Three Nations, One Table: A Global Thanksgiving Wine Journey
This Thanksgiving, we're celebrating the global language of wine through three great wine nations. From the limestone cellars of Champagne to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, from Napa's mountain vineyards to Santa Barbara's ocean-kissed valleys - each bottle tells a story of tradition, innovation, and excellence.
The Magic of Tradition Meets Innovation
What makes this collection special? It's all about balance:
- Historic estates pushing boundaries while honoring their legacy
- Diverse terroirs from mountain tops to ocean-influenced valleys
- Traditional methods meeting modern precision
- Perfect harmony with the Thanksgiving table from aperitif through dessert
Key Regions to Know
France: The Classical Heart
- Location: From Champagne through Burgundy to Beaujolais
- Heritage: Family estates dating back generations
- Philosophy: Meticulous attention to terroir expression
- Star Producers: Pol Roger (est. 1849), Domaine Faiveley (7 generations), Lafarge-Vial
Italy: The Mediterranean Soul
- Location: From Franciacorta to Mount Etna to Piedmont
- Terroir: Limestone, volcanic soils, ancient hills
- Innovation: Traditional regions embracing modern techniques
- Notable Names: Gaja's Etna project, Mario Cordero's new vision
America: The New World Vision
- Span: Napa Valley to Santa Rita Hills
- Climate: Mountain heights to coastal influence
- Style: Burgundian inspiration meets California terroir
- Pioneers: Schramsberg's historic caves, Forman's minimalist approach
Tasting Notes: Our Thanksgiving Selection
The Sparklers
Pol Roger Vintage 2015
- Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
- Nose: Flint, wet stone, red plum, orange blossom
- Character: Noble, structured, powerful
- Aging: Will evolve beautifully through 2045
Lantieri Franciacorta Extra Brut
- Blend: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Nero
- Aging: Minimum 24 months sur lie
- Style: Rich, creamy texture
- Character: Toasty brioche, bright citrus, orchard fruits
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2020
- Style: Dry, crisp, complex
- Nose: Granny Smith apple, tangerine
- Palate: Fresh grapefruit, white peach, golden apple
- Character: Vibrant and refreshing
The Whites
Faiveley Puligny-Montrachet 2020
- Aging: 14 months in French oak
- Nose: White flowers, vanilla, hazelnut
- Palate: Vine peach, exotic fruits, salted caramel
- Character: Direct, mineral-driven
Gaja IDDA Etna Bianco 2022
- Nose: Tomato leaf, sage, cantaloupe
- Palate: Yellow plum, pineapple
- Structure: Voluptuous yet tight
- Finish: Clean-cut, mineral, savory
Forman Napa Valley Chardonnay 2021
- Style: Bright and focused
- Notes: Lemon oil, white flowers, chalk
- Character: Minimal intervention
- Structure: Blocked malolactic fermentation for freshness
The Reds
Lafarge-Vial Fleurie 2022
- Vineyard: 70-year-old vines on 50% grade slopes
- Nose: Wild blackberries, fresh violets
- Palate: Ripe cherries, crushed raspberries
- Character: Pure Gamay expression
Cordero Mario Langhe Nebbiolo 'Beck' 2022
- Clone: Nebbiolo Rosé
- Style: Fresh yet intense
- Nose: Red fruits, rose, violet
- Character: Delicate spice, pleasant tannins
Melville Block M Pinot Noir 2020
- Color: Dark magenta
- Nose: Raspberry, hoisin, crème de cassis
- Palate: Black pepper, pine needle, blueberry
- Flowers: Magnolia, rose petal, hibiscus
Special Guests
Stolpman 'Love You Bunches' Orange 2023
- Style: Fresh, vibrant, unfiltered
- Process: Native fermentation, whole cluster
- Nose: Ruby grapefruit, tropical notes
- Palate: Golden pineapple, subtle coconut
Bruno Clair Marsannay Rosé 2023
- Style: Deep pink, structured
- Method: 50% short maceration, 50% direct press
- Character: True Pinot Noir expression
- Palate: Crunchy red fruits
A Global Celebration
This collection represents more than just exceptional wines - it's a celebration of global wine culture through the lens of Thanksgiving. From traditional houses pushing boundaries to innovative winemakers honoring classical methods, each bottle brings something unique to your holiday table.
Whether you're starting with grower Champagne, exploring the volcanic wines of Etna, or discovering California's Burgundian soul, these wines remind us that great winemaking knows no borders. They're not just wines for Thanksgiving - they're wines for creating memories.
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