With Thanksgiving being that time of year originally set aside to give thanks and to celebrate the years harvest of life sustaining nourishment, it’s no wonder wine is one of the essential ingrediants to be shared with friends and family. People who normally don’t drink wine are more likely to try some around the holidays just because it repesents the grape harvest and the crafting of a celebratory libation. Here are a few suggestions that tatse a lot richer than their price tag.
Smoking Loon 2008 Petite Syrah – I really wasn’t expecting much from this reasonably priced wine, I just wanted to get the essence of a grape I’d never had before to see if I wanted to lay out the big bucks for a higher end version. After the first glass it became my favorite and though I’ll probably try a pricier version someday, I’m in no hurry as long as I can find this one.
Yellow Tail 2008 Cabernet/Shiraz – You probably won’t find this on any wine snob’s table this holiday season and that’s a real shame because it’s really good and it’s really cheap. This Australian blend is not exactly from a boutique winery known for its microscopic output from lovingly handpicked grapes, but that doesn’t stop it from being a wonderful pairing with ham or turkey and you might be able to find it for 5.99 a bottle.
Dearly Beloved Forever Red – As Trader Joe’s continues its expansion eastward, it brings with it some inexpensive and unpretentious wines that seem to be made for the holidays. Dearly Beloved is a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese Carignane and Grenache from California’s Mendicino County. I once thought blends were just the winemaker’s attempt to utilize too many grapes; not anymore. Thia ones rich and full of fruit and oak. and it’s 6.99 at your local TJ’s.
Borsao Tinto 2008 – I’m becoming a real enthusiast when it comes to Spanish wines these days; they seem to have a touch more earthiness to them than the reds from other parts of the world and this blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo is no exception. Spring this one on an unsuspecting holiday guest and you’re guaranteed to get a nice reaction.
Firestone Vineyards Select Riesling – As you might have noticed, I tend to think of wine in different shades of red and I have to stop myself from time to time to recognize I’m leaving out a huge part of the overall wine experience. This refreshing white is infused with an apricot and apple fruitiness that only adds to any joyous holiday get together. Its sophisticated taste belies its modest price as much if not more than any of the above mentioned reds.