This November is uniquely American. We’ve got Election Day early in the month, followed later by Thanksgiving, when we’ll nosh on turkey and dressing and give thanks that the bizarre presidential race is mercifully over. That said, we’re going with an all-domestic slate of wines to ring in fall and get back to what’s really important—the holiday table. These work really well with Thanksgiving flavors, from fried or roast turkey to all manner of sides. Find them at Calandro’s Supermarket on Government Street.
Jules
Melange vin blanc
Napa Valley, 2015
$13
Consider this white blend a crossover wine capable of drawing a wide range of sippers. It’s no surprise when you look at the varietal breakdown: 38% albariño, 38% viognier and 24% sauvignon blanc. The albariño and sauvignon blanc impart good acidity, while the viognier presents dominant notes of tropical and orchard fruits. This blend likes spicy fare, classic Cajun eats and just about anything on the Thanksgiving table.
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Pair it with: Thai cuisine, jambalaya or fish tacos
Stephen Vincent
Pinot noir
Sonoma County, 2013
$15
This lovely medium-bodied pinot noir is a great match for fowl, pork, hamburgers and kebabs. There are a lot of nuances here, including dark cherry fruit with a hint of spiciness. The texture is silky and the finish simple and clean. Good acidity helps expand its pairing range.
Pair it with: grilled pork tenderloin with roasted rosemary potatoes, wild mushroom pasta or fig and prosciutto-stuffed turkey roulade
Carmenet
Chardonnay
California, 2015
$15
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Everything that chardonnay lovers appreciate about their favorite varietal exists here in this straw-hued, full-bodied vintage. Look for a range of notes, from creamy banana and crisp apple to vanilla and butterscotch. It’s full in the mouth without being cloying.
Pair it with: the classic Thanksgiving table of turkey, sausage-cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, sautéed green beans with hollandaise, bourbon sweet potatoes and yeast rolls
This article was originally published in the November 2016 issue of 225 Magazine.