Vanessa and I managed to get down to our ranch in Big Sur for the first time in 15 months. It was lovely to walk out to the garden (albeit slowly) and stop by the persimmon tree to taste the first of the sweet fruits that always remind us Thanksgiving is just around the corner.
With just one wine delivery left before the holiday, it's time to stock up on Thanksgiving wines! We thought we'd share our recommendations for what to drink at your feast, starting with some new bubbly treats to toast with -- a delicious, excellent-value Cava with all the character and elegance of a classic Champagne, and a special Extra Brut Champagne with a lovely richness and complexity that just keeps you coming back for another sip.
Read on for our Thanksgiving wine suggestions! You can order these as a collection, or -- as always -- put together your own case of favorites to grace your table. Cooking up a non-traditional menu? Don't hesitate to reach out for our recommendations tailored to what you plan to serve!
Wishing you a joyful, relaxing and heartwarming Thanksgiving. For us, this year we are giving thanks for our health, resilience, and the opportunity to continue to do what we love.
Wine Friends' Thanksgiving Selections
Great-value Pairings:
We're so excited to introduce this new Cava to our list. With notes of raw almond skins, crisp green apples, and fresh morels. It's complex, earthy character reminds us of walking through a redwood forest on a sunny fall day.
A smooth and expressive dry Riesling from the Mosel, Germany. Deliciously layered with all the right elements. As a richer white, it is a great companion to your holiday dishes. Simply fantastic!
This Gamay from Beaujolais, France is an easy-to-love red, full of plums, elderberries, and raspberries. This is a versatile, rich but fresh wine that will pair beautifully with Turkey and stuffing. A match made in heaven.
Special Holiday Treats:
This is everything you want from a classic Champagne. Delectable notes of brioche, apricots, and raspberries, with wonderful acidity and superb balance. This is a wine for the special toasts! Skip the flutes and serve in white wine glasses for the full flavor experience.
This is a fresh, yet layered Chardonnay from Chablis. This wine builds in intensity and unfolds beautifully in the glass with time, so we recommend decanting it 30 minutes prior to drinking to really let it open up. This is one you could drink with every course if you're a white-wine fan.
Jané Ventura Sumoll 2018 ($43)
Another new one on our list, this knockout wine is made from an extremely rare varietal, Sumoll, that is often called the 'Mediterranean Nebbiolo'. Delicious smoky and leathery notes, with raspberries, rose petals, cranberries and spices. This will be just super with your turkey and cranberry sauce.