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The right wine will deserve a toast of its own at Thanksgiving dinner.
The right wine will deserve a toast of its own at Thanksgiving dinner.
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My 2019 Thanksgiving Wine List, based on 23 selections by five wine industry experts and educators, is a fabulous guide to plan your holiday meal. It matches the textures and tastes of quality, affordable wines with the flavors of a traditional turkey dinner and all the fixings. (All wines listed are available in Massachusetts.)

MARCH 5, 2019: Boston Herald logo for Grapefully yours column

Erika Frey is a certified wine educator and assistant manager at Winestone in Chestnut Hill.

Boundary Breaks “No. 239” Riesling Dry 2017, $20 — A mouthwatering Finger Lakes riesling that pops with flavors of ripe peaches, apricots and citrus.

Seméli “Feast” Agiorgitiko 2016, $16 — What better name for a Thanksgiving wine? A light and lively Grecian red featuring cherry and pomegranate flavors.

Twelfth Night Pinot Noir 2014, $20 — Fall aromas — cranberry, raspberry, fresh mushroom, baking spices — a captured in a bottle made by a trio of Boston-area partners who own this New Zealand vineyard.

Big Flower Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, $18 — Winemaker Ginny Povall, who grew up in Massachusetts, crafts this juicy, spicy, plush blackberry fruit fest from South Africa.

Sam Messina, wine buyer and co-owner of Wine ConneXtion in North Andover.

Gruet Brut Sparkling Wine, $14.99 — Crisp and richly developed with a sophisticated apple-and-citrus flavor. Brilliant bubbles and smooth mousse.

Starmont “Carneros” Chardonnay 2016, $14.99 — Asian pear, butter-crust apple tart and pineapple notes impress with hints of toasted hazelnut. Crisp minerality.

Hahn “SLH” Pinot Noir 2017, $17.99 — An irresistible red: soft tannins, delicious plum and cherry flavors, a hint of allspice and silky texture.

Luke “Wahluke Slope” Merlot 2017, $18.99 — Plum, cherry and blackberry flavors are infused with tobacco, cedar, clove and vanilla spices. Opulent.

Miro Cellars “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, $29.99 — Bold tannins and flavorful black cherry and milk chocolate power this intense, elegant red.

Andrea Lewis is the manager and wine buyer at Andover Classic Wines.

Le P’Tit Paysan Chardonnay 2017, $22.99 — Notes of lime blossoms, pears and apples will please both those seeking a bit of oak and those who enjoy a racier style of chardonnay.

Lemelson Pinot Noir Thea’s Selection 2015, $34.99 — Aromatic and refined, with dark raspberry, bitter chocolate and spice flavors leading to a mineral finish.

Chateau Maris La Touge 2016, $18.99 — Inky purple, plush on the palate, and very expressive with smoky, meaty and dark fruit accents. Organic.

Love by Léoube 2018, $21.99 – A pale pink, dry Provence-style rosé with attractive strawberry and white peach flavors. Organic.

Antiquum Farms Pinot Gris 2018, $24.99 — Wisps of lavender, violets and tea rose intermingle with citrus and river stone to produce an intriguing wine. Organic.

Craig Gandolf is national sales director at Cynthia Hurley French Wines of Needham.

J Laurens Crémant de Limoux, le Clos des Demoiselles Brut Sparkling 2016, $23 — Soft, delicious chardonnay, chenin blanc and pinot noir mix with aromas of toast and honey.

Kubler Riesling K 2016, $24 — A refreshing, flavorful Alsatian wine with enough acidity to cut through gravy, stuffing and mashed potatoes.

Lagneau Beaujolais-Villages 2015 Beaujolais, $15 — Red, ripe and delicious, it’s everything you want in a food-friendly wine made from gamay. Chill lightly and enjoy.

Paul Garaudet Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2015, $26 — Soft tannins, rustic spices and gobs of dark cherry fruit make this a versatile, sumptuous wine for the holiday table.

Castell d’Age Penedés Fragments Red 2018, $19 — A biodynamic Spanish tempranillo featuring ripe candied fruits, dried figs and plums with toasty vanilla.

Jo-Ann Ross of Boston is a certified wine educator (jrosswines.com).

Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2017, $17 — A clean, vibrant South African white with a nutty, apple-lemon flavor. Perfect for appetizers and pumpkin soup.

Chateau Des Antonins Bordeaux Blanc 2018, $13 — Value and deliciousness are hallmarks of this exciting Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend.

Muga Rioja Rosado 2018, $18 — A ganarcha-based year-round rosé that brings out strawberry, rhubarb and a tangy finish. Best with turkey and cranberry sauce.

St. Innocent Pinot Noir Zenith Vineyard 2015, $30 — A Willamette Valley favorite for its captivating berry aromas and flavors and tart finish.


What is Jim Campanini drinking on the holiday with family and friends? Go to www.grapefullyyours.live to find out.