As we approach the heart of the holiday season, it’s time to think about which wines we want to serve with all the family meals we will share with loved ones over the next couple of months.
Wine is often the glue that brings people together. It’s a pleasure to share and enjoy great bottles and food with special company. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the stressors of everyday life, during this time of the year, we should all think about the parts of our experience for which we are thankful. And what better way to do that than by opening a great bottle of wine to celebrate all the positive aspects of our lives?
A Thanksgiving meal can look different for different families, and you may want to have several diverse bottles ready to share. Here are a few suggestions for those who love bold American red wines on the holiday table.
ICONIC CALIFORNIA WINES FIT FOR A FEAST
(Courtesy Stag's Leap Wine Cellars)
Artemis is an icon wine that will enhance any meal.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “Artemis,” 2021 (Napa Valley)
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is one of Napa Valley’s most popular wineries and is legendary for its role in shaping Napa's legacy, starting with its 1976 Judgment of Paris win over the competition from Bordeaux.
Artemis is a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon named after the Greek goddess of the hunt. The winery named this wine to signify the hunt for the finest grapes from the area to make it. Artemis showcases notes of black cherry, plum, baking spices, and a hint of mocha, with depth in its layered aromas and flavors. Plush tannins and a balance of richness and freshness make it a perfect match for Thanksgiving dishes like roast turkey, savory stuffing with earthy spices, and any grilled meats like steak or short ribs.
$71.97 at Total Wine
DAOU Vineyards “Soul of a Lion,” 2021 (Paso Robles)
(Courtesy DAOU Vineyards)
DAOU's Soul of a Lion is a powerhouse red wine.
This wine commemorates founders Georges and Daniel Daou’s father, whose strength and legacy perseveres like the soul of a lion. It represents the pinnacle of the estate’s commitment to producing world-class Bordeaux-style blends.
Bold and complex, Soul of a Lion (82% cabernet sauvignon, 12% cabernet franc, 6% petit verdot) is packed with dark fruit flavors like blackberry and cassis, with layers of vanilla and cedar. The 2021 vintage is a powerhouse, ideal for pairing with rich, hearty Thanksgiving dishes like herb-roasted meats and gravy. Its luxurious texture and structure will make it the star of the meal, and a perfect wine to share with loved ones who have shown determination and courage throughout the year.
$179.99 at Total Wine
A SONOMA CABERNET UNDER $50
La Crema Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
La Crema is best known for widely accessible Sonoma chardonnays and pinot noirs, but the winery has released its first cabernet sauvignon this year.
Composed of fruit from carefully selected, sustainably farmed vineyard blocks across Alexander Mountain, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Bennet Valley, La Crema’s cab exhibits a velvety mouthfeel and ripe berry flavors. It is approachable, in both sipping and price point, yet bold enough to stand up to the Thanksgiving spread and discerning guests. Notes of blackberry, cocoa, and a supporting touch of oak bring out the savory flavors in roasted vegetables and an array of meats like pork and lamb, making it a versatile choice for the table.
$44.99 at Total Wine
IF CABERNET ISN’T YOUR THING...
Spring Valley Vineyard “Nina Lee” Syrah, 2019
(Courtesy Spring Valley Vineyard)
Nina Lee is a Washington State syrah that can complement any holiday table.
Washington is another great state to look for bold bottles for a special meal. Spring Valley Vineyard is located near Walla Walla and makes limited-production wines from estate-grown grapes.
This 100% syrah is rich and aromatic, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, smoked meats, and an earthy undertone. A full-bodied and velvety wine, Nina Lee presents a well-balanced syrah combining flavors of black fruit, cocoa, and a hint of tobacco, with a lingering dark and peppery finish.
Consider pairing this wine with robust savory dishes including smokey grilled meats like barbequed ribs or peppery sausage pasta. Something warm and inviting will bring Nina Lee alive at your next holiday mealtime gathering.
$79.99 at Wine.com
A NOTE ON NATIVE AMERICAN WINERIES
Native American wineries are making their mark on the U.S. wine scene, with several tribal-owned vineyards producing unique, high-quality wines. Notable among them is Twisted Cedar Winery, owned by the Cedar Band of Paiute Indians of Utah. The winery is in Lodi, California, and offers an array of big red wines including cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel. Native Vines Winery in Lexington, North Carolina states that they are the first American Indian-owned winery offering a full range of Vitis vinifera wines such as cabernet and riesling, along with a line of fruit blends. These wineries, among others, are preserving cultural heritage while producing wines that stand out in the broader U.S. market.
Jacqueline Coleman is a wine and travel writer and Star Wine List’s ambassador in Miami. She is a contributor to Luxury Guide USA magazine, a regular guest host on Linda Gassenheimer’s “Food, News & Views” podcast, and founder of BYOBMiami.com.
Jacqueline Coleman