Seaboard Turkey Picks

 

Here are some special staff suggestions for your Thanksgiving holiday. Check out what we will be enjoying on Thanksgiving day (in moderation, of course):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sparkling, White & Rosé Wines

 

 

Domaine Blanc “Altadia” Brut Crémant de Savoie; Vin de Savoie, France  ($19.99)

Here is a great way to begin and end your Thanksgiving celebration! This is 100% Jacquere from just 5 hectares of vines in Apremont, Savoie on the Franco-Swiss border. Winemaker Willy Blanc also owns a wine store in the area which he uses as a forum to advocate for the region's top growers. The 'Altadia' is like a yeasty apple doughnut in a glass without all the sugar, with fine bubbles and enticing creaminess on the palate. Delicious with starters, or to enjoy with the games after your dinner.
 

Chateau Rochecolombe Viognier; Côtes-du-Rhône, France  ($18.99; discounted 25% by the solid case)

Organically farmed, as for all the cuvées from Château Rochecolombe, this Côtes-du-Rhône 100% Viognier shows intense and fruity aromas. Apricot, quince and white peach with a touch of honeycomb get together in the glass in a fresh and well-balanced style. Round with a nice burst of fresh acidity on the long finish. An excellent choice for a Pescatarian holiday meal to serve with flaky white fishes, scallops and lobster.
 

Volker “Von Donabaum” Grüner Veltliner; Burgenland, Austria  ($16.99)

Volker's family have been winemakers since 1833. After working several harvests, he struck out on his own and founded an importing business in New York. This Gruner Veltliner he discovered is light on its feet and spicy like ginger and white pepper, with some textural interest due to spending three months on the lees before bottling. A good pairing for those who still prefer deep fried turkey on the table, and also complements baked ham or roasted pork loin.
 

Domaine Guerrin Mâcon-Vergisson; Burgundy, France  ($25.99; discounted 25% by the solid case)

Les Rochers is a steep, limestone infused site which produces white wine combining the distinct minerality of a top Chablis with the weight and succulence of the Côte-d'Or. Crisp, dry and incredibly refreshing, with aromas of stone fruits, citrus, subtle oak spice and a long intense finish. A perfect addition to your holiday table, or any table with good food and company.
 

Field Recordings “Skins”; Central Coast, CA  ($21.99)

More of an "orange" wine than a white wine due to extra skin contact (hence the name), this flavorful wine blends Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. The wine is crisp, bright and delicious with notes of melon, peach, pear and orange rind. The finish is quite long and succulent. A bit on the hipster side for your younger guests and terrific with turkey and vegetarian dishes.
 

Le Grand Bouqueteau Chinon Rosé; Loire Valley, France  ($16.99)
Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, this is a rose for red wine drinkers. It shows a round, full body, with notes of red berries, purple flowers, and savory herbs. There's enough brightness and minerality to remind you it's rosé, however, and finishes light and crisp. This will satisfy both the light red and white wine drinker at the table and is infinitely food friendly.

 

Red & Fortified Wines

 

Heger Pinot Noir 1 Liter; Baden Germany  ($22.99)

This is a liter-bottle of fresh, juicy, energetic Pinot Noir with great balance that is dangerously drinkable and ridiculously affordable.  A new staff favorite that's light on its feet and backed by some beautiful spice, this would be wonderful to serve during your holiday meal from cooking to cleanup and leftovers afterwards. Plus, the liter bottle means one third more for your money!
 

Chapelle Bizot Chiroubles; Beaujolais, France  ($19.99)

A more feminine side of Gamay; ample and exuberant initially but with delicate spice - slightly frivolous in style. This ripe and open wine is full of cherry flavors. Balanced with juicy acidity, elegant with soft tannins and great fruitiness, the wine is ready to drink. Enjoy slightly chilled with roasted game birds and with your favorite side dishes. The quintessential red wine to serve with holiday dinners!
 

Malacari “Rocca” Montepulciano; Marches, Italy  ($17.99; discounted 25% by the case)
For those who like to add some red sauce and spicy meats to your holiday table, try this super elegant version of Montepulciano. Notes of cedar, plum, spice and sweet cured tobacco, it is dense with integrated tannins but not overly weighted. Delicious with firm aged cheeses, charcuterie, and pasta dishes for an alternative holiday meal.
 

End of the Vine Petite Sirah; Sierra Foothills, CA  ($21.99; discounted 25% by the case)

The fruit for this wine was mostly sourced from one vineyard at 1900 foot elevation in the Sierra Foothills AVA, which is one of the highest elevation AVAs in the country. This Petite Sirah sports an inky visage with notes and aromas of dried blueberries, ripe plums and figs, and a touch of black olive. A medium-full body, it's still young at heart with balanced fruit and firm, integrated tannins. Enjoy with meatier holiday dinners including standing rib roasts and rack of lamb.
 

Bodegas Colomé Estate Malbec; Salta, Argentina  ($25.99, discounted 25% by the case)

Bodegas Colomé is the highest elevation vineyard in the world, located at over 6,000 ft. elevation. Owned by Hess Family Vineyards, Colomé produces stunningly dark, fruit forward Malbecs, with hints of savory meat on the nose. Malbec takes on a totally different expression here in Salta, as the high UV rays and winds help the Malbec to completely ripen. Grilling out for your holiday meal? This is perfect with grilled steak and chimichurri or with leg of lamb and roasted root vegetables.
 

Broadbent 5 year old Fine Rich Reserve Madeira; Madeira Island, Portugal  ($28.99)

100% Tinta Negra Mole aged in oak casks for at least 5 years. This is clearly a different style of Madeira: sweet, yes, but with nearly a vintage Madeira level of acid and complexity. With its dark gold color and sweet, nutty aromas, this is on the rich side of the Madeira taste spectrum. It has attractive fruitiness and aged citrus acidity that go together, leaving a wine that is both sweet and fresh with a smack of salinity on the finish. Amazing companion to dark chocolate with sea salt, or simply on its own as dessert in a glass. Since the wine has already been aged and oxidized in barrel, it will retain its delicious character for weeks after opening (if it lasts that long!).