What to Serve with the Bird - Red, White & Gravy

Thanksgiving is the one holiday that I serve only wines made in the U.S. of.A. It just makes sense to me. So, all of the selections below meet that criteria as well as coming in below the $20 mark.

Cheap and Easy (or 1 White and 1 Red)

If you want to keep your selections simple, I would suggest a medium white and a medium to fuller-bodied red. It is always tough to choose only two wines for the extensive array of flavors present on the Thanksgiving table, and since everyone has their own idea of what constitutes 'cheap' I've given you two pricing options:

UNDER $15

Cline Cellars Pinot Grigio - Chardonnay 2007
Ripe and creamy tropical fruit notes punctuated by a crisp, acidic finish $10

Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Antique Vines 2004
Bold berry and spice are the predominant characteristics of this rich and chewy zinfandel $12

$15 TO $20
Eyrie Pinot Gris 2006
Rich and ripe, the Eyrie is fermented in stainless but develops depth and character from significant time spent on its lees. Then it is only loosely filtered before bottling. The resulting wine is layered and lush and a great accompaniment most dishes. $17

Esser Vineyards Pinot Noir 2006
Brilliant medium garnet in color, the wine's aromas are keynoted by violets, baked stone fruits and clove/allspice/fennel notes. With fine firm texture and fresh fruit flavors of cherry and plum backed by notes of spice cake and toasty oak. $16

Full Tasting Menu

I am a big fan of the tasting menu format... I enjoy the concept of trying more, but eating less. So if I were having a small group of mainly wine drinkers for the big feast, this would be my ideal menu:

Baby Greens with Sliced Pears, Dried Cranberries, Pecan Crusted Chevre Medallions & Champagne Vinaigrette
Roederer Estate Brut NV

Fresh Corn Puddings
2007 Foxglove San Luis Obisipo County Chardonnay