Wines Fit For a Feast!

  in Blog

By Clint Mitchell, Oryana Wine & Beer Buyer

Thanksgiving is, by definition, a time to give thanks, whether it’s for friends, family, the food that’s on the table or the football on TV.

But after the “Four F’s” comes a capital “W”, and that’s wine. For a day that’s heavily geared toward food and celebration, wine’s inclusion is inevitable.

So many elements of Thanksgiving dinner lend themselves to wine, whether it’s a toast to start, turkey and sides, or pumpkin pie. Just about any wine you think of will go with something on the table — it’s really that simple. You’ll just want to avoid heavy reds or oaky Chardonnays, as they tend to overpower most food on a Thanksgiving menu (unless you’re serving prime rib or lobster). 

My go-to wines for the big day are usually Pinot Noir on the red side, and unoaked Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer for whites (you can’t possibly just choose one). But any light to medium-bodied red or white will do.

For the next couple of weeks, our wine section end cap will feature some great wines for the Thanksgiving feast that won’t break the bank, but taste like they do. A dozen wines —  sparkling, whites and reds — you’ll be happy to have on your table, and share with friends and family. After all, that’s what it’s all about.

Check out a few of my favorites below. Happy Thanksgiving!

Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France; $18.99. Soft and silky flavors of peach and ginger; a little zest on the finish.

Domiane Seguinot Bordet Petit Chablis, Burgundy, France; $19.99. Bright, floral and fruity flavors of peach and lemon, with a touch of minerality on the finish.

Bouchard Pere & Fils Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France; $18.99. Smoky flavors of berries and cherries, and a long, lively finish.

Straight Shooter Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon; $16.99. Raspberry and spice flavors, with floral notes on the finish.

Costa di Bussia Barbera D’Alba, Italy; $16.99. Downright delicious. Elegant and supple, with flavors of dark berry and spice.

Biutiful Cava Brut Rose, Spain; $13.99. A zesty sparkler, brimming with citrus and berry flavors. Drink before, during or after dinner.