Shall We Wine’s Founder Regine T Rousseau had the pleasure of hosting a segment on DayTime Chicago. Today, she focused on Red Wines for Thanksgiving.

It seems that wine lovers are divided into two teams: Team Red or Team White. We at Shall We Wine love the wine rainbow; reds, whites, roses, orange and all the colors in between.

The old rule of white wines with white meats and red with reds is canceled. When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, you’re not pairing wines with only the turkey. You will need wines that are going to compliment all of the flavors on your table.

So red wine lovers, we suggest you look for wines with fresh acidity, juicy fruit and some elegance. One of Regine’s instructors at the International Sommelier Guild said, “when it comes to food and wine pairing, there can only be one star of the show”. At Thanksgiving dinner, the star is the food. Look for wines that are able to play backup singers to the star, i.e. the meal.

Here are the red wines we recommended on DayTime Chicago. Are you a white wine lover? Never fear, Regine has an article that will be published on November 23, 2021 for Pix, which recommends some white wines for your Thanksgiving meal.

Wine List 

Wine 1: Juan Gil Honoro Vera

Grape: 100% Monastrell (Organic)

Location: Jumilla, South East Spain

I had the opportunity to visit Jumilla a few weeks ago. It was wild to see vines grow in a stony, sandy clay and limestone. Monastrell is the signature grape of the area. The wines are rich flavors and colors, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

Taste: The Juan Gil Vera 2020 Monsastell’s nose is given with; ripe plums, red berries, red licorice and fig newtons. The wine drinks way beyond its price point. The palate is luxurious, with fresh acidity, medium bodies with ripe plums, red berries, smooth tannins, and black berries.

Price $8.99 Binny’s Beverage Depot

Wine 2:   The Calling Russian River Pinot Noir 

Grape: Pinot Noir 2019

Location: Sonoma, California

Taste: One of my personal go-to Thanksgiving wines. This wine will pair well with a variety of Thanksgiving side dishes. The wine is fruit driven, bright with flavors of red cherry, baking spice and orange rind.

Price: SRP is $37 (TheCallingWine.com)

Wine 3: Kir Yianni,  Naoussa  Xinomavro, 2019

Grape: Xinomavro (pronounced Ksee – NOH – mah-vroh)

What the grape’s name means: Xino (sour) Mavro (black)

Location: Naoussa, Greece

Taste: Our friends from The American Wine School turned us onto this grape at a dinner as Kosta. After trying a few producers, I thought this would be perfect for Thanksgiving.

“This wine has a good dose of tannins that can stand up to the traditional butter-infused side dishes as well as lip smacking acidity to cleanse the palate. Medium to full in body, Xinomavro is made for the table and will delight your guest sip after sip. Best yet. Turning your friends and family on to a new grape is fun, educational, and promotes culinary conversations.” American Wine School

Price: $15.99 Binny’s 

Wine 4: Girard Artistry Blend – 2019

Grapes: Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot

Location:  Napa. California

Taste: Cabernet Sauviginin lovers, here is your Thanksgiving wine. I don’t typically go to Napa Cabs for Thanksgiving meals, because they are so showy and may take over the meat. However, this Girard “Artistry” ( 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 9% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot ) is fresh and focused! The merlot adds some red berry fruit. The wine is a harmonious blend of  black berries, red berries with a rich silky mouthfeel that will integrate Thanksgiving meal flavors.

Pice:  SRP $53 (Wine.com)