Best Buy Wines for Every Foodie’s Favorite Holiday

In between the packed fridge and overflowing pantry, there is a bar (or at least some floor space) in need of stocking before the overwhelming relatives and nit-picky in-laws arrive. To add to (or enable!) the merriment of this family and food extravaganza, is it essential to provide ample wine for the masses. But, as we all know, it can be draining, both on the wallet and body, to gather all the supplies for this indulgent day.

This is where we come in. Whether you are a traditionalist, a vegetarian, a red meat hound or seafood fanatic, this comprehensive list of Thanksgiving wines will please your palate and your piggy-bank. With a couple of classic Thanksgiving wines, as well as some rising stars from the new world, this combination will have the grandparents, baby boomers and millennials all sipping side by side.

With four whites, four reds, one sparkling and a port, we’ve covered all your bases. If you are unable to find these labels exactly, don’t fret. This is a jumping off point intended to lead you in the right direction for your meal and budget. A good wine consultant at most stores should be able to suggest alternatives if you can provide them with the price range, region and wine that you are after.

Non-Vintage Gruet Brut: The famous champagne family of Gruet did us all a favor by opening up shop in New Mexico with the goal of producing affordable and fabulous sparkling wines at everyday prices. And that they did! Using the traditional (and very labor intensive) methods of producing Champagne, they are now churning out sparkling wines with tiny, persistent bubbles, strong acidity and just enough toasty notes to taste like the real thing for $14. Be sure to save some for day-after mimosas when the festivities have taken their toll. Available at Gruetwinery.com.

http://www.gruetwinery.com/

Cono Sur Gewürztraminer: This Chilean treasure has the perfect flavor profile and price at $12 to work with all components of your holiday meal. With notes of flowers, peach and ginger, this full-bodied, slightly sweet white is the perfect complement to heavier white meat, such as turkey, and is bold enough to hold it’s own with ham. The spicy sweetness also brings out the best in sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Available at Winezap.com.

http://www.conosur.com/en/

Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone White: When people think of the Rhone, they usually think Red, but this region produces fabulous whites for bargain prices. At $10, Perrin Reserve Cote Du Rhone White, a blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussane, delivers all the fruit and mouth-filling roundness you need for your turkey dinner without putting a dent in your budget. Or if it is a vegetarian celebration, then offer this with a Roasted Butternut Squash or Cream of Parsnip Soup. Available at Wine.com.

http://www.wine.com/

Wild Pig Viognier: In my family, a special occasion always involves crustaceans or shellfish in some fashion. For those who share this enthusiasm for seafood, it is critical to have at least one wine that works with oysters on the half shell as well as more traditional dishes. Wild Pig Viognier has the characteristic of apple and pear, as well as a crisp stony finish making it just the right wine to bridge the gap between the raw bar and the main course (if it is poultry). Available at WineRX.com or Vinquire.com.

http://www.wildpigwines.com/

Crios de Susana Balbo Torrentes: In the male dominated wine industry of Argentina, Susana Balbo, the first female Argentine winemaker, is showing them how it’s done! With excellent offerings for around $14, Crios wines are always a solid choice. With notes of melon, pear and green apple, this full bodied white has plenty of stone fruit flavors to hold up to the succulence of the turkey without overpowering it. Available at Wine.com.

www.wine.com

Trapiche Pinot Noir: Another steal from South American, this Argentine Pinot Noir has all the red fruit and earthy flavors you could dream of for $10. Whether you fancy turkey, ham or vegetarian shepherd’s pie for your meal, this wine will enhance the flavors, and hopefully the conversation as well. Available at Vinquire.com.

http://www.wildpigwines.com/

Montpellier Syrah: Imagine the smell of a blackberry cobbler baking in the oven. That’s what you get in a glass with this smooth, medium bodied Syrah for $10. For those who like bigger reds with most any meal, this will certainly work with roasted turkey, especially with gravy or cranberry sauce, and it is a home run with ham. Available at WineRX.com.

http://www.winelegacy.com/ItemDetail.aspx?Item_ID=698

Peirano Estate Vineyards Zinfandel: Rumor has it that Zinfandel is indigenous to America. True or not, we certainly produce the most, and the highest quality Zinfandels out there. So in the spirit of the holiday, why not include one at your table? Peirano Estate Zinfandel from Lodi has jammy, berry fruit flavors, as well as a little bit of leather making it your go-to wine from a meat lover’s Thanksgiving, especially at $12. Available at Vinquire.com.

http://www.peirano.com/

Crios de Susana Balbo Bonarda/Syrah Blend: Another winner from Argentina’s leading lady, this wine has brambly, berry fruit and black pepper from the Syrah, with a balance of spice and acidity from the Bonarda. At $14, you won’t find more complexity and mouth watering tastiness in a bottle. Sip this with turkey, ham or hearty veggies…or on its own by the fire after the food coma has set in. Available at Wine.com.

www.wine.com

Ferreira Tawny Porto: Be it pecan, pumpkin or apple pie, it will always taste better with a glass of tawny port, especially for $15 a bottle. With spice, stewed fruit flavors and a bit of nuttiness, this wine is excellent with coffee, traditional holiday desserts or just on its own while you loosen that belt and take in the family scene. Available at WineRX.com.

http://eng.sograpevinhos.eu/marcas/8/gama/725