Gruet Brut Sparkling Wine NV (Albuquerque, NM), $16
This sparkling wine is produced by a family with a long history in French Champagne making. The Gruets moved to America in the early 1950s and in 1989 produced their first vintage. They’re still making excellent varieties today, with this brut as the flagship. Crisp and full-bodied with apple and citrus flavors, it’s juicy enough to drink with turkey or as an aperitif with hors d’oeuvres.
Carabella Pinot Gris 2008 (Willamette Valley, OR), $17
This delightfully crisp white wine is perfect for the holiday menu. Flavors of apple and a tight acidity make it a nice complement to roasted fruit and vegetable dishes. Open a bottle this season while the vintage is at its peak.
Red Hook Winery “The Electric” White Wine 2008 (Long Island, NY), $42
This “electric” wine is a product of two great winemakers, Abe Schoener and Robert Foley, of New York’s Red Hook Winery. The combination of 97 percent chardonnay and three percent botrytis riesling gives a juicy and acidic quality to the lemony and spicy wine. Pair with any poultry dish such as turkey or quail or with a salad course.
Maysara “Roseena” Rose 2010 (McMinnville, OR), $17
Winner of the International Green Wine Competition gold medal, this is the prize rose at the Maysara biodynamic winery and farm, and the 2010 vintage is a favorite. This beautifully hued wine, with bright acidity and flavors of cranberry and roses, will be a lovely match for green vegetables and seafood.
La Follette Van der Kamp Pinot Noir 2008 (Sonoma Mountain, CA), $40
A stunning pinot noir such as this should be on every dinner table this season. With flavors of mulberry, raspberry, and brown spices, it will pair well with pumpkin and squash dishes. La Follette is producing outstanding wines and is even offering small sample bottles that you can taste before purchasing the full size.
