Thanksgiving Wines to Put a Wobble in Your Gobble

As for red zinfandels, O'Kennard chose three from California producers, all of which he says are highly rated by the Beverage Testing Institute. "Zinfandel is the classic American grape," says O'Kennard. "We can call it America's discovery for the wine world." These fruity wines are a bit high in alcohol -- 12% or 15% alcohol by volume in some cases -- but O'Kennard says they go well with candied yams, pumpkin pies and turkey with rich gravies.

The Pietra Santa red zinfandel from Cienega Valley is one choice, which Tastings.com says has, "a fruity, medium-full body of ripe black and red berries, spice and vanilla, and finishes with a long berry, cinnamon bark and black pepper fade." A gold medal winner of the World Wine Championships, Pietra Santa retails for about $18 a bottle.

O'Kennard also recommends Old Vine's Renwood from Amador County, Calif., which retails for about $16.95. A silver-medal winner of the World Wine Championships Award, Tastings.com notes the weighty, full-bodied palate of the wine, with aromas of briar fruit and cocoa.

Knotty Vines Estate's Rodney Strong is another fine Red Zinfandel for the holiday, according to O'Kennard. This particular selection, from California's Sonoma County, boasts many awards, including the 2007 World Value Wine Challenge's Top 14 Red Wines Under $20 and the Gold Medal from the World Wine Championships. Tastings.com describes its aromas of melted milk chocolate, pistachio and berry pie. A sip of the wine can be equated to "red and dark berries, chocolate and spice flavors. Finishes with a long, tangy berry, pink peppercorn and orange marmalade fade," according to Tastings.com. Rodney Strong retails for about $20.

"A lot of people like to drink zinfandel at Thanksgiving and pair it with turkey because it's a full-bodied wine that goes with a heavier meat dish - which includes turkey," says Engel. "It used to be that people liked pinot noir because it's light and refreshing, but the turkey overpowers the pinot noir. Zinfandels have black cherry and pepper and spice, which also go very well with the side dishes you serve at Thanksgiving."

This Thanksgiving, eat up and enjoy -- but save some room! When making a toast to all that you are grateful for, the wine in your glass just might make your list.