2013 Chateau St. Michelle/ Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling...$18.99
A domestic classic 2013 Chateau Ste Michelle Eroica Riesling Dr Loosen. “..Everything is perfectly integrated, the sugar is balanced by the acidity, and it finishes clean and crisp…” 91 Parker. One of my favorite domestic Riesling in the market. – Kevin, Ballwin wine buyer
2015 Chateau Virgile Blanc....$11.99
I prefer through caution to the wind, to me the Ch Virgile Blanc is a great example for the adventurous wine drinker. A blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, Rolle and Viognier. It wakes up your senses. Peaches, apricots, citrus fruits give way to the tropical flavors all of which create texture and body. Finally allowing the acidity to kick demanding a delicious sip. ONLY $11.99 – Kevin, Ballwin wine buyer
Hahn Santa Lucia Highland Pinot Noir...$25.99
Hahn SLH Pinot Noir back to back vintages scoring 92pts form Wine Spectator 2013 & 2014. This wine is offers all the power that you would expect for Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. I enjoy the full flavor style ( sometimes the turkey is just too dry – sorry mom). The acid in the wine will wash it all down! – Kevin, Ballwin wine buyer
2014 Fontaine du Clos Cotes du Rhone Confidences...$15.99
Ready for another adventure try 2014 Fontaine du Clos • Cotes du Rhone Confidences, it is a hidden gem from the vintage. It is close to an 60/40 split of Grenache and Syrah that was completely destemmed and aged all in concrete tanks. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as ample garrigue, raspberries, toasted spice and licorice. Ripe, textured, beautifully pure and with a great finish. It offers way more character than the price point would have you believe. 90 pts Parker. – Kevin, Ballwin wine buyer
2014 St. Innocent Villages Cuvée Pinot Noir...$19.99
The 2014 Villages Cuvée is a stunner, layered with bright berry fruits and exotic spice notes that push through all the way to the finish. Never over the top, and delivering just the right amount of freshness, it's the perfect companion to that rich Thanksgiving turkey smothered in gravy. Not to mention, at $19.99 we have lowest price on Wine-searcher! -- Kole, Rock Hill Wine Buyer
2015 Chateau Haut Maurin Bordeaux Blanc...$12.99
This 100% sauvignon Blanc is ripe and fresh with a slight mineral character. Perfect as an aperitif before the big meal, the crisp apple and lemon flavors will pair great with creamy cheeses, shellfish and other goodies. -- Kole, Rock Hill Wine Buyer
Beer Suggestions for Thanksgiving
6 pack suggestion
Avery Ellie’S Brown Ale - Pleasant roasted character on the nose lacking hoppiness, but carrying a rich maltiness with complex caramel and roasted flavors, leading to a very nice pairing for the savior/salty traditional thanksgiving dishes. - Adrian, Forsyth beer expert
750 Bottle to share
De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique - This beer has a big body, high effervescence, and a deep caramel flavor. There's a slight amount of yeast based sourness that creeps in to offer balance, with a flavor that reminds of dates or caramel covered apple. Pop this bottle this bottle for the first slice of turkey or save it for the sweets. - Adrian, Forsyth beer expert
Cider
Sidra Fonciello Cider - Very Earthy with a bit of funkiness and tart apple flavors. Poured correctly using the traditional pouring techniques this cider become rich and creamy. With a yeasty character very similar to many champagne and sparkling wines, this cider should fit perfectly at your dinner table. - Adrian, Forsyth beer expert
Growler Station
(great for Thanksgiving to share with the family)
Firestone Walker UNFILTERED DBA - This beer is not bottled only sold via the Growler. Pale malts create a smooth middle with ribbons of caramel, English toffee and toasted oak. As this beer warms it unfolds many new flavors like a feast in a glass. Enjoy throughout Thanksgiving dinner with all of your dishes. we offer this beer at our new Growler Station where we fill 32oz and 64oz growlers providing nice and fresh draft beer right at your families dinner table. - Adrian, Forsyth beer expert