This year's Thanksgiving celebrations may entail some new gathering norms, but one thing that will likely stay the same is the wine added to the table. Whether you're planning a delivered dinner for one, an intimate dinner for two or an entire family get-together, chances are you will be looking for great wines to match the wide array of Thanksgiving menu items. With so many competing flavors and textures, serving a wine with versatility is key.
To simplify your shopping list, this week's recommendations are budget-friendly values under $20.
RIESLING
- Snoqualmie Naked Riesling, Washington (about $14)
- A to Z Oregon Riesling, Oregon (about $18)
- Dr. Loosen Riesling, Germany (about $15)
- Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Riesling, California (about $14)
- Montinore Almost Dry Riesling, Oregon (about $14)
- St Urbans-Hof Urban Riesling, Germany (about $13)
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling, Washington (about $19)
- Schmitt Sohne Riesling, Germany (about $12)
GEWURZTRAMINER
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer, Washington (about $13)
- Fetzer Gewurztraminer, California (about $10)
- Chateau St Jean Gewurztraminer, California (about $18)
- Balletto Russian River Valley Gewurztraminer, California (about $22)
- Robertson Winery Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, South Africa (about $11)
- Leonard Kreusch Twisted River Gewurztraminer, Germany (about $14)
- Wolfberger Gewurztraminer, France (about $19)
SPARKLING WINE
- Gloria Ferrer Brut Sparkling Wine, California (about $20)
- Secco Italian Brut Rose Sparkling Wine, Italy (about $15)
- Toso Brut Sparkling Wine, Argentina (about $13)
- A to Z Sparkling Wine, Oregon (about $19)
- Gruet Brut Sparkling Wine, New Mexico (about $19)
PINOT NOIR
- Sean Minor Sonoma County Pinot Noir, California (about $19)
- 19 Crimes The Punishment Pinot Noir, Australia (about $12)
- The Pinot Project California Pinot Noir, California (about $17)
- Gerard Bertrand Reserve Pinot Noir, France (about $19)
- Block Nine Caiden's Vineyard Pinot Noir, California (about $17)
- Ron Rubin Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, California (about $20)
- Benziger Sonoma County Pinot Noir, California (about $17)
- Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, California (about $20)
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, AR 72203, or email: uncorked@thewinecenter.com