I’m lucky, and I know I’m lucky.  As we head into the busiest travel week of the year, I don’t have to plan overnight travel or have to prepare for out-of-town guests.  Hubby and I live in a city, so our condo is too small to host a big feast, which means that we head to family for the holidays.  Fortunately, though, my in-laws live an hour away, which means that we’re close enough to go for dinner, but far enough away that they don’t visit us unexpectedly.  Plus, my mother-in-law is an amazing cook, and because she knows how much I love her sweet potato casserole, she makes us a little extra to go with the leftovers that she always sends Hubby and I home with.

The other interesting thing about having Thanksgiving at my in-laws house is that almost no one there drinks wine, which means that when I pick out the wine selections, I’m really picking wine for myself.  I’m not sure which I enjoy more, turkey feasts with a beautiful Pinot Noir or ones with a bold Zinfandel, so I’ll probably end up bringing a bottle of both with me this year.

 

The Edna Valley Pinot Noir (vineyard, snooth) tastes like it was made for a Thanksgiving feast.  It’s full of cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate characteristics that are mixed with cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla.  It pairs beautifully with less spicey foods, which is perfect for a turkey dinner, as long as the family tradition doesn’t involve Cajun seasoning on the bird.  I gave the wine 4.5 corks and purchased it for $23.

 

The Domaine Besson Les Grands Pretans Givry 1er Cru (snooth) is beautiful Burgundy, which means made from Pinot Noir grapes.  The wine was full of raspberries, and sour cherries, with just a hint of nutmeg and roasted meat, which shows how nicely this wine has aged.  Just like with my Thanksgiving white wine recommendations, the low tannins and high acidity make it a nice match for both the turkey and the side dishes.  I gave the wine 4 corks and purchased it for $28.

 

Zinfandel’s were made for Thanksgiving dinner, and the Storybook Mountain Vineyards Mayacamas Range Zinfandel(winery) is no exception.  The spice and earthy characteristics blend nicely with the black and red fruits in a way that will blend nicely with the turkey seasoning and stuffing.  It will be perfect for over a meal while talking, as well as for lounging around afterwards.  I gave the wine 4.5 corks and purchased it for $35.

 

Zinfandel (winery, snooth) is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a California Zinfandel, as the wine big, bold, and beautiful red with high alcohol content to help make the family dinner a little easier.  I gave the wine 4.5 corks and, while it was given to me as a gift, I’ve found it for $18.

 

Vivi Primitivo (winery, snooth)  is perfect if you’re looking for an inexpensive red that is a little different.  I actually paired it with turkey when I reviewed it, so I speak from experience when I say that it was a delicious match.  I gave the wine 3 corks, and while I received it for a sample, the suggested retail price is $10.

Question of the Day:  Are you traveling for Thanksgiving or do you get to host?