We’ve read plenty of articles and viewed more than enough television segments about which wines pair with Thanksgiving fare, right? We can agree that Pinot Noir and/or Chardonnay are classic complements to turkey and stuffing, savory vegetable dishes, and just about everything else on the table. And a glass of sparkling wine poured when guests walk in the door is a brilliant beginning. But what about the rest of the feast? Don’t worry about it! Just start with the bubbles and keep them flowing all day long.
Reviews of five of my favorite American sparkling wines (four wines sent as samples) to pour before, during and after Thanksgiving dinner follow. Sure, other wines should be on the table, but be sure to add these exceptional, affordable wines that reflect the American spirit with every sip.
Happy Thanksgiving!
A luscious blend of 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay, Roederer Brut Rose from Anderson Valley ($39) offers a full body, a round mouthfeel, persistent bubbles and subtle flavors for every discerning wine lover’s palate. Delicate and balanced, grapes are estate grown. Oak-aged wines from Roederer’s reserve cellars are added to the blend, creating a multi-vintage cuvee, one of the hallmarks of the style of Louis Roederer.
Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Excellence from Mendocino County ($24) of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir expresses the coastal influences of the Pacific Ocean, just a few miles away, along with the soils and abundant sunshine found in Anderson Valley. On the nose and palate, I found elements of freshly baked brioche thanks to the wine spending about 2 years on the lees. Subtle notes of hazelnuts and caramel add to the wine’s complexity.
Pour this distinctive Sparkling Grüner Veltliner from Rava ($50) (purchased) in Paso Robles and garner accolades all day. Of 100% Grüner Veltliner produced using méthode champenoise, the wine is fresh, and mineral driven with notes of herbs, cucumber, white pepper and tart apple on the nose and palate. Balanced, the lingering finish is a win.
Iconic winemaker Laurent Gruet has produced Vara 2023 New Mexico Sparkling Brut ($27), the brand’s first sparkling wine made in New Mexico. Produced using the traditional method with 72% Chenin Blanc 18% Listan Prieto 10% Pinot Meunier, aromas of honeysuckle, lemon, and almonds gently flow to the palate featuring subtle notes of salinity, apples and tropical fruit. Persistent bubbles, vibrant acidity and a round mouthfeel are pervasive from the first sip to the last.
Of 100% Chardonnay, Good Harbor Vineyards Blanc de Blanc ($34) produced in Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula was awarded Best of Class in the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and received 92 Points by Decanter. The use of the Charmat Method, whereby the second fermentation is in stainless steel tanks, highlights the lively fruit flavors that are front and center on the nose and palate. Apples, lemon zest, apricots, pears and toast are luscious elements in this creamy, extra dry sparkling.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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