Uncorked

For Thanksgiving, a list of good wines

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, not only for the indulgence of food but for the time we share with family and friends.

It's one of the few holidays when no one needs to stress about finding the perfect gift or experience the disappointment of a poorly chosen one. It's the holiday each year when gratefulness, blessings and, of course, the food and wine are the focus. It's a time to be thankful for all we have and celebrate.

That's enough about my sentimental ideals and my expectations of tomorrow. (For the record, I am counting down the hours until then.) If you are reading this column, chances are your home is filling with family, the menu is intact, but you might still be considering wine choices. Be thankful, because Uncorked has an easy list of suggestions for however your turkey is cooked, any array of sides and guest preferences.

THE VALUES

2014 Force of Nature Red Blend, California (about $15 retail)

2014 Sean Minor Four Bears Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $14 retail)

2014 Tercos Malbec, Argentina (about $12 retail)

2014 Matchbook Chardonnay, California (about $13 retail)

2014 Montinore Pinot Gris Willamette Valley, Oregon (about $14 retail)

2014 Sawbuck Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $10 retail)

2014 A to Z Chardonnay, Oregon (about $15 retail)

2014 St. James Winery Cranberry, Missouri (about $11 retail)

2015 Gnarly Head Authentic Black, California (about $12 retail)

2014 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc, California (about $12 retail)

2014 Laxas Albarino, Spain (about $16 retail)

2015 Montes Cherub Rose, Argentina (about $14 retail)

THE SPLURGES

2013 Tooth and Nail "The Stand," California (about $28 retail)

2013 Diora Pinot Noir, California (about $30 retail)

2013 Keenan Napa Valley Merlot, California (about $34 retail)

2013 Alta Maria Pinot Noir, California (about $30 retail)

2014 San Angelo Pinot Grigio, Italy (about $18 retail)

2013 Decoy by Duckhorn Pinot Noir, California (about $26 retail)

2013 Elk Cove Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $25 retail)

2014 Bogle Phantom, California (about $25 retail)

2013 Masi Campofiorin Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy (about $22 retail)

NV Piper Heidsieck Brut Reims, France (about $44 retail)

2014 Stags Leap Winery Chardonnay, California (about $34 retail)

2013 Native Nine Pinot Noir, California (about $72 retail)

Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email:

uncorked@thewinecenter.com

Food on 11/25/2015

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