Thanksgiving is one of the best wine Holidays, 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. There is no perfect Thanksgiving wine, because really the perfect Thanksgiving wine is the one you want to drink the most. If you like a big Cabernet or a big rich Chardonnay - drink those! If you do not like Pinot Noir, you will still not like it with Thanksgiving. Drink what you like! So we have come up with a few suggestions from our 4 locations to help guide you.
Tom (Chesterfield Location) recommends....
NV Joel Falmet Brut Rose....$49.99
Champagne is on our Thanksgiving table every year. Actually, I could drink Champagne with every meal. Persistent mousse, with fine bubbles rising slowly. Pale salmon pink in color, with a shade of gold. A nose of red fruits and fresh pear. Delicate fruit on the palate, elegant, and showing great finesse.
Tom (Chesterfield Location) recommends....
2014 Grunhauser Riesling Spatlese...$35.99
The most versatile of Thanksgiving whites, this German Riesling has it all - petrol on the nose, lush mouthfeel and a hint of sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the bright acidity.
Firm, with a savory touch to the juicy ripe apple and red peach flavors. Sage honey shows mid-palate, leading to a finish that is spicy and rich. Complex and powerful. Drink now through 2040.
Tom (Chesterfield Location) recommends....
2017 Elouan Pinot Noir....$18.99
The most versatile of the Thanksgiving reds, Elouan produces excellent quality every year at amazing prices.Elouan is the result of California winemaker, Joseph Wagner, heading North to Oregon, one of the world’s renowned Pinot Noir regions and producing Pinot Noir with depth of flavor, vibrancy and suppleness.
Tom (Chesterfield Location) recommends....
2017 Le Grand Valmal Cotes du Rhone Villages....$16.99
A Rhone red is also on our Thanksgiving table every year. Another unbelievable value that over delivers for the price. This Rhone is the real deal and a sensational value! Floral notes accent fresh mixed berries in this 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages that is made from Old Vine Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. The Syrah dominates and leads to a full-bodied wine but with silky tannins. It has a slight pepperiness to add some dimension and complexity. This wine is produced by the third generation on this estate and it is a fruit driven Cotes du Rhone with great roundness and complexity.
Tom (Chesterfield Location) recommends....
2016 Bench Cabernet Sauvignon...$19.99
For those of you who prefer heartier wines, this is the one for you!
Deep purple in color and aromatically expressive with ripe, black plum currant coulis and minerally graphite. The structure is firm with soft, elegant tannins and mouth-watering acidity. Flavors of black forest fruit and earth, dark cocoa, mint and anise are meld together on the finish.
Dave (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2017 Stephane Aviron Saint-Amour Vieilles Vignes...$21.99
I drink beaujolais all year but it really sings with holiday fare. Loads of dark cherry fruit, stony minerals, and balanced acidity. Chill it down for 30 minutes before serving (or stick it outside on the porch, whatever's faster).
Dave (Forsyth Location) recommends....
NV Domaine Collin Brut Cremant de Limoux...$19.99
Sparkling wine works with any cuisine and turkey day is no exception. This dry bubbly from southern France is 50% chardonnay, 40% chenin blanc & 10% pinot noir. The chardonnay gives brightness & acidity, the chenin adds texture and richness, while the pinot noir adds depth. Consume before, during and after dinner...
Dave (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2017 Von Winning Riesling Trocken Paradiesgarten...31.99
Off dry and dry (trocken) rieslings rock with turkey and ham...Von Winning is my fave producer in Germany and they deliver the goods.
There’s an aroma that tilts in the direction of Sauvignon; redcurrant, woodruff and lemon balm and resin. Often this spreads out with age and gets more passion-fruity, but for now it’s slinky and juicy, pointed and long in its angular herbal way, ginger, guava and pineapple; — importer Terry Theise
Splurge on:
Dave (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2016 Saint-Prefert Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Classique"...$42.99
Isabel Ferrando, owner & winemaker at Saint-Prefert, is one of my favorite winemakers in the Rhone Valley. Her wines are as elegant and refined as any producer in the appellation. perfect match for the bird, pig or veggie...
Loaded with scents of roses and exotic spices, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a super entry-level effort. It's 85% Grenache aged in concrete, with the balance Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah that's aged in demi-muids. Full-bodied, velvety and long, it delivers opulent black raspberry fruit framed by silky tannins. 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
It's a Alcoholiday Part 1
Dave (Forsyth Location) recommends....
Isabel Ferrando, owner & winemaker at Saint-Prefert, is one of my favorite winemakers in the Rhone Valley. Her wines are as elegant and refined as any producer in the appellation. perfect match for the bird, pig or veggie...
Loaded with scents of roses and exotic spices, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a super entry-level effort. It's 85% Grenache aged in concrete, with the balance Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah that's aged in demi-muids. Full-bodied, velvety and long, it delivers opulent black raspberry fruit framed by silky tannins. 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
It's a Alcoholiday Part 1
Dave (Forsyth Location) recommends....
Dave's Killer Manhattan
Wanna mix a killer Manhattan without spending a bunch of dough? Here's my handy-dandy
drink kit for your holiday imbibing pleasure.
Old Forester Straight Rye 100 Proof...$21.99
You cannot go wrong with this rye. Spicy, subtle peppery notes with a sweet grain finish. Old Forester Rye features a mash bill of 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, and 15% Corn.
Berto Sweet Vermouth...$14.99 (Liter bottle!!!)
My new fave sweet vermouth..imported by Kermit Lynch!!
Arneis, Cortese, Trebbiano, Barbera d’Asti, Herbs and Spices (Bitter orange, absinthe, gentian, cardamom, vanilla, coriander, mint, mace, hops, thyme, marjoram, lemon, cinnamon, clove, rhubarb, angelica)
Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters $7.49 or Regan's #6 Orange bitters $6.99
Why not experiment a little bit? Cherry pit or dried orange peel? Both work very well as a variation on a classic cocktail.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2017 Domaine Lancyre Roussanne...$19.99
Year after year the Domaine Lancyre Roussanne is on my Thanksgiving table. This wonderful Rhone Valley White has the weight and mouthfeel of a white Burgundy but brings an exotic fruit and mouth watering character not often found in Chardonnay. A perfect compliment for Turkey and stuffing.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2017 El Enemigo Chardonnay....$24.99
For the second year in a row we bought all we could of this wine. A full bodied Chardonnay out of Mendoza, this one is sure to please any lover of Chardonnay from Burgundy to the Sonoma Coast. Where else can you find a 98 Point Wine for under $25. Grab a bunch and enjoy throughout the entire holiday weekend.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2017 Domaine Langeron Cote de Brouilly $19.99
The first thing that popped into my mind and then out of my mouth upon tasting this wine was “this would be perfect for noon on Thanksgiving Day.” Now I know wine at Noon may seem odd to some, maybe even most, but Thanksgiving is the perfect day for a light, bright, spicy Gamay to get your ready for the cooking, eating and cleaning that is to come. This one will transition nicely from a day time sipper to pair with the Chestnut Soup to start your meal.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2016 Casa Ramillo Vinho Tinto ...$12.99
An absolutely wonderfull value from Portugal's Lisboa Region, the Ramilo Red is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Aragonez and jumps out of the glass with big fruit and toasy oak on the nose. The Ramilo will please all of those California Cabernet drinkers out there at a fraction on the price. Buy more than you think you need because this one goes down easy.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2018 Chateau Haut Claribes Bordeaux Superieur...$19.99
As Classic as they come, this 2018 Bordeaux shows the beauty and charater of the region. Made from 100% Merlot the Haut Claribes has a wonderfully bright nose with layers of fruit and tannin showing off the exceptional quality of the 2018 Vintage. Drink some this year and lay some down for years to come.
Kole (Rock Hill Location) recommends....
2017 Le Grand Valmal Cotes du Rhone Villages Vieilles Vignes...$16.99
Floral notes accent fresh mixed berries in this 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages that is made from Old Vine Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. The Syrah dominates and leads to a full-bodied wine but with silky tannins. It has a slight pepperiness to add some dimension and complexity. I can't wait to drink this with a leftover turkey sandwich!
Kole (Rock Hill Location) recommends....
2018 Folded Hills "Cluster" Grenache Nouveau...$23.99
Cluster is a fantastic domestic take on traditional Beaujolais Nouveau. It's light and fresh with mouthwatering acidity and just a bit of spice from the whole cluster fermentation. Aromas of spiced cranberry and fresh thyme, give way to bright mixed berries, red cherries, and savory herbs on the palate. Perfect for those looking for something lighter with the holiday meal!
Kole (Rock Hill Location) recommends....
2017 Booker White...$49.99
If your looking for an absolute knockout white to pair with your meal, look no further! A blend of Roussanne and Viognier, aged in a mix of concrete, used and new French oak, the Booker white is a kaleidoscope of freshness, minerality, and richness, with just enough acidity to bring it all home. On the palate you get stone fruits and pear upfront, followed by rich brioche notes on the mid-palate with just hint of Meyer lemon to finish things out. Give it an hour or 2 of air before enjoying, so it's at its best with your 1st glass!
96 points Jeb Dunnuck
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
2018 Horgelus Côtes Gascogne de Blanc....$9.99
40% Sauvignon and 60% Gros Manseng
This clean crisp white is a great food wine and aperitif. Pour your friends and family a glass when they show up. This will really get the palate excited for food and will match nicely with an assortment of appetizers including cheese.
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
2018 Chateau Virgile Costières de Nîmes Rose...$11.99
This rose has enough body and fruit to go perfectly with Thanksgiving. Your family will enjoy this with the Turkey and all the fixings.
Delicate aromas of wild strawberry and red cherry dominate the nose of this beautiful rosé. The wine is bright pink with a tinge of fuchsia in the glass. The strawberry and cherry notes carry through to the mouth, where they are complemented with hints of red raspberry and refreshing minerality.
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
2017 Comte de Langeron Beaujolais Villages...$14.99
Beaujolais is a classic pairing with Thanksgiving and this new release will not disappoint. Put it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before you serve it!
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
Manicardi Dry Lambrusco....$19.99
Lambrusco Grasparossa of Castelvetro DOC is a sparkling dry wine obtained from the grapes of our hilly vineyards; It has a ruby colour with violet shades, an intense and fragrant smell, a typical and harmonious dry ambrosial taste.
Paul (Forsyth) recommends
2016 Comte de Langeron Coteaux Bourguignons Blanc...$19.99
90% Chardonnay 10% Aligote
drink kit for your holiday imbibing pleasure.
Old Forester Straight Rye 100 Proof...$21.99
You cannot go wrong with this rye. Spicy, subtle peppery notes with a sweet grain finish. Old Forester Rye features a mash bill of 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, and 15% Corn.
Berto Sweet Vermouth...$14.99 (Liter bottle!!!)
My new fave sweet vermouth..imported by Kermit Lynch!!
Arneis, Cortese, Trebbiano, Barbera d’Asti, Herbs and Spices (Bitter orange, absinthe, gentian, cardamom, vanilla, coriander, mint, mace, hops, thyme, marjoram, lemon, cinnamon, clove, rhubarb, angelica)
Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters $7.49 or Regan's #6 Orange bitters $6.99
Why not experiment a little bit? Cherry pit or dried orange peel? Both work very well as a variation on a classic cocktail.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2017 Domaine Lancyre Roussanne...$19.99
Year after year the Domaine Lancyre Roussanne is on my Thanksgiving table. This wonderful Rhone Valley White has the weight and mouthfeel of a white Burgundy but brings an exotic fruit and mouth watering character not often found in Chardonnay. A perfect compliment for Turkey and stuffing.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2017 El Enemigo Chardonnay....$24.99
For the second year in a row we bought all we could of this wine. A full bodied Chardonnay out of Mendoza, this one is sure to please any lover of Chardonnay from Burgundy to the Sonoma Coast. Where else can you find a 98 Point Wine for under $25. Grab a bunch and enjoy throughout the entire holiday weekend.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2017 Domaine Langeron Cote de Brouilly $19.99
The first thing that popped into my mind and then out of my mouth upon tasting this wine was “this would be perfect for noon on Thanksgiving Day.” Now I know wine at Noon may seem odd to some, maybe even most, but Thanksgiving is the perfect day for a light, bright, spicy Gamay to get your ready for the cooking, eating and cleaning that is to come. This one will transition nicely from a day time sipper to pair with the Chestnut Soup to start your meal.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2016 Casa Ramillo Vinho Tinto ...$12.99
An absolutely wonderfull value from Portugal's Lisboa Region, the Ramilo Red is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Aragonez and jumps out of the glass with big fruit and toasy oak on the nose. The Ramilo will please all of those California Cabernet drinkers out there at a fraction on the price. Buy more than you think you need because this one goes down easy.
Aaron (Forsyth Location) recommends....
2018 Chateau Haut Claribes Bordeaux Superieur...$19.99
As Classic as they come, this 2018 Bordeaux shows the beauty and charater of the region. Made from 100% Merlot the Haut Claribes has a wonderfully bright nose with layers of fruit and tannin showing off the exceptional quality of the 2018 Vintage. Drink some this year and lay some down for years to come.
Kole (Rock Hill Location) recommends....
2017 Le Grand Valmal Cotes du Rhone Villages Vieilles Vignes...$16.99
Floral notes accent fresh mixed berries in this 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages that is made from Old Vine Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. The Syrah dominates and leads to a full-bodied wine but with silky tannins. It has a slight pepperiness to add some dimension and complexity. I can't wait to drink this with a leftover turkey sandwich!
Kole (Rock Hill Location) recommends....
2018 Folded Hills "Cluster" Grenache Nouveau...$23.99
Cluster is a fantastic domestic take on traditional Beaujolais Nouveau. It's light and fresh with mouthwatering acidity and just a bit of spice from the whole cluster fermentation. Aromas of spiced cranberry and fresh thyme, give way to bright mixed berries, red cherries, and savory herbs on the palate. Perfect for those looking for something lighter with the holiday meal!
Kole (Rock Hill Location) recommends....
2017 Booker White...$49.99
If your looking for an absolute knockout white to pair with your meal, look no further! A blend of Roussanne and Viognier, aged in a mix of concrete, used and new French oak, the Booker white is a kaleidoscope of freshness, minerality, and richness, with just enough acidity to bring it all home. On the palate you get stone fruits and pear upfront, followed by rich brioche notes on the mid-palate with just hint of Meyer lemon to finish things out. Give it an hour or 2 of air before enjoying, so it's at its best with your 1st glass!
96 points Jeb Dunnuck
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
2018 Horgelus Côtes Gascogne de Blanc....$9.99
40% Sauvignon and 60% Gros Manseng
This clean crisp white is a great food wine and aperitif. Pour your friends and family a glass when they show up. This will really get the palate excited for food and will match nicely with an assortment of appetizers including cheese.
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
2018 Chateau Virgile Costières de Nîmes Rose...$11.99
This rose has enough body and fruit to go perfectly with Thanksgiving. Your family will enjoy this with the Turkey and all the fixings.
Delicate aromas of wild strawberry and red cherry dominate the nose of this beautiful rosé. The wine is bright pink with a tinge of fuchsia in the glass. The strawberry and cherry notes carry through to the mouth, where they are complemented with hints of red raspberry and refreshing minerality.
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
2017 Comte de Langeron Beaujolais Villages...$14.99
Beaujolais is a classic pairing with Thanksgiving and this new release will not disappoint. Put it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before you serve it!
An intense Beaujolais with great structure like a Burgundy. Since the 19th century, we have produced a broad range of Burgundy and Beaujolais appellations, part from family owned vineyards and the rest as vinificators.
"This red is a step up in quality from a basic Beaujolais. " - Gail Appleson, St. Louis Post Dispatch
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
2017 A La Carte Pinot Noir North Coast...$15.99
Most "experts" recommend Pinot Noir with Thanksgiving, there is a reason for that, it matches so well with turkey and the side dishes. Not too heavy, not too oaky and lots of fruit. This wine shows excellent structure and balance. Flavors of fresh berries and vanilla. This is a fantastic value that is an amazing steal for under $20. Highly recommended Pinot Noir that actually tastes like a Pinot Noir.
"This red is a step up in quality from a basic Beaujolais. " - Gail Appleson, St. Louis Post Dispatch
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
2017 A La Carte Pinot Noir North Coast...$15.99
Most "experts" recommend Pinot Noir with Thanksgiving, there is a reason for that, it matches so well with turkey and the side dishes. Not too heavy, not too oaky and lots of fruit. This wine shows excellent structure and balance. Flavors of fresh berries and vanilla. This is a fantastic value that is an amazing steal for under $20. Highly recommended Pinot Noir that actually tastes like a Pinot Noir.
Marc (New Ballas) recommends
Manicardi Dry Lambrusco....$19.99
Lambrusco Grasparossa of Castelvetro DOC is a sparkling dry wine obtained from the grapes of our hilly vineyards; It has a ruby colour with violet shades, an intense and fragrant smell, a typical and harmonious dry ambrosial taste.
Paul (Forsyth) recommends....
2018 Commanderie of Bargemone Rosé...$19.99
Bargemone has been a store favorite Rose for years and it is always one of the top scoring Roses from the professional reviewers. Bargemone has enough body to stand up to your Thanksgiving dinner and it looks festive in the glass! Plus it is sustainably grown too.
"The 2018 Coteaux D'Aix En Provence Rosé is also terrific. Based on Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cinsault, and Vermin, it has clean, crisp notes of white peach, salty minerality, and white flowers as well as a medium-bodied, balanced, chiseled style on the palate. It’s another smoking good wine from this estate."
Rated 91/100 Jeb Dunnuck
Bargemone has been a store favorite Rose for years and it is always one of the top scoring Roses from the professional reviewers. Bargemone has enough body to stand up to your Thanksgiving dinner and it looks festive in the glass! Plus it is sustainably grown too.
"The 2018 Coteaux D'Aix En Provence Rosé is also terrific. Based on Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cinsault, and Vermin, it has clean, crisp notes of white peach, salty minerality, and white flowers as well as a medium-bodied, balanced, chiseled style on the palate. It’s another smoking good wine from this estate."
Rated 91/100 Jeb Dunnuck
Paul (Forsyth) recommends
2016 Comte de Langeron Coteaux Bourguignons Blanc...$19.99
90% Chardonnay 10% Aligote
Most "experts" do not recommend Chardonnay with Thanksgiving. First of all if you like Chardonnay, drink Chardonnay with Thanksgiving! Second, this White Burgundy made mostly of Chardonnay will pair beautifully with it. Crisp acidity and no oak, this wine will surprise you.
A blend of Chardonnay and Aligoté of which most is matured in stainless steel. It has a great Burgundy nose with a touch of minerality that comes from the Aligote. Great flavors of tart apples and a steely acidity finishes off this great wine. Highly recommended and very limited production
Paul (Forsyth) recommends
2015 Water Wheel Shiraz Plus...$14.99
I really enjoy Shiraz with Thanksgiving. The meal has many different flavors going on---sweet, tart, salty, and earthy. You need a wine with good fruit and richness to handle it all. Shiraz is up for the challenge Water Wheel has the right weight and fruit to enhance your Thanksgiving meal. A deep, vivid, violet color. On the nose there are berry, blackcurrant and licorice aromas. The palate is full and rich with spice, berry and some black pepper flavors obvious. The wine is well balanced, with a persistent finish that is complimented by some fine tannin.
2015 Water Wheel Shiraz Plus...$14.99
I really enjoy Shiraz with Thanksgiving. The meal has many different flavors going on---sweet, tart, salty, and earthy. You need a wine with good fruit and richness to handle it all. Shiraz is up for the challenge Water Wheel has the right weight and fruit to enhance your Thanksgiving meal. A deep, vivid, violet color. On the nose there are berry, blackcurrant and licorice aromas. The palate is full and rich with spice, berry and some black pepper flavors obvious. The wine is well balanced, with a persistent finish that is complimented by some fine tannin.
No comments:
Post a Comment