Wines for Thanksgiving!
It’s hard to believe another Thanksgiving is around the corner. I always have customers asking me, what should I serve? It’s a personal question, but baseline, I always strive for two things; reasonably priced wines that taste good. Aunt Pat nor Uncle Bob really know much about the wine they are drinking, besides the measurement of good is more about quantity, not quality. So the balance lies in that ellipse-like sliver where disparate palates can intersect.
It is possible!...and I’ve pulled together a list of some of my favorites. As far as the wines go, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them. Choose any of these with confidence as you will be hard pressed to find better quality at these price points.
VR (VINS RARE) NOTE: I’ve been waiting on this one for a while now - tasted it from cask late last year. I have not yet made a formal offer on this one as it has just arrived - perfect timing for the holiday table. This is a pinot noir made in the heart of Chardonnay country, Puligny Montrachet. I’ve been working with this Domaine since 2011 vintage - the red wines always excel in the ripe vintages. 2022 Delivers!
VR NOTE: I know a lot of you will be tempted by the Nouveau Beaujolais stacked at the check out aisle - brace yourself as 2024 is going to be extremely difficult in that category, many will be flat undrinkable. You can spend a few dollars more and buy the real thing! This is a juicy wine from one of the most recognized names in Beaujolais. There is a lot to like with Beaujolains and turkey.
VR NOTE: This has been our #1 Red Wine Value of the Year! 95cs sold in very short order. Back Up The Truck! 100% pinot noir, Biodynamically farmed. This is made in an elegant style - super easy to drink. This is a wine I will be serving. Tremendous value!
VR NOTE: This is one that got lost in the inventory - I never made an offer for this wine. Anyone that knows me knows how much I enjoy the wines from Drouhin. This one is legit - 2020 vintage drinking prime time - Super value!
VR NOTE: We have brought you over the years some incredible wines from this Domaine and have another fantastic offering from Cote de Nuits most northerly appellation. The concentrated flavors explode from the glass offering blackberry, plum and spice. This is a serious wine for a not so serious price!
VR NOTE: I’ve made believers out of those that have tasted this one. Every time I check the inventory I’m calling the importer saying send me another 10! Great chiseled minerality with a nose that offers hints of citrus and seabreeze. Hard to mistake this for anything but Chablis. 2022 vintage was wildly successful at this Domaine.
VR NOTE: Hard to believe how good this one is, not surprising this will be elevated to 1er cru with the 2024 vintage. This says Pouilly Loche on the label but would put a lot of wines from Puligny Montrachet to shame.
VR NOTE: This is the type of wine I’m always looking for. Chardonnay that is pure, christline with great freshness and energy. Something that makes your lips smack and crave another sip. This one arrived just a couple of weeks ago - we have already ripped though 20 of 25cs. This will put a smile on your face.
VR NOTE: This is a wine that a year or so in bottle has done wonders. I’ve always liked this estate, however when the 2021 arrived last year, it left me a little perplexed - I didn’t really like the wine. I brought a few bottles home this past weekend and the 3 bottles only lasted until Sunday! This has fleshed out, put on some weight and was absolutely delicious! It is a little rounder than either of the Chablis - this will be a hit among the Chardonnay drinkers in the group.
VR NOTE: This is a Domaine we discovered on our last trip to Champagne. Domaine Direct pricing makes it a tremendous value, so it’s become our house Champagne. Four years lees aging gives some fullness and depth but the zero dosage keeps it lively and fresh. You can spend a whole lot more and not get anything better. I will be serving this over the long holiday weekend. Highly recommended! 55% Pinot Noir / 45% Meunier.
VR NOTE: This is an example of what the new generation is doing. The Mignon brothers have taken back their families vineyards in Cremant, Avize and Cuis and are crafting artisan champagnes with an emphasis on terroir expression. This is a 100% Chardonnay where the chalky minerality is on full display. Hard not to like this one + I like the label.
VR NOTE: Some of the best bang for your buck in Champagne comes from the southern portion of the region - Cote de Bar. The soil here has more in common with Chablis than it does with its neighbors to the north. Pinot Noir reigns supreme in this area. The red fruited berry aromas are balanced nicely with the fresh minerality this 100% Pinot Noir delivers on the palate. This is a serious wine!
VR NOTE: Champagne Fleury was certified biodynamic in 1989, one of the very first Champagne producers to embrace this philosophy. They work mostly with Pinot Noir from the Kimmerdgian soils of the Cote de Bar. The Non vintage Blanc de Noirs is made from a perpetual blend started in 2010, 100% Pinot Noir, aged 4 years lees with a modest 5g/l dosage. It's a generous wine that displays red berry fruit and stone fruit flavors. The Kimmerdgian soil imparts a lively minerality and fresh energy on a wine that is flavorful but at the same time very light on its feet. First rate!
VR NOTE: If riesling is what Aunt Judy likes - might as well blow her doors off with one of the most consistent names in the Nahe. If you could only drink one riesling producer for the rest of your life - Donnhoff would be a pretty good choice. The Kabinet is going to drink a little dryer than the Spatlese, but both would make an excellent pairing with Turkey. You might be surprised when the non-wine drinkers in the group are asking for another glass of Donnhoff.
VR NOTE: Another excellent choice in the Riesling category are the wonderful wines being produced from Hermann Ludes. Although not as well known as Donnhoff the wines offer wonderful complexity and balance on a stunning, mouthwatering finish. These are both excellent!
