We know we’re still a few weeks out, but it’s officially time to start thinking about Thanksgiving....what you’ll be cooking, and more importantly, what you’ll be drinking!
While most people reach for the same familiar bottles year after year, why not take a small risk and discover something new this holiday season? We’ve got two delicious recommendations, one from France and one from Portugal, that are anything but ordinary. Both are food-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and perfectly suited for your Thanksgiving table.
Stéphane Aviron Beaujolais Villages 2022 (France)
This Beaujolais Villages comes from two of the appellation’s top terroirs, Quincié, known for its sandy granite soils, and Lantignié, where clay and limestone soils meet a sun-kissed southwest exposure. Together, they create a wine that’s soft, approachable, and effortlessly drinkable.
If you’re new to Gamay, here’s a fun fact: it’s directly related to Pinot Noir, which makes it an ideal match for Thanksgiving fare. Think turkey, ham, and all those savory-sweet side dishes.
On the nose, you’ll find dark cherries and strawberries with just a hint of herbs. The palate bursts with layers of juicy raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries, grounded by a touch of earth and spice. Fine-grain tannins and medium acidity bring it all together for a smooth, vibrant finish.
This is the kind of wine that makes you ask: Is it a seriously fun wine, or a fun wine for serious wine lovers?
Cellar Time: Enjoy now or age confidently through 2028.
Food Pairings: Turkey, ham, or anything on your Thanksgiving table, this wine plays well with all.
Bairrada Tinto Dinamica Filipa Pato Baga 2023 (Portugal)
From France, we head to Portugal for something truly special. The Bairrada Tinto Dinamica from Filipa Pato and William Wouters is a light, lively red that shines this time of year, think a Pinot Noir-style red with a touch of Iberian personality. Serve it slightly chilled to bring out its bright character.
Filipa Pato and her husband William form one of Portugal’s most dynamic wine duos. Filipa, the winemaker, and William, a chef-sommelier-restaurateur, share a philosophy of authenticity and minimal intervention. Their wines are biodynamic, organic, and bursting with life.
Filipa honed her craft in Bordeaux, Mendoza, and Margaret River before returning home to work alongside her father, Luis Pato, the legendary “Baga Rebel.” Her skill and dedication earned her the title of Winemaker of the Year in Portugal, the first Portuguese woman to receive the honor in 30 years.
In the glass, this wine offers delicate floral aromas of lavender and red fruits like cherries, raspberries, and red plums. On the palate, those same fruits mingle with earthy notes, pepper, spice, and just a hint of mint. It’s elegant, balanced, and endlessly drinkable.
Cellar Time: Drink now or over the next few years...but why wait, when it’s showing so beautifully today?
Food Pairings: Turkey, ham, roasted chicken, pork, tuna, salmon, or vegetarian dishes. It’s also fantastic with a charcuterie board featuring mild cheeses and dried fruits.
A Final Toast
Whether you’re gathering with family, friends, or a mix of both this Thanksgiving, these two wines will make your table feel a little more adventurous without straying too far from the comforting flavors we all love this time of year.
From the bright, fruit-forward charm of Gamay to the elegant, earthy layers of Baga, each bottle offers something unique to be thankful for.
Cheers to discovering something new this Thanksgiving! 🍷