Thanksgiving Supermarket Wine Guide
With so many different foods on the table — from sweet to savory — Thanksgiving can be especially challenging when it comes to choosing the right wines. Adding to the frustration are time-crunched shoppers who may not have a chance to visit a wine shop. To help ease the burden, I offer you my best bets for Thanksgiving that can be found at most major supermarkets. Also, be sure to check out Sarah Traynor-Price’s article on how to pair wine with holiday fare like a pro.
SPARKLING & CHAMPAGNE
Segura Viudas Cava, Spain $10: this has long been my go-to bottle for entertaining larger crowds. It’s zesty and bubbly with green apple notes. The price point makes it suitable for making bellinis and mimosas.
Gruet Sparkling Wine, New Mexico $15: along with Segura Viudas, this is my other go-to for budget sparklers. You simply cannot find a better domestic sparkler for the money. Gruet makes a range of styles from white to sparkling rose. They are all amazing deals for the money.
Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace $22: the sparkling wine selection at most grocery stores are either super pricey splurges or undrinkable plonk. It’s hard to find something in the middle and this one does the trick if you’re looking for a Champagne alternative. Dominated by Pinot Blanc and made using the Methode Champenoise.
WHITE WINE & ROSE
Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles $15: I firmly believe you can’t go wrong with Sauvignon Blanc. It carries the day for everything from appetizers to the main course. Grassy, clean and dry with zippy lemon peel flavors.
Dr. Loosen ‘L’ Riesling, Germany $14: Chances are you have someone in your family who prefers a sweeter wine and they are going to love the green apple and honey notes on this Riesling. I also find that Riesling is the perfect wine to pair with Thanksgiving food since it plays well with both sweet and savory dishes.
Field Recordings Chenin Blanc, California $17: I love Chenin Blanc with turkey! The sweet tart green apple notes provides a delicious foil for the savory notes in turkey while complimenting the sweet cranberry sauce. This is a classic pairing!
Argiolas ‘Costamolino’ Vermentino, Sardinia $16: This is a delicious Mediterranean white wine that I recommend to Pinot Grigio fans. Crisp, light-bodied and refreshing, it pairs well with guacamole, hummus and other appetizer dips and starter trays.
Raeburn Chardonnay, Sonoma County $15: This buttery and oaky Chardonnay will satisfy your hardcore Napa Chard lovers. 100% of the fruit is barrel fermented and aged sur lie for 9 months in a duo of French and Hungarian oak (50% new).
Figuiere Mediterranee Rose, France $16: Just because it’s the middle of November doesn’t mean we can’t drink rose. In fact, I can’t think of a better wine to transition from appetizers to the main event.
RED WINES
Louis Jadot Beaujolais, France $16: This is often on every wine critics list for last minute best bets for Thanksgiving grocery store pairings. Gamay is ligher in body similar to a Pinot Noir so it will pair well with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes. Not to be confused with Beaujolais Nouveau which is much more fruity and fresh. Pro tip: Chill your bottle before serving to enhance the fruit and make it more refreshing.
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara $24 : The late Jim Clendenen was one of my wine heroes. He was one of the pioneering forces in Santa Barbara wine country and the winery continues to produce wines of excellent quality. Classic Pinot Noir fruit with notes of black cherries, cola spice and violets. Delicious wine for the money.
Vietti Barbera d’Asti, Piedmont, Italy $18 : Soft easy drinking red from Piedmont. Lighter bodied in style with notes of tart black plums and red cherries. Enjoy with cheese and charcuterie or vegetarian fare.
Saint-Cosme Cotes du Rhone, France $17: This Grenache-based red is a delicious pairing for turkey and all the trimmings. Bonus points if you do smoked turkey. Aromas of red fruits, dried Provencale herbs and ground pepper.
CVNE ‘Crianza’ Rioja, Spain $14: Here’s another easy-drinking red that will pair well with a variety of dishes. Spends about 1 year in American oak so you get a good balance of red fruit notes with some dried dill and vanilla notes.
Zuccardi ‘Serie A’ Malbec, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $15: There are lot of Malbecs on the market at this price point and quality and depth of flavor can vary with each producer. The Zuccardi Family has been making wine in Argentina since the 1960’s and they are known for producing wines of exceptional quality at all price point levels. Classic Malbec notes of dark plums, violets, cocoa powder and mocha.
Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma $23: Thanksgiving is decidedly an American holiday and you can’t get more American than Zinfandel. In fact, Zinfandel is rarely if ever encountered outside of the United States. Ripe bold flavors of raisins, raspberry jam, ripe figs and baking spices.
Clos de los Siete ‘C7’ Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $20: a rich, full-bodied red made by the legendary Michel Rolland. Michel discovered a special plot of land in Argentina, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains in the Uco Valley. With six other friends, Michel created the vineyard of 7, Clos de los Siete. Made from a blend of 50% Malbec, 24% Merlot, 11% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon, California $20: this is a second label from the highly regarded Duckhorn Vineyards. The winery created Decoy as a more affordable entry level wine. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, savory blueberry and sweet baking spices.
All wines were sourced from Whole Foods Market at 1 W Chicago. The selection and pricing at your local supermarket may vary. You can also try Drizly or Binny’s.