The Thanksgiving reds are the reds of Beaujolais, France.  These consist of of fruity (not to be confused with sweet) light to medium-bodied reds made from the Gamay grape. Excellent with Turkey, Chicken and Fish dishes. While Beaujolais Nouveau is the most popular, there are actually much higher quality Beaujolais Cru wines from this region. For light-bodied sips:

•Brouilly

•Mouin-A-Vent

•Fleurie

 

In Beaujolais, France there are also delicious white wines that are made from the Chardonnay grape as well in a crisp lighter style. If you find one, make sure you pick it up.

 

Light-bodied and tangy whites are excellent for Thanksgiving as well.

 

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand can be great, but it’s got unflinching acidity.  he same grape bottled as Pouilly-Fume or Sancerre from France’s Loire Valley is much softer. These whites are still acidic, tangy and herbaceous just like you crave from S.B., but with a subtler sip full of fresh green apples.

 

Medium to full-bodied whites are great for the fall/winter holiday…

Grapes like Gerwurztraminer and Riesling are often perceived solely as sweet. Not so fast!

For drier versions of these two, head north to Alsace. Gewurztraminer is a spicy white, while Riesling is more floral. Riesling is actually among the most diverse grapes from bone dry to sugary sweet in styles.

For an eye-opening white wine experience:

•Trimbach

•Albrecht

•Hugel

 

Burgundy whites almost strictly made from Chardonnay grapes, but they will not be oaky or buttery whites – they’re leaner and elegant with hints of flint, chalk and minerality.

 

Here is America ‘Chablis’ lost its social status when it became the preferred name for jug wine in the U.S., however this classy white is far from a flat, bland bulk wine. Also made from 100% Chardonnay, it has little and most often no oak, boasting crisp, mineral-spiked sips.

Other whites from Burgundy include Pouilly-Fuisse and the lesser-known and thus less expensive Macon-Villages. Both are lighter than New World styles and show off Chardonnay’s subtleties without the interference of oak.

 

Another great one is Viognier which is often called Chardonnay’s sexy sister. They are similar in look and body but this glass of white from the Rhône region will surprise you. It’s very aromatic. Viogniers are not abundant, so drinking will cost you, but these striking floral whites are a really good pick for Thanksgiving time.