The 2019 Thanksgiving Wine List, based on the selections of five industry experts and educators, is a fabulous guide to plan your holiday meal. It matches the textures and tastes of quality, affordable wines with the flavorful food of a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. food. Here are 30 great buys for your holiday pleasure. (All wines listed are available in Massachusetts.)
Erika Frey is a certified wine educator and assistant manager at Winestone in Chestnut Hill.
Boundary Breaks “No. 239” Riesling Dry 2017, $20 – A mouthwatering Finger Lakes Riesling that pops with flavors of ripe peaches, apricots, and citrus.
Benvenuti Istarka Malvazija 2018, $18 – Notes of fresh orchard fruits and blossoms make this Croatian white a perfect aperitif or holiday meal surprise.
Dila-o Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane Dry Amber Wine 2018, $18 – Extended contact with grape skins enhances the color, flavor and texture of this Republic of Georgia wine that excels with roasted squash and green bean casserole.
Seméli “Feast” Agiorgitiko 2016, $16 – What better name for a Thanksgiving wine? A light and lively Grecian red featuring cherry and pomegranate flavors.
Twelfth Night Pinot Noir 2014, $20 – Fall aromas – cranberry, raspberry, fresh mushroom, baking spices – a captured in a bottle made by a trio of Boston-area partners who own this New Zealand vineyard.
Big Flower Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, $18 – Winemaker Ginny Povall, who grew up in Massachusetts, crafts this juicy, spicy, plush blackberry fruit fest from South Africa.
Sam Messina, wine buyer and co-owner of Wine ConneXtion in North Andover.
Gruet Brut Sparkling Wine, $14.99 – Crisp and richly developed with a sophisticated apple-and-citrus flavor. Brilliant bubbles and smooth mousse.
Starmont “Carneros” Chardonnay 2016, $14.99 – Asian pear, butter-crust apple tart and pineapple notes impress with hints of toasted hazelnut. Crisp minerality.
Davis Family Vineyards “Cuvee Luke” White Blend 2018, $17.99 – A Napa blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier offering compelling stone fruit flavors with floral and mineral notes.
Hahn Estate “SLH” Pinot Noir 2017, $17.99 – An irresistible red: soft tannins, delicious plum and cherry flavors, a hint of allspice, and silky texture.
Luke “Wahluke Slope” Merlot 2017, $18.99 – Plum, cherry and blackberry flavors are infused with tobacco, cedar, clove and vanilla spices. Opulent.
Miro Cellars “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, $29.99 – Bold tannins and flavorful black cherry and milk chocolate power this intense, elegant red.
Andrea Lewis is the manager and wine buyer at Andover Classic Wines.
Le P’Tit Paysan Chardonnay 2017, $22.99 – Notes of lime blossoms, pears and apples will please both those seeking a bit of oak and those who enjoy a racier style of Chardonnay.
Lemelson Pinot Noir Thea Vineyard 2015, $34.99 – Aromatic and refined, with dark raspberry, bitter chocolate and spice flavors leading to a mineral finish.
Vajra Nebbiolo 2017, $24.99 – Vibrant raspberry, red cherry, plum and violet traits are supported by elegant and gracious tannins on a delicious, lifted finish.
Chateau Maris La Touge 2016, $18.99 – Inky purple, plush on the palate, and very expressive with smoky, meaty, and dark fruit accents. Organic.
Love by Léoube 2018, $21.99 – A pale pink, dry Provence-style rose` with attractive strawberry and white peach flavors. Organic.
Antiquum Farms Pinot Gris 2018, $24.99 – Wisps of lavender, violets, and tea rose intermingle with citrus and river stone to produce an intriguing wine. Organic.
Craig Gandolf is national sales director at Cynthia Hurley French Wines of Needham.
J Laurens Cremant de Limoux, le Clos des Demoiselles Brut Sparkling 2016, $23 – Soft, delicious Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir mix with aromas of toast and honey.
Kubler Riesling K 2016, $24 – A refreshing, flavorful Alsatian wine with enough acidity to cut through gravy, stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Couly Dutheil, Rene Couly Rose` 2018, $17 – .A fruited palate with persistent flavors, this Loire Valley wine is easy to drink and elegant.
Lagneau Beaujolais-Villages 2015 Beaujolais, $15 – Red, ripe and delicious, it’s everything you want in a food-friendly wine made from Gamay. Chill lightly and enjoy.
Paul Garaudet Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir 2015, $26 – Soft tannins, rustic spices, and gobs of dark cherry fruit fruit make this a versatile, sumptuous wine for the holiday table.
Castell d’Age Fragments Red 2018, Penedes, Spain, $19 – A biodynamic Tempranillo featuring ripe candied fruits, dried figs and plums with toasty vanilla. Velvety palate.
Jo-Ann Ross of Boston is a certified wine educator (jrosswines.com).
Hattingly Classic Reserve Brut, $47 – A rich, fruity sparkling wine from England featuring Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris.
Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2017, $17– A clean, vibrant South African white with a nutty, apple-lemon flavor. Perfect for appetizers and pumpkin soup.
Chateau Des Antonins White Bordeaux 2018, $13 – Value and deliciousness are hallmarks of this exciting Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend.
Muga Rioja Rosado 2018, $18 – A Ganarcha-based year-round rose` that brings out strawberry, rhubarb and a tangy finish. Best with turkey and cranberry sauce.
St. Innocent Pinot Noir Zenith Single Vineyard 2015, $30 – A Willamette Valley favorite for its richness, captivating berry aromas and flavors, and tart finish.
Retromarcia Chianti Classico 2016, $25 – Retromarcia (“return to the past”) is a highly spirited Tuscan red focused on core herbal, cranberry and cherry notes. Enduring finish.
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