Thanksgiving 2020 Wine Buying Guide

11/17/2020

Welcome to The Wine Ship 2020 Thanksgiving Wine Buying Guide! My intention is to introduce you to remarkable wines that pair beautifully with the holiday spread. Thanksgiving looks a lot different in 2020. We may not find ourselves surrounded by the same circumstances we are accustomed to this year, but we will definitely have some wonderful wines to brighten our spirits! Perhaps this year we find ourselves more grateful than ever before.

Each of the 23 bottles in this guide was hand-selected for its outstanding quality, flavors, and pairing versatility. We begin—as all of the best parties do—with bubbles, then to “bright” or high-acid white wines, then on to classic Chardonnay, Rosé, Italy (it has a special place with the menu), Pinot Noir, and finally to Cabernet Sauvignon. You’ll even find a couple irresistible bonus wines in the mix. I’ve added links to some of my favorite Denver retailers to help you track down the wines, but please respond to this email directly for help ordering.

At the end of the guide, you will find access to a virtual showdown pairing experience I created with fellow Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator, Nathan Frye. This provides an opportunity for you to experience multiple ways to approach pairing the courses of your feast.

- Montana

B U B B L E S

I’ll start with a disclaimer: pairing wines with Thanksgiving can be tricky! There are so many flavors on the table. It’s nearly impossible to find a single wine that works with everything. One of the best ways to nail it is with an awesome bottle of bubbly. It makes for a great opening to the evening, but consider getting adventurous and savoring it throughout the entire meal. The bright effervescence and high-tone flavors provide excellent relief from what can be an overwhelming session of (delightful) gluttony. These three wines offer remarkable fruit, acid, and balance, bringing your flavors to new heights.

Waris-Hubert ‘Lilyale’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs: This is a true Grower Champagne, meaning the grapes are grown by the same people who make the wine. This might not sound special, but in Champagne it is! Many of the Champagnes you find on the shelf are produced by large companies that invest millions in branding. This lesser-known producer offers a Grand Cru wine for an outstanding price and absolutely remarkable quality. I was lucky enough to visit this estate back in 2015, and since then my appreciation for “Farmer Fizz” has only escalated.
The wine is dry, with absolutely no added sugar. It is made of 100% Chardonnay and brings both intensity and refreshment to the palate. It is made using sustainable growing methods by a lovely couple in their hometown of Avize. It’s vegan and the vines are over 25 years old. On the palate, you will taste exploding flavors of lemon and orchard fruit, which give way to yellow apple, green pear, and citrus zest. Try it with deviled eggs!
{ SRP: $59.99-$62.99 | Find it: Peak Beverage }

Mercat Cava Brut Nature: Next, we go to Spain. My second love when it comes to sparkling wine. If Champagne is outside of your budget (or you need more than one bottle to get you through the night — and who doesn’t?), Cava is always my go-to. Made in the same traditional method as Champagne, the wine is bone dry and has no added sugar. It’s a fantastic place to start the feast, but again, can work seamlessly throughout the entire feast. The wine is a blend of grapes you may not have heard of, and that’s not important. What matters is that it’s delicious and sustainably made. You’ll taste ripe fruit flavors of pear and brioche with accents of apricot and nectarine. Try your hand at preparing Oysters Rockefeller and call me in the morning.
{ SRP: $14.99-$17.99 | Find it: Argonaut, Molly's, Peak Beverage }

Markus Huber Sparkling Rosé: Last but not least is something off the beaten path. Rosé is a phenomenal choice for Thanksgiving. We’ll dive deeper into that in the Rosé section below, but just know that this is a bottle truly worth discovering. Hailing from Traisental, Austria, this is fruitier than the first two, yet still sustainably made. It’s not sweet, but it has more fruit and behaves beautifully with a wide variety of flavors. A blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt, the grapes come from small vineyard plots. It is an electric pink color with flavors of fresh berries and bright, lifted citrus.
{ SRP: $17.99-$20.99 | Find it: Mayfair Wine }

B R I G H T W H I T E S

This next category is where you’ll want to hang out if you tend to reach for Sauvignon Blanc when enjoying white wine. I call these “bright whites” for their lifted, aromatic style. These wines tend to have higher acidity and do a wonderful job of cutting through the rich flavors of the meal. Think of squeezing a lemon over a salad or piece of fish, that acid brightens up the dish, thus “bright whites”.

Foris Gewürztraminer: ‘Gewürz’ means ‘spice’ in German. You’ll often find this variety coming from Austria, but this bottle comes from Oregon’s southern Rogue Valley. It has the spicy characteristics typical of the variety, plus lovely tropical flavors of lychee and mango with undertones of rose petal, ginger, and cinnamon. This wine is a natural fit with the highly-spiced dishes on the Turkey Day table. You gotta have it with stuffing made with a little spicy Italian sausage.
{ SRP: $15.99-$18.99 | Find it: Argonaut, Molly’s North }

Selbach ‘Salmo Salar’ Dry Riesling: It’s not Thanksgiving without a bottle of German Riesling. If you’re not a fan of sweet wines, this one is dry but has all of the best characteristics of great Riesling at a great price. Also, you’re not drinking the right sweet wines if you think you don’t like them…but that’s another post. There is so much versatility and range packed into this bottle. You can have it with salads, sides, absolutely everything on your plate. It’s electric on the tongue with notes of green apple, quince, lemon zest, and honey.
{ SRP: $16.99-$19.99 | Find it: Applejack Wheat Ridge }

Mayu Pedro Ximénez: We often think of Sherry when talking about this variety, but this is a remarkable dry wine from Chile’s picturesque Elqui Valley. Old vines grown at high altitude produce this clean, zesty wine with flavors of fresh citrus, ginger, and pears. It’s light and lively, and drinks similar to a Pinot Grigio. Try this with shrimp appetizers.
{ SRP: $13.99-$16.99 | Find it: Argonaut, Peak Beverage, Applejack Wheat Ridge }

Mahi Sauvignon Blanc: Sometimes you just want your Sauvy B and that’s all there is to it! This wine is a classic example of all of the things we love about New Zealand versions of this variety. It is super expressive and aromatic with flavors of grapefruit, elderflower, and nectarine. It’s layered in a way that sets it apart from many of the other wines of its kind I have tasted. Perfection with your green bean casserole and other veggie-based dishes.
{ SRP: $18.99-$21.99 | Find it: Joy Wine & Spirits }

Secateurs Chenin Blanc: Finally, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options, I promise you will not be disappointed by this remarkable wine. So much greatness is packed into one bottle, it pleases everyone (even your mother-in-law). The wine is made by Adi Badenhorst, one of South Africa’s absolute top winemakers. The grapes are sourced from old, dry-farmed vines and offers flavors of orange zest, nectarine, white peach, and apricot. It’s softer on the palate than the other wines I’ve listed and truly is a pairing fit for every dish on the table. If you want to simplify, try it with the cheese course. Yum!
{ SRP: $17.99-$20.99 | Find it: Argonaut, Molly’s North, Peak Beverage }

C H A R D O N N A Y

If you’re a lover of the classics, you really must have one or two great bottles of Chardonnay on hand for the holidays. Here are two completely opposite selections to offer you different approaches and help illustrate the versatility of this royal variety.

Albert Bichot Chablis: It used to be that any old Chardonnay (often in jug) could be labeled Chablis. Today, this is no longer permitted as the word Chablis refers specifically to the cool climate region of Burgundy’s northernmost vineyards. This wine is produced by one of Burgundy’s most renowned, family-owned enterprises which has been crafting excellent wines since 1831. It is truly Old-World in style with racing acidity and aromas of white flowers, apples, lemon zest, and a note of minerals that is so classically Chablis. As with the Secateurs, you can’t go wrong pouring this with the cheese course or charcuterie. It’ll work beautifully with salads with citrus dressings, also.
{ SRP: $29.99-$32.99 | Find it: Argonaut }

Frank Family Carneros Chardonnay: I can’t say enough about how much I adore this winery. I have visited them twice now and am always impressed by the quality of the wines, hospitality, and service they provide. A rich, opulent example of California Chardonnay. You will find a tasting experience that will have you wondering how they crammed mom’s apple pie into a bottle of wine. Flavors of baking spice, vanilla, apples, and ripe lemon all do a happy dance on the tongue. The wine is a match made in heaven for creamy au gratin potatoes. I’m drooling as I write.
{ SRP: $36.99-$39.99 | Find it: Applejack Wheat Ridge, Joy Wine & Spirits }

R O S É

I can’t talk about Thanksgiving and not get excited about Rosé. It’s such an underrated, versatile, delicious, food-friendly category of wine. Rosé goes with so many different flavors, and if you have it in your mind that it’s a summer-only drop, think again!

Triennes Rosé: As classic as they come; this wine is dry, elegant, delicious, layered, and expressive. Provençe is probably the region most associated with rosé, and for good reason. The Mediterranean climate provides perfect conditions for growing the varieties you get to enjoy here: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Merlot. The wine is sustainably crafted by the geniuses behind Burgundy’s great properties: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Dujac, and consulting winemaker, Diana Snowden Seysses, oversees production. It’s an easy, delicious, affordable option that never fails to harmonize with the spread. You’ll taste flavors of fresh strawberry, citrus, white blossoms, and oranges, all wrapped in a texture that’ll keep you coming back for another sip. This is fantastic with Turkey and all the fixins, or a salty spiral ham.
{ SRP: $18.99-$21.99 | Find it: Peak Beverage, Applejack Wheat Ridge }

Jolie Folle Rosé: Another example of Provençe in a fun 1-liter package. The name ‘Jolie Folle’ translates to ‘Crazy Beautiful’… which is what most family gatherings tend to be! The grapes are supplied by growers who have been making wine in the area for 10 generations. The wine drinks a bit fruitier than the Triennes with lots of berry flavors such as strawberry and raspberry. It’s super fresh on the palate and with an ABV of only 12.5%, you can enjoy multiple glasses and stay standing ‘til dessert. Try it with the veggie-based dishes.
{ SRP: $16.99-$19.99 | Find it: Argonaut }

Banshee Rosé: Of course, great Rosé is made all over the world, and for this selection I’m bringing it back home to the USA with this awesome pink wine from Mendocino County. A blend of Grenache, Barbera, and Syrah, you’ll get a fun, punchy New-World wine with very little skin contact, which keeps the color a light whisper of coral pink. Flavors here are a bit more tropical than the others with notes of grapefruit, watermelon, and just a touch of spice that works so well with the entire feast.
{ SRP: $19.99-$22.99 | Find it: Hazel’s Boulder }

I T A L Y

You may be wondering why I chose to include a section on Italian wines in a lineup dedicated to such an American tradition as Thanksgiving, but trust me, they belong here! Italian wines are generally higher in acid and offer wonderful fruit flavors and aromas. The combination of freshness and approachability of these two bottles are a natural fit with the array of flavors and textures on the table.

Vigneti del Sole Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: If you are watching your budget, or your family drinks as much wine as mine does, this is a remarkable choice for a great value red. It’s ripe and juicy with flavors of boysenberry, ripe plum, and anise. It’s smooth on the palate and behaves similarly to the cranberry sauce that we like to dab on every bite. It provides a fruity acidity that enhances the flavors on your fork. If you are going a little less traditional this year, it will also work remarkably well with lamb, duck, or just about any protein with a little fat on it.
{ SRP: $12.99-$15.99 | Find it: Highlands Wine & Liquor }

Cabert Pinot Grigio: Yet another awesome value wine (something else I love about many Italian wines), this is a classic example of delicious, fruity Pinot Grigio. It hails from Italy’s northeastern Friuli region, an area that has long been the origin of some of the country’s best wines. It is fruity and flavorful with notes of apples, lemon verbena, and citrus. The texture screams Fall and will pair beautifully with veggie dishes, or as a starter with a prosciutto and melon appetizer.
{ SRP: $13.99-$16.99 | Find it: Joy Wine & Spirits }

P I N O T N O I R

It’s just not Thanksgiving without Pinot Noir. This variety is truly the quintessential pairing for the meal. It is traditional for a reason: the body is light as not to overpower the food. It has lots of red fruit flavors, but also an earthiness and spice that balances beautifully with the variety of dishes. It is versatile and comes in an array of styles that refresh the palate and will keep you reaching for your next mouthful. I didn’t get specific with food pairings in this section, as these wines really are the ultimate option for reds with the traditional turkey and fixings.

Boya Pinot Noir: An unexpected place to start, but Chile’s cool climate vineyards in Leyda Valley, which overlook the Pacific, make for an ideal habitat to this delicate grape variety. The wine is aged in neutral oak barrels, not to impart oak flavors, but to soften the texture and integrate all of the flavors and structural components. A very interesting twist on a New-World Pinot. On the palate, flavors of cherry blossom, strawberry, and red cherry make each sip lighthearted and tasty.
{ SRP: $16.99-$19.99 | Find it: Colorado Beverage Company }

The Hilt Pinot Noir: The Santa Rita Hills region in the southwest corner of Santa Barbara County provides a special pocket of growing conditions which produce very good Pinots. You’ll find this to be a bolder, more robust style of wine; and like Winemaker Matt Dees, it’s anything but wimpy. All of the fruit is grown on the estate on vines that are up to 45 years old. You’ll taste flavors of blackberry, sage, pepper, and just a faint hint of incense.
{ SRP: $46.99-$49.99 | Find it: Argonaut }

Sean Minor ‘Point North’ Pinot Noir: Now we take it up north to my preferred domestic region for Pinot outside of California: Willamette Valley, Oregon. This wine is vegan and made from sustainably-sourced fruit by one of my favorite winemakers, Sean Minor. Sean makes an entire range of outstanding Pinots, any of which would be fantastic on the holiday table. The flavors are of raspberry, blackberry, earth, and a warm, delicious spice character.
{ SRP: $24.99-$27.99 | Find it: Bonnie Brae Liquor }

Pavette Pinot Noir: This is a new wine to me and I’m already a fan. The price is fantastic for a true Pinot Noir, and the label is fun and festive with the peacock design. Considering the great value, the wine is treated very well undergoing a gentle pre-fermentation cold soak to extract the delicate flavors. Another nod to high-quality winemaking is the 30% of the wine that was aged in French oak barrels — an investment for any producer. Classic Pinot flavors of ripe raspberry, red cherry, and cinnamon spice are absolutely indulgent.
{ SRP: $12.99-$15.99 | Find it: Highlands Wine & Liquor }

Bouchard ‘Heritage du Conseiller’ Pinot Noir: Of course, we must include a wine from France in this section. There are an unbelievable number of phenomenal French wines in this category that range from this entry-level option up to thousands of dollars per bottle. If you’re new to France, however, this is a great place to start. The wine is light and elegant with a rustic profile and flavors of raspberry and cherry, as well as light wood aromas and notes of fresh herbs.
{ SRP: $11.99-$14.99 | Find it: Argonaut }

BONUS: Albert Bichot “Château de Varennes” Beaujolais-Villages: It would go against my very existence as a wine-lover if I were to make a Thanksgiving Buying Guide and not include Beaujolais. If I could make my own personality mimic a wine, I would aspire to be like Beaujolais: not too serious, light, refreshing, fruity, fun, and perfectly behaved on all occasions. This bottle comes from the southern tip of the Beaujolais region of Burgundy, France. The Château has been producing wine since the 13th century. It is made of 100% Gamay, a thin-skinned grape that is, in fact, a cousin of Pinot Noir. Fruitier and fresher than Pinot, the wine is made in only stainless-steel tanks (no oak). You’ll taste similar flavors to Pinot such as raspberry, red currant, cherry, herbs, and some peppery spice, but the flavors are punched up and more lively. I like to store Beaujolais in the refrigerator and pull it out about 30 minutes before serving. When you fall in love, and I believe you will, please do us both a favor and explore a higher-end bottle from a producer such as Daniel Bouland.
{ SRP: $16.99 - $19.99 | Find it: Pearl Wine Company }

C A B E R N E T S A U V I G N O N

At last, we’ve made it to the heavy hitters. Cabernet Sauvignon is beloved by so many for its robust style and layered texture. Here I have selected three wonderful California Cabs, each in a different price point, to offer you a variety of options. All three offer great bang for the buck, and are a wonderful complement to some less-traditional holiday pairings. What do I mean? A bold wine like Cabernet can overpower the classic Thanksgiving menu, so perhaps try something different this year! Don’t worry about tradition anyway. The best wine for any meal is the one YOU LIKE TO DRINK. Period.

Rickshaw Cabernet Sauvignon: For a bottle of Cabernet at this price, I am repeatedly blown away by the quality flavor and structure of this wine. And, if you are lucky enough to have a hunter in your family and managed to make it through the season, you’ve definitely earned yourself a bottle. Plus, he or she will love the label! The grapes are sustainably farmed in diverse areas around California, coming together to provide a varietally-correct wine aged in neutral oak barrels. You’ll taste cooked blackberry, blueberry, and a little vanilla. Try it with spicy elk sausage as an appetizer or in your stuffing.
{ SRP: $13.99-$16.99 | Find it: Argonaut, Peak Beverage, Molly’s North }

75 Wine Company by Tuck Beckstoffer Cabernet Sauvignon: Another bold wine, this is a tribute to the year the famous Beckstoffer family arrived in Napa Valley (Tuck’s dad Andy owns the world-famous To-Kalon vineyard). Tuck’s wines follow the sky-high standards set forth by his father, but at much more accessible price points. The powerful flavors of black cherry, cocoa, currant, and baking spice will do wonders with a bite of prime rib with rosemary and sea salt.
{ SRP: $21.99-$24.99 | Find it: Argonaut, Applejack Wheat Ridge }

Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: We can’t talk about California Cab without an example from Napa Valley. While this is the highest price point of the three, the wine is an incredibly good value for Napa Cab. Sourced from an array of remarkable sites across the valley, you get an elegant and refined wine with just a dollop of Merlot to enhance the fruit profile. A roasted rack of lamb would take the juicy black fruit flavors and touch of baking spice over the top.
{ SRP: $29.99-$32.99 | Find it: Joy Wine & Spirits }

BONUS: Michael David Winery ‘Earthquake’ Zinfandel: Here’s a bottle that is serious business if you’re a fan of a fat, rich, powerful wine. The winery, best known for their wildly popular line called ‘Freakshow’, is family-owned and operated by brothers Michael and David Phillips. This Zin is made of old-vine fruit, with some vines being over 100 years old. The warm climate of the Lodi, California region produces massively ripe fruit which is reflected here with flavors of black cherry pie filling, blackberry jam, vanilla, and a peppery spice. Any well-marbled beef cut or dry-aged charcuterie would be stellar with it.
{ SRP: $20.99-$23.99 | Find it: Argonaut, Peak Beverage, Molly’s North }

So, there you have it! More wines than you could possibly get through in one evening. The good news is, there are plenty more holidays ahead of us and these wines will fit in every step of the way! If you are like me and will be missing out on precious family time this holiday season, perhaps these friendly wines will give you some comfort. Remember, we are all in it together and soon the day will come where we can drink, eat, hug, and celebrate together once more.

Until then, I am here to serve you and wish you happy, healthy holidays from my table to yours.

- Montana

V I R T U A L T A S T I N G

Join Certified Sommelier, Montana Rae, and Certified Wine Educator and Sommelier, Nathan Frye, for an interactive tasting experience! We each selected one wine from six of the key Thanksgiving wine categories: Bubbles, Bright Whites, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir/Gamay, and Bold Reds.
We have 12 wines total for you to discover, one from each of us! Enjoy this experience in different approaches to pairing wines with the holiday spread.
Want to skip ahead to specific wines? The breakdown of where to skip to each wine in the video is below!

BUBBLES:
00:42 - Waris-Hubert ‘Lilyale’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero
04:15 - Markus Huber Sparkling Rosé

BRIGHT WHITES:
06:54 - Selbach “Salmo Salar” Dry Riesling
09:16 - Secateurs Chenin Blanc

CHARDONNAY:
11:56 - Frank Family Carneros Chardonnay
13:41 - Albert Bichot Chablis

ROSÉ:
16:45 - Triennes Rosé
19:23 - Banshee Mendocino Rosé

PINOT NOIR/GAMAY:
21:25 - Château de Varennes Beaujolais-Villages
23:46 - The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir

BOLD REDS:
26:20 - Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
28:30 - Michael David Winery Earthquake Zinfandel

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