Wine recommendations for Thanksgiving dinner
Casale Marchese White Blend, Frascati Superiore, Italy
Malvasia del Lazio, Trebbiano Toscano, Bonvino, & Bellone grapes; Importer: Oliver McCrum
Pinot Grigio is one of the most well-known white wines from Italy, yet there are many more holiday meal-friendly Italian whites to consider. Casale Marchese has been owned by the Carletti family since 1713, yet grapes have been grown on the property since the Middle Ages. The grapes for the blend are grown in the Tusculo Hills south of Rome. This is the perfect aperitif to pour as guests arrive and will show well alongside snacks and friendly banter before the meal. It’s also refreshing and versatile enough to serve during the meal that offers a wide variety of side dishes. Suggested retail price, $16-18.
Muller-Catoir riesling “Feinherb,” Pfalz, Germany
Importer: Skurnik Wines. Not all rieslings are sweet, and options from Germany are quite refreshing. MullerCatoir is a certified organic producer, family-owned and operated since 1774. “Feinherb” is a term that indicates a touch of sweetness, the perfect style for any kind of smoked, Cajun or traditional roasted turkey served alongside just about any side dish, including “hard to pair” bitter greens or roasted sweet potatoes. Suggested retail price, $22-25
Maison Passot Gamay, Chiroubles, Beaujolais, France
Importer: Valkyrie Selections. Most people’s experience with Beaujolais comes from the yearly release of Beaujolais Nouveau. However, some of the best wines made from Gamay grapes come from the 10 crus of Beaujolais. In Chiroubles (shee-roo-bluh), the Passot family tends 50-year-old vines grown at high elevation. This lighter red, served slightly chilled, offers versatility at the holiday table. Suggested retail price, $20-22
Rabble Wine Co. Zinfandel, Paso Robles, CA, USA
100 percent Zinfandel. May this be your only “rabble” at the holiday table . ... For those in search of a little more body in their red wine choice for Thanksgiving, Zinfandel is a great, medium-bodied, redfruited option that will work well alongside any turkey preparation, even the cranberry sauce. Rabble Wine Co. Zinfandel is lush and fresh, a combination perfect for pleasing everyone. The labels are distinctive, made from public domain woodblock prints from the 1500s. Suggested retail price, $22-25
Vinhos Barbeito Sercial “Charleston”, Madeira, Portugal
Importer:Rare Wine Co. If your holiday meal budget allows for a “splurge” bottle, this would be a great choice. The Historic Series connects modern drinkers to the popular wines of our U.S. founding fathers, who raised a glass or two during the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Named for the cities where Madeira was most popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, Charleston celebrates the South’s love of drier styles of this special wine. Once open, these wines do not fade like others and will drink well after opening for many months ... only if you have the discipline to savor it slowly over time. Perfect for the dessert portion of Thanksgiving, specifically all things pie. Suggested retail price, $58-65.