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I like wine enough to know that whenever I\u2019m in a wine shop\u2014I\u2019m the idiot. Sure, I\u2019ve got preferences (dry, easy drinking, cheap enough where I could consider buying two bottles) but they\u2019re not deep-seated. I\u2019ll let the person behind the counter\u2014or bar or dining table\u2014take me wherever they think is best. And I\u2019m always better for it.<\/p>\n
That said, this year, we\u2019re turning our Thanksgiving wine advice over to the professionals. Here are seven great Thanksgiving wines, all under $40, all chosen by sommeliers and those in the business of great sips.<\/p>\n
You always want a good bottle of bubbles to start\u2014and I love the Cava Recaredo Terrers Brut Nature Gran R\u00e9serva<\/a>. It\u2019s fresh, bright, and has a lot of texture. It develops notes of citrus that linger while leaving room for decadent pecans and a more nutty sherry-like profile. A crowd pleaser without the Champagne price tag.<\/p>\n My choice would be a white wine that\u2019s slightly rich but that has enough acidity to lighten the rich dinner ahead. In this case I\u2019d suggest a delicious bottle of Laurent Tribut Chablis<\/a> in a fruity vintage such as 2018 or 2019.<\/p>\n For white, I\u2019m bringing Barbichette Poc a Poc<\/a>. Louisiane and C\u00e9sar are making really beautiful, exciting wines in the Finger Lakes. All of the fruit is responsibly grown, and the wines are made naturally, with no added yeasts, chemicals, or overt manipulation. Poc a Poc is lightly macerated Muscat\u2014so it\u2019s aromatic, super fresh, incredibly delicious and a perfect way to start Thanksgiving day while you nibble around the kitchen.<\/p>\n Thanksgiving is a wine professional\u2019s Super Bowl. We get to introduce semi-casual drinkers to new wines every holiday. This year I think Aunt Becky is ready for some skin contact wine, which she probably refers to as \u201corange\u201d wine. Not only do skin contact wines often have great acidity\u2014they also have light to medium tannins that hold up to the fat in your turkey and sauces.<\/p>\n For an entry level skin contact, I like Gulp Hablo 2023<\/a> from Bodegas Parra Jimenez. It\u2019s a fresh blend of Verdejo, Garnacha, and Sauvignon Blanc, and it comes in a liter bottle that\u2019s usually under $20 at the store. Gulp it up pre-dinner, during dinner, and post-dinner\u2014it works with everything.<\/p>\n To level up, I like Les Vins Pirouettes \u201cOrange Cubic Francois\u201d<\/a> 2023. Alsace is where the Gewurztraminer grape is most resplendent, while traditionally super aromatic and floral, Fran\u00e7ois Bl\u00e9ger gives this wine 12 days of skin contact which mutes some of the more pungent characteristics of the grape. Perfect for your fruity sauces and even pies.<\/p>\nJulien Moreno, Sommelier & Restaurant Manager at NYC\u2019s Benoit<\/a>
\n<\/h4>\nCarenn Mackinnon, Owner of Williamsburg\u2019s Plus de Vin<\/a>
\n<\/h4>\nDavid Bruno, Founder of D\u00e9part Wine<\/a>
\n<\/h4>\nCarenn Mackinnon, Owner of Williamsburg\u2019s Plus de Vin<\/a>
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