I have plenty of things for which to be grateful. Wine is just one of them, and the list of specific examples is long. I’ve limited those examples here to five wines that can easily be incorporated into your Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy giving gratitude!
Prosecco Superiore DOCG
The Prosecco category is doing just fine without any help from me, but I have to give credit where it’s due. Not only is it one of the driving forces behind healthy Italian wine sales; on a personal level, Prosecco boosted my confidence enormously when I immediately recognized one in a blind tasting exam earlier this year. “Thankful” only begins to describe how I felt.
Sommariva, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Italy
$22.49 BC Liquor Stores
Not all Proseccos are created equal. Those coming from the gorgeous hills between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, and that bear the Superiore DOCG designation, have proven (at least to me) that they’re a step up in quality from regular Prosecco DOC. The Sommariva is a creamy and delightful aperitvo – perfect for commencing your festivities.
BC wine
I am eternally grateful for our burgeoning local wine region. It’s contributed immensely to culture in general – and, in particular, interest in BC wines (which keeps me in a job). And should I feel the need for a jaunt in the vineyards, I don’t have to travel far.
2014 Little Farm, Mulberry Tree Vineyard Riesling • Similkameen Valley, BC
$31-39 private wine stores (Liberty Wine Merchants, Kitsilano Wine Cellar, Marquis Wine Cellar)
I’m particularly appreciative of our homegrown Rieslings. I like them dry and piercing, like Little Farm’s. There’s still a smattering of 2014 around, and its year in the bottle has served it very well.
Côtes-du-Rhône
I was a teetotaler before I went to France at the age of 19. Then, a lovely famille française took me under their wing, introducing me to wines from every corner of their country and cooking up typical regional matches. The most lasting lesson they taught me is that wine should be shared regularly around the dinner (or lunch) table with family and friends.
2013 Boutinot, La Côte Sauvage • Côtes-du-Rhône Village Cairanne AOC, France
$26.99, BC Liquor Stores
My coups de coeur in those days were the Grenache-based wines from the Southern Rhône. I still fall for them today, and here’s my latest crush: dark, rich fruit lifted by licorice and peppery spice.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Chile produces great-value wines at all price points. However, it was the less expensive examples that kept me satiated during my formative early years of university – especially the Cabs.
2013 Cousiño-Macul, Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon • Maipo, Chile
$17.99, BC Liquor Stores
This was a go-to when I “splurged” as a starving student, and I’ve had a soft spot for it ever since. It’s not necessarily my pick for a turkey dinner, but if your Thanksgiving feast features beef or lamb, your dining companions will be toasting you for choosing this.
Burgundy
France gets double billing this week. After that seminal stay mentioned above, I eventually returned to complete the third year of my linguistics degree. Tasked with writing a dissertation on French culture, I chose the wine region of Burgundy, which meant taking a field trip there. It’s where I had the light-bulb moment that led to me forging a career in the wine industry. I’m forever indebted.
2013 Domaine Tollot-Beaut • Chorey-les-Beaune AOC, France
$52, Marquis Wine Cellars exclusive
Bright, crunchy, pure, and unpretentious, Pinot Noir is the essence of gorgeous Burgundy. I’m instantly transported to my first steps in those vineyards.
