Uncork Gratitude: 7 Top Wines for Thanksgiving Under $25
Saying farewell to summer is always bittersweet - we trade our beach days for woods walks, enjoying the beauty of our colourful landscape as we pull on another layer of clothing and revel in the scent of fallen leaves and crisp air. My favourite thing about fall is the autumnal flavours and the warmth a busy kitchen provides. Most of all, I love hosting Thanksgiving dinner! Cooking a large holiday meal, rich with seasonal spices and farm-fresh foods for my family fills me with so much joy (and stuffing!).
Naturally, wine pairings are at the forefront of mind when it comes to meal preparation. Classic Thanksgiving wine pairings like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can match perfectly if you choose the right producer, but there are also so many more wines and styles worth a place at your holiday table. Below is a list of my sub $25, expert wine picks that will be sure to elevate your turkey dinner. So, pass the potatoes, pop the cork, and cheers to gastronomic delight!
LYV Rosé
This is a vegan-friendly rose from the Languedoc region of France that’s a 6-grape blend of 40% Cinsault, 20% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Pinot Noir. It evokes notes of red berries, grapefruit and crisp, mineral charm. Well-balanced with some dried herb notes on a lengthy finish. $19.95, LCBO #32422.
Serving suggestion: Serve this rose with a nice chill and pair it with courses like appetizers, ham, turkey, and any fruit-based desserts. It also works well as a base for wine spritzers. Once emptied, re-use the bottle as an elegant water pitcher.
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay
Boschendal, established in 1685, is a reliable Western Cape producer for delivering on flavour and value. This South African Chardonnay begins with attractive aromas of butter, pear, and lilies. The palate is creamy with a gentle, lifting acidity and refreshing flavours of grapefruit and pineapple. It finishes with a smooth, almond finish. $17.95 LCBO #367698
Serving suggestion: A great bottle from start to finish of a holiday meal. Serve slightly chilled and pair it with mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted veggies, turkey, ham and apple pie.
13th Street Gamay
A bright and juicy Gamay that opens with enticing rose and rhubarb aromas. Strawberries, dried herbs and earth notes roll in on fine tannins, bringing woodsy and iron notes on the outskirts. A complex wine that allows a fun, easy, and delicious sip. $19.95 (on sale for $17.95 until Oct.12) LCBO #177824
Serving suggestion: Serve at room temperature or with a slight chill. The earthiness and red fruit of this Gamay just pair so well with autumnal root veggies, turkey, and stuffing.
Mesta Tempranillo D.O. Ucles Organic
This is an organic, vegan-friendly, unoaked Tempranillo that boasts bright red cherry and licorice aromas from the glass. It exudes fresh, red fruit notes on the forefront of a medium-bodied palate that quickly evolves with a complex oomph of savoury dried herbs and subtle woodsy flavours. A joyful journey on each sip! $10.80 LCBO #44591
Serving suggestion: This wine can be served at room temperature or with a slight chill. For your Thanksgiving dinner, this bottle can be comparable to cranberry sauce - pair it with turkey and stuffing to compliment with a freshness and savoury aspect.
Robertson Winery Chenin Blanc
This Chenin Blanc comes from the Roberston Valley in South Africa, grown by families seeped in grape growing tradition, some even 7th generation vintners. Gentle aromas of white flowers turn to a bounty of candied lemons on a soft, round mouthfeel that sings with bright acidity. $11.95 LCBO #495507
Serving suggestion: Chenin can be such a versatile wine. Pair it with turkey, ham, squash, turnip, and lemon meringue pie.
Henry of Pelham The Painted Wagon Pinot Noir
This is a sustainably grown Pinot Noir from the Short Hills Bench sub-appellation in Niagara, Ontario. It introduces itself with bewitching aromas of black raspberries, violets and black tea. A light-bodied wine that displays nice depth with more concentrated red and black fruit that expands across the palate, edged with firm, fine-boned tannins. Earthy notes balance nicely and contribute to a layered and persistent finish. $21.95 LCBO #268391
Serving suggestion: This wine is best served at room temperature or with a slight chill. Pinot and a Thanksgiving meal are a match made in heaven. Pair it with turkey, dressing, root vegetables, pumpkin pie and everything in between.
Rocca Delle Macie SASYR Rosso Toscana IGT
This wine from Tuscany is a wonderful, fresh blend of Sangiovese and Syrah. An attractive nose that exposes strawberry, red cherry, rosemary and sweet baking spices. Medium-bodied and mouthwatering red berry and herb notes unfold through gentle tannins and a silky mouthfeel. Juicy and very food-friendly - this is a hard one to put down. $15.95 (On sale for $13.95 until Oct.12th) LCBO #43948
Serving suggestion: If you’re having a small gathering, or dinner for one, try my favourite pairing for this wine - pizza! However, if you’re having the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, this will go nicely with turkey, cranberry sauce, and especially stuffing. For dessert, try it with cherry pie.
For more expert wine recommendations on bottles from around the world, follow my Instagram @leahspooner_wine !
