Thanksgiving Wine Picks 2019

Try these wines to help make your holiday festivities extra enjoyable!

For Sipping: Cleto Chiarli sparkling wine

A blend of grassporossa and pinot noir, this dry Lambrusco is something a little different to offer your guests. It comes from the Emilia-Romagna area of Italy. This bubbly is fresh and a delicious way to kick off your holiday weekend festivities!

Ruinart Rosé Champagne

One wine I’m very thankful for on Thanksgiving is Ruinart Rosé Champagne. It’s a splurge but when you’re surrounded by those you love, it’s worth every drop. Sensual yet powerful, elegant yet bold, fruit laced yet embraced with firm acidity and lovely with or without the bird on Thanksgiving.

Paetra Riesling

This is an awesome dry white Riesling from Willamette Valley Oregon. It will be perfect with juicy turkey on Thanksgiving, and even heavier styles of food like this ham and pork, not to mention sushi or salmon. There are abundant flavors of mineral, herb and fresh citrus rind. It’s a stunning white wine to pull out this Thursday.

Chateau de Trinquevedal Rosé

A few weeks ago on a foggy, cool morning in October, I visited this lovely property situated in the hills of Montagne Noire (Black Mountain) in Tavel, Rhone valley France and was blown away by the freshness and body this direct press rosé delivers. You could easily sip this early in the day or pre-meal, but it has all the trimmings of holding up during your whole meal. It’s a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Mourvedre and Syrah. Céline and Guillaume, the owners are as delightful as their wine so cheers to them!

Chevillon Bourgogne Passetoutgrain 2015

Grab this while it’s still available - 2015 a killer year from many vineyards in Europe but supplies are dwindling. This is a lovely, juicy blend of Gamay (the grape of Beaujolais) and Pinot Noir grapes. It is light enough not to overpower your turkey yet powerful enough to offer a pop in the mouth. You will love this as your entree wine or even a sipper before or after. This also works well with Salmon or heavier fish.

Allegrini Amorone Valpolicella 2013

If you want an entree wine that packs more punch than the Passetoutgrain, opt for this Amarone. It is bolder and richer with higher alcohol but it’s the juiciness of the grapes that works perfectly with the slight sweetness of buttery turkey, ham or beef tenderloin. When the grapes are brought into the winery following harvest, they go through a process called ‘appassimento’ which is a drying process for 100-120 days. The grapes become slightly raisined and are more concentrated leading to a wine packed with abundant aromas and incredible flavor. Skip your Cabernet this turkey day and move to Amarone. Ciao Bella!

These wines are available in Tulsa at Parkhill’s, Old Village, and many other local shops.