Wines to Compliment Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Emile Beyer Pinot Gris / Alsace, France

Since 1580, Domaine Emile Beyer has been producing wines from Eguisheim, one of the premier wine-growing communes in Alsace. The Beyer family passion for winemaking has been passed down through 14 generations, and is currently under the leadership of Christian Beyer. "Giving happiness, with elegant wines--this is what I take pride in doing," is Christian Beyer's mantra. And, he has succeeded in doing just that. The Beyer wine portfolio includes outstanding Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer, as well as exceptional Muscat, Sylvaner, and Pinot Noir.

Emile Beyer Pinot Gris is a full, harmonious wine. Gold in color, it is very concentrated, with the weight of the fruit bursting out into a seductive opulence. It is the perfect Thanksgiving wine!

Wine With Me Price: $18.99

J Cuvée 20 Brut NV / Russian River Valley, California

For twenty-five years, J Vineyards & Winery has been crafting sparkling wine from their estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The varietal and sparkling wines of J Vineyards are the result of the valley's cool-climate fruit combined with gentle, respectful winemaking. These wines define the vineyard's classic style and that of the region--a combination of balance, complexity, and elegance.

J Cuvée 20 Brut gracefully opens up with the crisp, clean allure of crushed hazelnut and ripe apricot aromas. Upon entry, you notice a delicate tickle of fresh mousse on the nose and palate. The acidity adds to the liveliness and the lemon citrus zest leads to lingering flavors of Fuji apples and Bartlett pears.

Made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grown in the Russian River Valley, this sparkling wine has bright citrus flavors but a silky texture and doughy notes that give it distinction and complexity.

"Hits all of the right notes, with good fruit, toast and some almonds, especially in the long finish. Classy wine. Would age well." --Wall Street Journal

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Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir / Sonoma Coast, California

Belle Glos showcases distinctive Pinot Noirs produced from some of California's top wine-growing regions. The vineyard locations can all be described as coastal, but the climate differences are significant, depending on the amount of fog, wind, sunlight, and soil type at each site. Each wine is crafted to distill the purest essence of the vineyard into elegant expressions of California Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is often considered feminine as compared to the rustic boldness of Cabernet Sauvignon--but Belle Glos Pinots are not quite so subtle--they are intriguing, flavorful and texturous. Winemaker Joseph Wagner chose the name Belle Glos to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards.

The name Meiomi, (pronounced May-oh-mee) was chosen as an expression of its source. The word translates to "coast" in the language of the native Wappo and Yuki tribes.

Belle Glos Meiomi is very dark with an almost purple hue. It carries aromas of tobacco, dark red fruits and fresh berries. The rich cherry flavor is complemented by notes of cedar, raspberry and strawberry. Enjoy with turkey, salmon or beef dishes.

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Shatter Grenache / Maury, France

Launched in April 2012, Shatter Grenache is a collaboration between Trinchero Family Estates and wine making legends Dave Phinney of Orin Swift Wines and Joel Gott of Joel Gott Wines.

Shatter, from the small town of Maury in France's Roussillon region, is named for a phenomenon in which grape clusters fail to develop all their berries after flowering. While this condition--called coulure in French--is usually considered a viticultural hazard, Gott and Phinney boldly embraced it as the name for their new project. As Phinney explains, "This area of the Roussillon is very prone to shatter. It actually decreases yield and intensifies the wines."

A deep red, nearly opaque hue of garnet fills the sides of the glass. Stunning aromas of succulent dark fruits and ripe cherry are neatly framed by soft French oak. The wine has an amazingly pure entry which instantly coats the entire front of the mouth and leads into a soft mid-palate with refined acid and great structure. Mature tannins round out a long finish that lasts nearly half a minute.

If you're having ham for Thanksgiving dinner, this is the wine you'll want!

Wine With Me Price: $30.99