Dennis and Ryan run the wine shop. And while they both agree on quality great wines, they sometimes take a different approach to flavor. Meaning we get the best of both worlds at Anderson's. If you're looking to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner - whether you’re starting with bubbly, pairing the perfect white with savory sides, or serving a versatile red to complement your turkey, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the guy's guides to choosing wines that will make your holiday meal unforgettable.
FROM DENNIS:
Start with Sparkling
Kick off your celebration with a touch of elegance. Italian sparkling wines like Cavicchioli 1928 or Ca' Furlan Prosecco are fantastic options. If you prefer a Crémant, try a Rosé from France or Paula Kornell from California.
For a true celebration, go with Champagne—our picks are Champagne Aubry or Inspiration 1818 Brut.
Whites for Your Savory Sides
Dry, crisp white wines are a classic choice to pair with Thanksgiving sides. A Chenin Blanc such as Pine Ridge from California or Domaine De La Treille from France brings the perfect balance of flavor.
If you prefer Chardonnay, go for options like Nicolas Potel Macon-Villages, Limestone Unoaked from South Africa, or Stoller Chardonnay from Oregon.
For a hint of sweetness, a Riesling is always a crowd-pleaser. Try one from Northern Michigan or Germany, like H. Ludes Thornicher Riesling, which offers a delightful off-dry profile with bright acidity.
For something a little different, consider:
- Vermentino from Italy.
- Albariño from Spain.
- The popular Brunn Grüner Veltliner from Austria, one of the store’s top sellers.
Reds for the Main Course
Thanksgiving calls for reds that are bright, smooth, and versatile. A classic Beaujolais (made from Gamay grapes) like Marcel Lapierre Le Beaujolais or Louis Jadot Beaujolais is an excellent choice.
You can’t go wrong with Pinot Noir either—try Stoller or Rocks of Brawn from Oregon, Annabella from California’s Russian River Valley, or a French Burgundy like Maison Roche De Bellene or Dominique Gruhier Epineuil.
For a unique twist, serve Anne Amie Passetoutgrain, a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay that’s simply fantastic.
Explore Global Reds
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these bold yet balanced options:
- Spanish Grenache, such as Garnacha de Fuego.
- Côtes du Rhône, like Domaine Gran Tinel.
- Chianti Classico, such as Ruffino Riserva Ducale.
These reds are known for their vibrant flavors, smooth tannins, and crisp acidity—perfect for pairing with turkey and all the trimmings.
Stop By and Stock Up
No matter your menu or preferences, there’s a wine for every dish and every guest. Visit us to find these bottles and more, and let’s make this Thanksgiving truly memorable. Cheers!
FROM RYAN:
Dry Whites
2022 Stoller Family Estate Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, Oregon – $22.99
There’s something happening in Oregon. When Chardonnay was first planted, it was all clones from California that had adapted to the hot California climate and often failed to ripen. Well, in the early 2000s they began ripping the vines out and replacing them with Burgundy clones, and the wines are exceptional. Only 9% neutral oaked, the rest is stainless steel and concrete, giving the wines clean and fresh notes of pear, white peach, yellow apple, and a savory goodness.
2023 Domaine Moutard Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay, Burgundy – $21.99
Produced from vines owned by a prestigious Champagne house, this Chardonnay is from vines around the Chablis area, and is a great wine to go with Thanksgiving dinner. The fruit flavors are more subdued than the Stoller, which are replaced with an enhanced minerality and acidity that clears your palate and goes great with savory sides. Lemon, lime, pear, and apple, a touch of salinity, and a lovely acidity; this wine is a really great bargain in the world of rising Burgundy prices.
Dry Reds
2020 El Coto Rioja Crianza, Rioja, Spain – $18.99
Thanksgiving dinner can be difficult to find a good wine to pair with the food. Well, fear not, because Spain has you covered. Composed of 100% Tempranillo, the red cherry, cranberry, and acidity will go great with turkey and won’t overpower any of your sides, and for a great price.
2022 Dominique Gruhier Bourgogne Epineuil, Burgundy – $26.99
As a self-identified Burgundy fan, I am always on the lookout for wines from areas that have everything it takes to be great but the name recognition. Epineuil is slightly to the west of Chablis. As Chablis AOC isn’t allowed to produce Pinot Noir, Epineuil has taken up the mantle. Full and rich dark cherry, fresh cranberry, and raspberry compote, with gentle tannins and a lively acidity from its location further north. A value red Burgundy!
Dessert
Donnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett, Nahe – $28.69
Despite being an incredible mouthful to spell, this wine is more of a mouthful in the glass. People shy away from German Rieslings believing they will be too sweet. Let me assure you, the fruit flavors may be sweet, but this wine only gives you a fleeting notion of sweetness that’s gone before you can put your finger on it. Donnhoff truly is one of Germany’s stars, and his wines all tell you why. Bright lime and lemon, Asian pear, kiwi, tangerines, extra ripe nectarine, fresh cantaloupe, and even a touch of passionfruit, all on a razor’s edge of acidity with just enough “sweetness” to make the wine thicker, not sweet.
Stop by to find these exceptional wines and make your Thanksgiving table unforgettable.
Don't forget you can always reach either of the guys for personalized recommendations within your budget and taste by calling, stopping in, or emailing wine@andersonsglenarbor.com . Cheers to a delicious holiday!
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