11 Great California Wines With Which to Give Thanks

Turkey pairs with many, different wines, so it's difficult to choose the wrong one. But an alcohol content below 13% may be a good idea during a long meal.
By David Marcus ,

Thanksgiving is a fun, festive, relaxed holiday, and the wines should follow suit. Turkey goes with just about anything, so there's no need to obsess over the perfect pairing, but hosts will want a range of wines to please guests whose tastes may differ significantly. The celebration often lasts for hours, so having lighter, lower alcohol wines are be a good idea. And of course it's an American holiday, so we asked Jennifer DiDomizio, the owner of California Wine Merchants in New York, to suggest a range of wines from that state that would be perfect for the holiday. She did that while serving up a list that provides an introduction to a great range of California winemakers.


Jennifer DiDomizio


Wind Gap Rosé North Coast 2014, $28
In the year where rosé became a cultural phenomenon, why not serve one at Thanksgiving. This example from Wind Gap is a blend of Nebbiolo and Dolcetto grapes. DiDomizio says that it has a little more roundness and fruit than many rosés, which allows it to work well with all sorts of food. It's produced by Pax Mahle, one of California's best winemakers.

Banyan Gewurtztraminer Monterey County 2013, $15

The Banyan Gewurtztraminer has just "a little twinge of sweetness," DiDomizio, which helps it work well with turkey, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Kenny Likitprakong grew up in Healdsburg in the heart of Sonoma County, and he makes well-priced, enjoyable wines under several labels, including Banyan, Camp, Folk Machine, Hobo and Make Work.



La Marea Albarino Kristy Vineyard Monterey County 2014, $25

DiDomizio suggests offering the La Marea Albarino Kristy Vineyard Monterey County to Sauvignon Blanc drinkers. Made from Albarino, a grape native to the Iberian peninsula, it has the salinity and freshness but also enough body to work with food. Winemaker Ian Brand also wines under the Le P'tit Paysan label; the San Benito County red retails for about $22.

The Terraces, Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg, 2014, $20

The nectarine and apple notes on this dry Terraces Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg keep it interesting; the wine's acidity and relatively low 12.8% alcohol keep it fresh.

Pence Ranch Chardonnay Santa Barbara 2013, $25

The Pence Ranch Santa Barbara Chardonnay will appease both drinkers who demand a Chard and more discerning oenophiles who may show up for Thanksgiving dinner. DiDomizio says it has "body and a buttery richness without being overoaked." Winemaker Sashi Moorman also works with wine world megastar Rajat Parr on the Sandhi wines, which include some of the most highly regarded in California.

Bonny Doon Grenache Clos de Gilroy Central Coast 2013, $17
Randall Grahm is one of the great personalities of the California wine world. He made his reputation working with Rhône varieties such as Grenache. This one has white pepper, spice and good red fruit. Like a number of DiDomizio's Thanksgiving wines, it's a great introduction to the work of an excellent winemaker.


Neyers Vineyards Sage Canyon Red 2014, $25

The Neyers Vineyards Sage Canyon Red was inspired by the same Rhône wines that influenced Randall Grahm in the 1970s. A blend of Carignan, Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah aged in used French oak barrels, the Neyers combines fresh red fruit with spicy, savory notes.

Banshee Pinot Noir Sonoma County, $23

The Banshee Pinot Noir from Sonoma County "makes everyone happy," DiDomizio says, with its cherry, raspberry and red fruit notes combined with great acidity. It's a quality California Pinot at a gentle price, which is a rare combination.

Camp Cabernet Franc Sonoma County 2013, $23

DiDomizio calls Kenny Likitprakong's Camp Cabernet Franc from Sonoma County "sick juice for $23." It has a flavor profile that will please Cabernet Sauvignon fans along with a peppercorn note that gives the wine some lift. And at only 12.3% alcohol, those Cab Sauv fans will still be able to drive home after a few glasses of the Camp - an outcome any host devoutly desire.

Blue Rock Baby Blue Red Blend, Alexander Valley, $25

The Blue Rock Baby Blue Red Blend from Alexander Valley is a Bordeaux style blend dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. DiDomizio says it has note of blueberry, violets, chocolate and earth. This is your wine for the guest who demands a big, bold American red.

Acheson Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2013, $19

And for the guest who wants a Cabernet Sauvignon, DiDomizio suggests the Acheson, which she says works well with food. She also carries the Broadside, another sub-$20 choice that delivers a lot of bang for the buck.

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