Food & Beverage Intl. - Wines of the Week: Thanksgiving Sips

Wines of the Week: Thanksgiving Sips - Under $20, 90 Points

Wine on the table is just as much a Thanksgiving tradition as the turkey, but if you've got a big crowd coming over, you don't want to overspend on wine. So, as we so often do, here are some wines that are sure to please your guest without too big a bill. We selected one sparkling, white, rose, and red so there is something for everyone, no matter what people prefer in their glasses. Cheers!

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Benvolio Prosecco
Winery: Benvolio
Grape(s): 100% Glera
Region: Italy
Year: n/a
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 10- 15

Review:
Golden apples, peaches, and apricots mingle with a few honey and floral hints on the nose. Crisp and refreshing on the palate, the peach and apple take center stage with suggestions of honey and toasted almonds lingering in the background. Very approachable, slightly sweet, and bright, this a very good buy for the price and would be lovely as a starter or with your main meal.
Rating: 90

Morgan 2015 "Metallico" (Unoaked) Chardonnay
Winery: Morgan
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, California
Year: 2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
Meyer lemon, melon, and apple aromas come together among suggestions of ginger and grapefruit peal on the nose. Lush golden apple and honeydew flavors interweave ginger candy and lemon custard on the palate. Round yet lively, this could pair very well with turkey, potatoes, and veggies.
Rating: 90

Fleur De Mer 2016 Cotes De Provence
Winery: Fleur De Mer
Grape(s): 46% Grenache, 21% Cinsault, 14% Syrah, 19% Other (Carignan, Mourvèdre, Cabernet)
Region: Provence, France
Year: 2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
The nose offers notes of strawberry, cherry, and stone fruit that mingle among accents of minerals and fresh herbs. Strawberries and peaches combine with mineral and floral elements on the palate. A nice, bright acidity make this a ideal food wine but there's still enough fruit to sip it alone.
Rating: 90

Cherry Pie 2015 Pinot Noir
Winery: Cherry Pie 2015 Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: California
Year: 2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
Elements of plums and black cherries mingle with smoky, barrel, and floral suggestions on the nose. Fairly round and rich on the palate, supple tannins frame black cherry, plum, and pomegranate flavors, along with hints of clove, smoke, and rose petal. A bit heartier than most Cali Pinots, enjoy a glass when you sit down with your turkey and sides.
Rating: 90

By Jason Barlow