Eight New York State Wines to Drink on Thanksgiving

Preparing a Thanksgiving meal and cooking for a countless number of neurotic family members and friends is enough to drive any seasoned cook mad. We would never want that stress to get in the way of remembering the other part of dinner that's arguably just as important; the booze. So in hope to alleviate some stress, and to celebrate the great wines of New York, we put together this list of eight great wines from Empire State producers.

*Price and vintage is likely to vary from store to store, so we've left off the vintage and are using the average price listed on Wine Searcher.

Onabay Vineyards, Blanc de Blancs Brut $19

Any celebration or festive meal is always enhanced by sparkling wine. For bubbles tomorrow, consider the Blanc de Blancs Brut from Onabay Vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island. Made from 100% chardonnay, the grapes are harvested two to three weeks prior to those picked for Onabay’s still chardonnay. Produced in the traditional Champagne method, with the second fermentation taking place in the bottle, the resulting wine is light on the palate and has a fresh minerality that will be enjoyed throughout the meal.

Thirsty Owl Dry Riesling $13

Finger Lakes rieslings are some of the country’s most exciting wines. Grown in Central New York, the terroir has proven to produce rieslings and other wines with great complexity and structure. While there are plenty Finger Lakes rieslings to choose from, we settled on the dry riesling from Thirsty Owl for its racy acidity and lush, yet crisp, mouth feel. This wine also demonstrates some of the Alsatian qualities many Finger Lakes producers are after in their rieslings. Great with Grandma’s green been casserole!

Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli $17

Dr. Konstantin Frank is responsible for starting the “Vinifera Revolution,” a movement dedicated to elevating the New York State wine industry. The excellent wine produced from rkatsiteli, a white grape native to Georgia, demonstrates Dr. Konstantin Frank’s knowledge of viticulture and stronghold on Finger Lakes terroir. The wine has a bouquet of flowers, an herbaceous quality, and crispness not unlike that of Finger Lakes rieslings. The wine is also unique in its full-bodied, plush nature, characteristics that are rare in Finger Lakes wines.

Red Hook Winery Sauvignon Blanc $35

Red Hook Winery is located on Pier 41 in Red Hook, and while Hurricane Sandy caused detrimental amounts of damage to the winery, it by no means put a hault to production. The sauvignon blanc is a bit more expensive than an "everyday value," but it's unique vinification method (skin fermented orange wine) and distinctly herbaceous nose make it a really exciting wine. It's also a slightly fuller-bodied expression of sauvignon blanc and, coupled with its bright acidity, will be able to withstand the gratuitous amount of fat destined for the Thanksgiving table tomorrow.

Shinn Estate Rose $16

Despite an overwhelming nose of ripe berries and watermelon, the Shinn Estate rose is exceptionally dry and refreshing. Great as an aperitif to whet the ol whistle, but it's also light and floral enough that you could revisit it after dessert, when your pants are unbuttoned and you're too full to move.

Bloomer Creek Pinot Noir $17

Bloomer Creek is a Finger Lakes area winery making organic wines, most of which are unfined and unfiltered. Bloomer Creek makes two pinot noirs, the Vintner’s Select cru ($26) and this one. While both wines are exceptional values and great expressions of pinot noir, the lower end is a steal at $17. The wine is light and complex. It has similar notes of pepper and spice found in wines from the Loire and the structure and tart berry tones of pinot noirs from Burgundy. The light-bodied red will please those looking for Beaujolis and will drink well with or without food.

Brotherhood Winery Cabernet Sauvignon $14

Brotherhood Winery is America's oldest winery. Their cabernet sauvignon spends a minimum of one year in French and American oak and the time there results in aromas of cassis and cigar box. Also of note is its slightly lower ABV compared to many other domestic cabernets. At 13%, this wine won’t ruin your chances of standing up to do the dishes after you’ve shared a bottle or two at dinner.

Wölffer Estate Cabernet Franc $19

This cab franc is softened with the addition of 22% merlot. Temperature controlled fermentation, extended skin maceration, and pump over result in a plush wine rich with texture, notes of bell pepper, dark fruits, minerality, and a lasting, chocolaty finish. Pour on the gravy and pour out the Wölffer Estate Cabernet Franc.

Whether you're able to get your hands on none, one, or all of those on the list, or you just share our love of food and wine, we hope you enjoy reading and/or drinking and have a happy Thanksgiving. We'll see you Monday.