Jay here from Gentile’s the Wine Sellers -
The holidays are almost upon us and Bobby and I are looking forward to our first year finding the right wines for your Thanksgiving and holiday table. The task of entertaining family and friends can be daunting, but I think we’ve got some real finds that will please a crowd while still having that unique touch you expect from us.
2019 Pierre Sparr Pinot Blanc ($16.99 / bottle)
First up we have a beautiful and affordable Pinot Blanc from one of my favorite white wine regions, Alsace. The 2019 Pierre Sparr Pinot Blanc ($16.99 / bottle) is grown from vineyards that date back to the Roman Empire, with classic French finesse. It opens with a nose of fresh-cut flowers and honeysuckle, then drinks with expressive white peach and a touch of green apple on its bone-dry finish. I’ve had more expensive wines from this region that didn’t impress me as much as this, its truly a steal.
2021 Giunta Vineyards Malbec Nouveau ($15.99/bottle)
Beaujolais Nouveau, the first wine released of the French harvest, is a wine I enjoy for its novelty even if by its very nature it lacks refinement. The bright cranberry fruits of a traditional Beaujolais tend to jump out of the glass and their friendly structure pairs well with traditional Fall flavors. Well, I came across a wine from New Zealand’s Giunta Vineyards that has all those fun traits in a higher quality presentation. The 2021 Malbec Nouveau ($15.99/bottle) is dominated by brambly fruit, savory aromatics, and hints of smoke. Yet its youthful presentation brings rich blackberries and plum to the forefront, making it approachable for a motley assortment of dishes and dinner guests. If you’d like to share the uniqueness of these particular selections they will make for a fascinating centerpiece, or you can just pour a glass and your Aunts and Uncles will love it.
RoseRock Pinot Noir and Chardonnay ($34.99 / bottle)
For those wanting something more classic for the holiday table, we’ve got selections from a vineyard that fits the bill (with a twist). Classic Burgundian varietals, grown by a Burgundian family, and in the elegant Burgundy style. The only difference here is the vineyard sits on a south-facing ridge in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Try the Drouhin family’s RoseRock Pinot Noir and Chardonnay ($34.99 / bottle) and see why their motto is “French Soul, Oregon Soil”. Both of these selections are classic, approachable, and perfect for a roasted turkey.
2017 Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir ($99.99/bottle)
Last but not least, I wanted to make a special note for those who are hunting for something truly exemplary for the holiday table. I was lucky enough to try the 2017 Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir ($99.99/bottle) this past week and it was the best glass of wine I’ve had all year. A project of Jayson Pahlmeyer located in the Fort-Ross Seaview AVA in Sonoma County, this has style and character beyond the years of this recently designated micro-region. It opens with perfectly focused deep cherry, a touch of earth, a nose of forest floor, and finishes with savory rosemary & thyme that left me in a reverie.
Serious fans of Pinot Noir know how hard it is to find that knockout bottle, and this is it.
I hope in these options we’ve found something that suits your needs. Let us know what we can set aside for you (wine will first arrive Friday), and we wish you the best on your Thanksgiving holiday!