OPINION | UNCORKED: Versatile wines to suit a Thanksgiving feast

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

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