Thanksgiving Wines: St. Supery Barrel Fermented Chardonnay

In reading back through prior "Thanksgiving Wines" posts, I noticed that I've moderatley favored red wines. And to be honest, its likely because I'm more of a red wine drinker as the weather shifts from warm to cool. Afterall, nothing compliments the Fall and Winter months quite like a fuller bodied wine with hints of spice. But that doesn't mean we can't discover white wines with the same attributes. In fact, there are many white wines out their with the same complexity, that are comparably approachable. So, let's pay some omage to our dear white wines this Turkey Day, too!

Nothing brings in Autumn quite like St. Supery's Barrel Fermented Chardonnay. Normally I'm not a Chardonnay drinker, I'll admit, but having the opportunity to visit St. Supery back in September, I exposed my pallette to varietals I might not otherwise purchase on my own and was surprisingly pleased with the outcome, particularly on this Chardonnay.

Sustainably farmed (we love anything that helps the enviornment!), this wine bodes aromas of toast and cantaloupe on the nose, with flavors that are reminiscent of baked apple pie (a Turkey Day must), ripe pears and some hints of Earth. It offers a light texture that is balanced with spice. It's like Autumn in a glass! Oh, if you don't like oak hints, they also have Oak-Free Chardonnay!

Cost: $30/bottle
Where to Buy: StSupery.com

Thanksgiving Wines: 2006 Auroch Toro

Thanksgiving is to turkey as _____ is to Spain. The answer? Tempranillo! Ok, so its probably not the most logical anaology but it works for me! And though you may have never heard of the Tempranillo grape, there is no better time to try it than at Thanksgiving when you're likely expanding your palette anyhow. It may surprise you!

Tempranillo is a black grape variety grown in the Rioja region of Spain, which often yields fuller body wines. This varietal tend to be ruby in color and exude berry, plum, vanilla, and sometimes even tobacco flavors.

The Toro is a great budget-friendly wine to add to your dinner, or even pick up and take to the host of your Thanksgiving Day party. Made from young grapes, the Toro is an up-and-coming regional wine which combines a variety of flavors – from herbs and spices to cherry, vanilla and tobacco. It’s juicy, yet very soft on the palette.

Cost: $14/bottle

Where To Buy: Wine-Searcher.com

Thankgiving Wines: Sebastiani Russian River Pinot Noir

It was surely a pristine Autumn weekend, and with the slight chill in the air my thoughts immediatley drifted to Thanksgiving. Afterall, no holiday pays tribute to wine and food quite like Turkey Day, and over the weekend I had the opportunity to spend some additional time with family and friends to help weigh out the next selection for our Thanksgiving Wines round-up.

After hosting a progressive tasting, which included a Pinot Grigio, a red blend, Pinot Noir and a Cabernet (items to be reviewed and named later) the unanimous vote went with the Sebastiani Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

This Pinot is beautifully crimson and structured offering hints of both cinnamon and spice atop boasting Marachino cherry and red plum aromas which jump out of the glass. The texture is silky and elegant with dark berry flavors and soft tannins.

I can't say there was any real surprise from my end. I personally gravitate toward Pinot since its a fantastic partner with pretty much anything, and even delectable flying solo. Its a natural tie-in with both turkey and all its accompaniments so it was only appropriate I share this find with each of you.

Cost: $28/bottle
Where to Buy: Sebastiani.com

Thanksgiving Wines: Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad Brut Cava

Sparkling wine is becoming an increasingly popular pairing partner because it brings elegance to the table and versatility to most meals. Why not unravel some bubbles on Thanksgiving Day. Try Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad Brut Cava and you'll be sure to impress on the palette and on the table.

Its thick hand blown Absinthe-green glass alone is enough to catch the eye, but the bottle is also emblazoned with a solid pewter crest with an inscription of grapes. The blend of native grapes inside (including Macabeo, Parellada and Zarello) offer a mellow, yet satisfying experience with great fruit intensity and a perfumed bouquet. The taste and appearance alone will leave all your guests thinking you spent more than you actually did!

Cost: $22/bottle
Where To Buy: Wine.com

Thanksgiving Wines: 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau

The tasting of each year's Beaujolais Nouveau is a Thanksgiving tradition to be had by all. Beaujolais, a region of Burgundy, France where nearly 3,600 growers produce the ever-loved varietal, is released the third Thursday of every November just one week before we carve our turkeys.

Made of 100% Gamay grapes, which have thinner skins than others grapes causing lower tannin levels, Beaujolais Nouveau by law must be hand-grown on individual free-standing vines. It is young, vivacious and ultimately fruit-forward. Its versatility complements many dishes and can a great accompaniment to your holiday entertaining. And rumor has it, this year's vintage is going to be better than those of the past 50 years.

Try George Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau ($9.99) and serve cool!

Thanksgiving Wines: 2008 Tormaresca Neprica

So we've already got some great tips from our friend Eryn at The Traveling Vineyard, now there is no better time to start planning our dinner menu and selecting great wines to complement the feast.

Over the course of the next few days, we're going to help you with some of the must-haves for the season. Get ready to pair up with turkey, potatoes, stuffing and amenities that Fall holiday dining has to offer with reds, whites, rose, maybe even some bubbly!

To kick it off, we're heading to the "Boot of Italy," Puglia, where we've snagged a delicious red blend known as NePricCa by Tormaresca. Named for the three grapes that its composed of, 40% Negroamaro, 30% Primitivo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this well-structure and pleasingly soft wine is full of flavored layers. It has an intense ruby red color with a touch of dark violet on the edges. On the nose you'll smell dark fruits which transcend onto the palette with additional accents of chocolate and licorice. This wine is incredibly food-friendly and can easily be paired with grilled veggies or meaty fishes.

Cost: $12/bottle

Where To Buy: Wine.com

The ABC's of Thanksgiving Wines

With just 9 days to go, it's officially time to talk turkey! Afterall, Thanksgiving is the #1 wine-drinking day in the United States, so we need to show some appreciation for our fellow pilgrims and Indians by raising a glass (or a bottle) and giving thanks.

But, in true WinoBee fashion, we need not make our Turkey Day selections complex. In fact, when it comes to Fall holiday dining, its really as easy as ABC, according to Independent Wine Consultant, Eryn Cadoff with The Traveling Vineyard.

We had some time to chat with Eryn about all things Thanksgiving and here are some fun, friendly tips to keep in mind as you carve your turkey next week:

A = Alsace. The white wines of Alsace are fantastic choices for the flavors of Thanksgiving. Look for Alsatian Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Cremant d'Alsace for bubbly!

"Even though we're talking about an American holiday here, savvy wine drinkers around the world know the secret the French know - the best white wine bargains in the world are the white wines of Alsace," commented Cadoff. "In fact, 2/3 of the white wine consumed in France comes from Alsace."

Check out some fantastic selections The Traveling Vineyard has to offer:

• 2005 Engel Riesling - great as an aperitif, or with the meal itself, this wine was made for Thanksgiving!
• 2005 Louis Reffelingen Pinot Blanc - this wine just begs to be paired with butternut squash soup, roasted acorn squash, or even sweet potatoes.

B = Beaujolais. This French wine region is technically a part of Burgundy, but has a character all its own. Beaujolais wines are made from 100% Gamay grapes - a fun, fresh, fruity red that is wonderful with any Thanksgiving meal, and fruit-forward enough even for white wine drinkers.

C = California. Its an American holiday, so how could we leave out American wine?! Clearly California leads the pack, accounting for a whopping 94% of US wine production. Great varietals for Thanksgiving? Try a Zinfandel on the red side, and a Chardonnay on the white.

• 2005 Blair Family Estate Zinfandel with some of the heartier sides on the Thanksgiving table - like the roasted garlic mashed potatoes or the stuffing (or is it dressing?) Depends who you ask, but the debate rages on at our family gathering every year.
• 2005 Blair Family Estate Chardonnay is always a hit - not too oaky, not overly toasty, but just right - and really great with the green bean casserole Aunt Betty brings every single year!

Want More Information? Eryn Cadoff, an Independent Wine Consultant with The Traveling Vineyard conducts in-home wine tastings in Northern Virginia and DC. When not at tastings, she's a stay-at-home-mom/taxi to her 3 and 5 year old daughters