6 American Wines for a Uniquely American Holiday… All Available at Your Favorite Clifton Wine Shops!

It’s almost time to celebrate the most quintessential of all American holidays: Thanksgiving. It’s a day for being thankful, spending time with family and friends, watching endless football, and eating way more than you should in a single day! And, of course there is the turkey—roasting in the oven, golden brown, and filling your home with heavenly aromas.

While there are many different wines — both red and white —that pair beautifully with turkey, I like the idea of maintaining the uniquely American spirit of Thanksgiving by drinking American wines. And there are so many great American wines to choose from, and all can be found at your favorite wine and spirits stores in Clifton.

If you like red wine, the natural choice is Pinot Noir. Intensely flavored, complex, with incredible longevity—it’s a wine meant to pair with food, and it won’t overshadow your meal. Sensuous, with an enticing, sometimes earthy perfume and soft, round, silky, yet structured texture.
One you can find at Stew Leonard’s: Erath Pinot Noir - Oregon

A bit heavier, but still a good red choice, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most complex, layered wines around. Typically full-bodied, with dark fruit flavors and savory tastes from black pepper to bell pepper, there’s a Cabernet Sauvignon for everyone.
One you can find at Western Beverages (inside the Clifton Costco) : Juggernaut Cabernet Sauvignon - California

When it comes to white wines, a fuller-bodied white like Chardonnay from California, really has what it takes to stand up to the array or rich flavors on your Thanksgiving table. There are some great California Chardonnays, aged in oak, with a creamy mouthfeel that begs for a bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy.
One you can find at Clifton Commons Spirits and Wine: J Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay - California

Not a fan of oaky Chardonnay? There are plenty of un-oaked Chardonnay and Chardonnay blends that are bright, citrusy and light.
One you can find at Shop Rite Wines & Spirits: Columbia Crest Unoaked Chardonnay - Washington State

Speaking of light white wines, Chenin Blanc is one of the lightest. Known for its versatility, Chenin Blanc has a range of tastes from dry to very sweet, with flavor profiles that include green apple, citrus, honey and minerals.
One you can find at Shopper’s Vineyard: Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc - California

Just because it isn’t summer, it doesn’t mean you can’t include a bottle of rosé on your Thanksgiving table. Rosé just happens to be one of the most versatile food-pairing wines. Although France is renowned for its rosé prowess, you can get some pretty great rosé wines made right here in the USA.
One you can find at Stew Leonard's: Wolffer Estate Summer In A Bottle Rosé - New York

In the end, Thanksgiving is about counting your blessings and sharing food—and wine—with the people you love.

Cheers to a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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