The Wine Press: A Guide to Thanksgiving Wine
Whether you’re hosting for the holiday or playing party guest, it can be a challenge to serve wine that pleases everyone.
This year we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation. Zero Dosage bubbles, an orange wine even grandma would like, and a red blend from Mendocino that absolutely slaps. Each one of these wines could carry you through your entire Thanksgiving meal, but you can’t try just one!
Click here to shop The Wine Press’ Turkey Day Pick for The Fenway.
Featured Selection
If you’re a bubble enthusiast, you must try the Brut Rosso from Cantina della Volta. Sparkling Lambrusco Rosé will instantly remove all of your holiday stress. We suggest one per person. It’s that good.
Cantina della Volta, Brut Rosso
Region: Modena DOC – Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Grape: Lambrusco di Sorbara
Portuguese wine for Thanksgiving? Yes! This squeaky clean Loureiro will ignite your palate and get you ready for mashed potatoes. If you fancy yourself a Sauvignon Blanc fan, give this killer Loureiro a shot.
Region: Vinho Verde DOC – Minho, Portugal
Grape: Loureiro
We’ve all been scarred by the oak monster that lives inside supermarket chardonnays. But this Santa Barbara dream would give some Mâconnais wines a run for their money. Dazzling acidity and palate coating warmth with a hint of popcorn butter, no monsters. Let Au Bon Climat change your mind about Chardonnay!
Au Bon Climat, Santa Barbara County, Chardonnay
Region: Santa Barbara County, California
Grape: Chardonnay
This is one of the happiest wines we know. It comes from one of the world’s oldest producers of skin-contact white wine. Bright, sunny acidity with a savoury finish. This bottle is the perfect aperitivo to sip on as you cook. Bellissimo.
Azienda Agricola Denavolo, Catavela
Region: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Grapes: Malvasia, Ortrugo, Marsanne
This wine is going to make everyone happy. The notes of cranberries and red currants will have you thinking Ocean Spray had a hand in the making of it. It is an absolute delight to drink and is a fabulous pairing for all of the traditional Thanksgiving fare. WP Staff Favorite!
Vinca Minor, Mendocino Red Blend
Region: Mendocino AVA – Redwood Valley, California
Grapes: Zinfandel, Carignan
Sparkling
Possibly the driest wine we have. Imagine scorching hot sand on a windy day in the desert and you catch a hint of lemon along the breeze. That is this wine. So freakin’ delicious we can’t get over it. There was also zero dosage (the secondary addition of sugar in the traditional Champagne Method) which causes this wine to be sharp and, frankly, flawless.
Region: New Mexico
Grape: Chardonnay
Our new favorite. Nose full of Anjou pears. Hypnotizing acidity and a long, dry finish with just enough toast.
Champagne Gosset, Champagne Brut Grande Réserve
Region: Champagne AOC – Champagne, France
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
White Wine
Full of Golden Apples and Anjou Pears. Gorgeous, dry, and full of flinty goodness.
Vigneau Chevreau, Cuvée Silex Vouvray
Region: AOC Vouvray – Loire Valley, France
Grape: Chenin Blanc
Orange Wine
It has electric acidity, playful, sticky tannins, and so many dried peaches. One sip and you’re smiling.
Georgian Legend, Rkatsiteli Qvevri
Region: Kakheti – Village: Tsinandali, The Republic of Georgia
Grape: Rkatsiteli
Red Wine
Dried figs, tamarind, and dark chocolate. Well rounded and weighty, but who isn’t. The small addition of Rkatsiteli gives it such a lift!
Region: Kakheti, Republic of Georgia
Grapes: Saperavi, Rkatsiteli
Willamette Valley Beaujolais. This Pinot Noir is a flash of fresh cherries and earthy goodness. Dry throughout, it has delightful acidity and a savory finish. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
Patricia Green, Dollar Bills Only Pinot Noir
Region: Willamette Valley AVA – Oregon
Grape: Pinot Noir
