Thanksgiving Entertaining and Savings from My Wines Direct

For a limited time (until November 19, 2010), you can save $56 on 8 red and 4 white wines for Thanksgiving from My Wines Direct!

Let's face it, it's hard to find the perfect wine pairing for the variety of dishes served at Thanksgiving. Not to mention the different tastes of the people who are joining the meal. But My Wines Direct has put together a trio of wines that will pair delightfully with each!

This pack includes four bottles of a rich Syrah-Malbec blend; a light, crisp Pinot Grigio; and a crowd pleasing Meritage -- a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Free shipping is included! (Also available is a 6 pack with two each of the above wines, also with free shippping.) Click on the banner below for more information.

 

Mendoza Station Torrontes 2009

Mendoza Station Torrontes 2009
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99 (1.5 L)

Our review: Quite pale, this silvery straw-colored wine has aromas of apple and green apple with slight herbal notes. Initially quite fruity on the palate, the flavors quickly become somewhat unbalanced, almost separated into multiple components that aren't harmonious. The finish has some mineral character to it.

Our rating: Wine doesn't get much cheaper than this, and while this example isn't likely to win any awards, it's not altogether terrible. It almost seems carelessly crafted, that the potential may be there but isn't realized. We consumed the bottle over three days, serving it with a variety of foods, and all paired reasonable well. And while that's usually a plus for us, here it simply reminded us of how generic this wine is. Score-wise, we were a little surprised to discover when we did the arithmetic, it rated on the very low side of Average. So maybe it's better than we think.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Great Thanksgiving Wines from Wine.com

The Thanksgiving table is a smorgasbord of foods, flavors and family members. It’s a time worthy of some delicious wine picks as well. But what wine goes with what food? What’s good for a big family with an aunt who only drinks white wines and an uncle who will only drink Merlot? Choosing the right wine can be overwhelming, but Wine.com is here to help. Shop now for great Thanksgiving wines by clicking on the banner above.

For even more savings throughout the month, use one of the following November coupon codes during check-out:

• NOV75: Save $5 on orders of $75 or more;
• NOV300: Save $20 on orders of $300 or more;
• NOVGIFT: Save 5% on any gift basket.

Coupon codes may not be combined on one order, and expire November 30, 2010.

Antica Corte Garganega / Pinot Grigio 2009

Antica Corte Garganega / Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Garganega (80%), Pinot Grigio (20%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $13.99 (1.5 L)

Our review: Light golden straw with somewhat subdued aromas of citrus, maybe a touch of tropical fruit, even lemongrass. The fruit flavors on the palate are slightly harsh, and have considerable mineral character, which is carried through into the long, but flat finish.

Our rating: We think the main advantage of this wine is its versatility, one that can be paired with a wide variety of foods. We served our bottle with mildly spicy chicken tenders and fried rice, not a bad choice but something a little more earthy would have probably been preferable. We previously rated the Antica Corte Garganega / Pinot Grigio 2007 on the high side of Average; we think this vintage is somewhat lower, though still Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Citra Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008

Citra Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008
Origin: Italy
Blend: Trebbiano (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $4.99

Our review: Greenish gold in color, this wine has aromas of tree fruit (peaches notably) and some citrus and citrus blossom. A bit thin, flavor-wise, on the palate, the fruit character develops somewhat into the finish, which adds a touch of minerality.

Our rating: This is not a remarkable wine by any means, but it's hard not to point out that it is a most credible wine at this price point. Sufficiently different from other standard ABC fare, we'd definitely keep a bottle or two on hand to serve with a light lunch, if only to keep things interesting. Though we rate it just Average, we think it's overall value is much higher.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Color: Straw gold with delicate greenish tints. Bouquet: Fresh and pleasant, with lingering citrus notes. Taste: Full, crisp, dry and harmonious."

Winery website: Citra Wines.

Pinot Evil Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Evil Pinot Grigio NV
Origin: Hungary
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: 3L Box
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $17.99

Our review: Medium gold, nearly amber in color with aromas of apple, honey and spice, with faint floral notes. The flavor profile on the palate is similar, of spiced apples -- but there's also some initial bitterness that gradually fades ... but never entirely, extending into the rather undistinguished finish.

Our rating: We didn't enjoy this wine (and we had nearly three litres of it that we tossed, if that gives you any idea what we thought of it). If it were in a bottle, we'd almost say it was corked, but it is really its earthy spiciness that overwhelms here. Nearly undrinkable alone, its harsher characteristics are subdued a little -- a very little -- when consumed with food. It scores a few points for its nose, but otherwise, we rate it Inferior and do not recommend it.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Octavin Home Wine Bar.

Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light straw in color, with citrus (sweet grapefruit, orange) and lemongrass aromas. Very fruity on the palate, there's also a good acidic balance. There isn't much of a finish, though.

Our rating: We typically enjoy this varietal from Chile, and this example confirms our opinion. It embraces all the facets we've come to expect, but does so in a balanced, pleasing manner. We suggest serving with any fish or poultry dish, or even early in the evening with appetizers. We previously rated this winery's Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc 2007 just Average, but the present wine is a clear step up from this (and only $1 more), rating Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A brilliant yellow color with green hues. Its intense aroma is a fragrant blend of citrus fruit and maracuya with a herbaceous backdrop typical of this variety. On the palate, it is concentrated, with a pleasant acidity that highlights its freshness, firm structure and excellent persistence."

Winery website: Viñas Santa Rita.