Few will dispute it’s been one mixed-up world for the last 18 months. In the immortal words of Roseanne Roseannadanna, “If it’s not one thing, it’s another,” whether it be a virus (and a former president) that just won’t go away, worldwide weather extremes, political polarization, and more, it makes most of us wonder, What’s next?
So in the spirit of mixed up, here are some wines that fit the times, which you may want to consider for your Thanksgiving get together, whatever that looks like this year, whether it be a picnic, a small gathering or potluck, or even a getaway/escape if you’re just tired of the world and Thanksgiving, period. There’s no reason not to include a celebration for making it this far.
Chemin des Sables IGP Méditérranée Rosé 2019 ($12)
I have really wanted to like Rosé since it became the “it” wine, but have found most of them lacking for my taste, mostly too dry and not a lot of flavor. Then I discovered this one from the south of France, a Rhône blend made mostly from Syrah, with equal amounts of Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsault. Not quite as dry with a rounder mouth feel and lots of berry and fruit, it’s a perfect anytime pour in a pretty bottle.
The Hess Celebration Cuvée 2018 ($75)
This red blend is mostly Cabernet with a touch of Malbec and Merlot (12 and 11 percent, respectively). It packs a lot of berry, plum, and spice aromas as well as on the palate, with cocoa notes from the Malbec and Merlot. The festive, elegant label makes it a perfect gift, sure to please any red wine lover.
Pour Haus Cabernet Sauvignon NV ($15)
Box wine seems to be having its moment, with good reason. It’s a whole lot better than it used to be, and it’s not only attractive from a price point (each box is equivalent to four bottles), but also environmentally: Wine in a box is half the carbon footprint as glass bottles. The Pour Haus Cab is an easy, inoffensive drink with medium body, berry and spice notes, and a decent finish. I’d put it in my “quaffing reds” category, and even in a decanter for a sit-down, casual dinner.
Simpler Wines Italian Sparkling Wine ($4/four-pack)
I’m all for anything simple these days, and these little grab-and-go four packs of canned low-alcohol white, Rosé, and peach sparkling wines fit the bill nicely. All flavors are light and refreshing, although I’m partial to the peach (which goes down almost too easily).
Sovi Alcohol-Removed Sparking Rosé and Red Blend NV ($24/four-pack)
If you’re trying to cut down on your alcohol consumption or have cut it out completely, Sovi is worth checking out. Made from certified sustainably grown grapes, it begins as real wine and goes through a vacuum distillation process that removes the alcohol but retains the flavor. The final product is only 0.3 alcohol content and only 25 calories — and is surprisingly good. I recently enjoyed a Rosé behind the wheel on a road trip, and I felt like a kid getting away with something.
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