Great Thanksgiving Wines, $10 or Less

Drink Up!

Thanksgiving dinner is harmony on the plate, but not in the glass. The mishmash of flavors — buttery, creamy, tart, roasted and savory — can make choosing wine a pain.

Here are some basic pairing rules gleaned from years of trial and error. Too much oak, tannin, florals or alcohol can overwhelm or clash with food. Best is a wine that brings a burst of acidity for punch and cuts through anything super-rich. Wines with medium body work because they are not too powerful but can stand up to heavy dishes like casseroles. Some spice and fruitiness is OK and tastes great with herby stuffings or anything with pork. Most important, don’t feel pressure to overspend; expect bargains and drink what you like.

Here, my 10 for $10, pulled with help from my favorite wine shops. They can take you through the whole meal, from appetizers to post-dinner sandwiches, and are available in fairly wide distribution — in some cases, direct from the winemaker.

Photo Credit: yashima