Wine trends may come and go, but sparkling wines remain the standard for celebratory moments worldwide. Bottles from California and Oregon are an incredible value, bringing bright citrus flavors and refreshing bubbles to the table at a fantastic price compared to standard Champagnes. The wines’ inherent bubbles are famous for their ability to cleanse the palate between bites, which makes bubbly a perfect match for the hodge-podge of family and regional favorites on holiday tables. Nothing else moves from cranberry sauce to apple pie as well as a sparkling wine!
Look for bottles with the phrase “traditional method,” or “methode traditionelle” for the creamy, rich style that’s perfect for the season.
Vivino Picks: Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs Brut, J Vineyards Vintage Brut N.V., Domaine Carneros Brut N.V.
Notoriously difficult to perfect, Pinot Noir is one of the most flexible red wines you can find. These wines are always light-bodied, but their flavors span a delicious range covering ripe, strawberry-scented bottles; as well as earthy, spicy, and even mushroomy versions. Unlike heavier reds, Pinot Noir doesn’t demand center stage, and instead taking a supporting role. A Pinot Noir will easily move from harmonizing with tart cranberry sauce to contrasting with buttery cornbread stuffing. Pinot Noir’s natural high acidity is an unobtrusive palate cleanser, making this a wine to drink from start to finish during an all-day feast.
If you enjoy earthy, spicy reds look for bottles from France. For more fruit-driven reds, Pinot Noirs from California or Oregon are your best bets.
Vivino Picks: Lange River Run Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018, Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir N.V., Rex Hill Pinot Noir 2016
Technically Pinot Gris is the same grape variety as Pinot Grigio, but bottles labelled in the French style are mouth-coating and creamy, a natural counterpoint to Thanksgiving meals of multiple hearty dishes. Pinot Gris is a white wine with a vast spectrum of flavors in every bottle, and each exciting sip will reveal a different spicy, fruity, or honeyed note. Though Alsace and Oregon are the most respected growing regions for these citrus and pear-scented bottles, great examples can be found in Australia and California. The smooth texture of Pinot Gris makes these wines feel like a treat, but their tangy acidity acts as a bridge between different flavors.
Vivino Picks: Trimbach Pinot Gris Alsace Réserve N.V., Elk Cove Pinot Gris N.V., Adorada Pinot Gris N.V.
Best known for taking over the Argentine wine industry, Malbec combines the full body and flashy fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon, without the harsh tannins. The best bottles glow with an intense magenta hue, and showcase flavors of raspberry, ripe red cherry, and cocoa. Even the most highly regarded Malbecs often clock in at prices under $25, making this a perfectly price-friendly red. For a different expression of Malbec, look for bottles from the Cahors region of France, where this bright grape first originated centuries ago. Soft and supple on the palate, these reds manage to be full-flavored, without overpowering the nuances of herbaceous or aromatic dishes.
Vivino Picks: Château du Caillau Malbec Cahors 2016, El Enemigo Malbec 2015, Catena Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2016