12 Affordable Wines for Thanksgiving

Jens Mortensen

What goes well with turkey? Here, a dozen easy-to-find bottles—all $15 or less—that are worthy of your feast.

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Crisp and Refreshing Whites

Jens Mortensen

2008 Erath Pinot Gris, $13

Talk about fruity. From a veteran Oregon winemaker, this lively pick is redolent of pear, ripe banana, and peach blossom.

Click here for the latest Thanksgiving red and white wine recommendations from the Real Simple Food Department.

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2009 Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling, $13

Jens Mortensen

Fresh and light, with a kick (sorry) of apricot and lychee.

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Gruet Brut Champenoise NV, $15

Jens Mortensen

Get the party started with this dry New Mexican sparkler. Among the highlights: fine bubbles and the slight pucker of green apple.

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Lush and Round Whites

Jens Mortensen

2009 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier, $14

What do you get when you mix two winning grapes? All sorts of delicious flavors, like honeydew, peach, and jasmine. Bliss.

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2008 Hayman & Hill Russian River Valley Reserve Selection Chardonnay, $14

Jens Mortensen

Big and rich, with a bright finish, this pick is extra turkey-friendly, thanks to tasty notes of tropical fruit, butterscotch, and oak.

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2009 Bonny Doon Vineyard Ca’ del Solo Muscat, $15

Jens Mortensen

Not to be confused with the sticky dessert wines also made from Muscat, this not-too-sweet white seduces with aromas of honeysuckle and basil.

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Soft and Fruity Reds

Jens Mortensen

2008 Pertinace Barbera d’Alba, $15

Hints of blackberry, black cherry, and violets add elegance to this zippy wine from Italy.

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2008 Georges Dubœuf Morgon Jean Descombes, $15

Jens Mortensen

Loaded with aromas of black currant and roses, this Beaujolais is surprisingly jammy without being overpowering.

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2009 Matua Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir, $14

Jens Mortensen

Everything we love about Pinot Noir: Bing cherry notes, a medium body, and a floral, smoky perfume.

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Bold and Rich Reds

Jens Mortensen

2006 Montevina Zinfandel, $11

A juicy example of one of America’s great grapes. Easy to drink on its own yet complex enough to stand up to the heartiest dishes on the table.

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2008 Heartland Stickleback Red, $12

Jens Mortensen

Made from an unusual blend of Italian varietals, this spicy, plummy red takes hold and won’t let go. Super satisfying.

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2008 Planeta La Segreta Sicily IGT, $14

Jens Mortensen

A lush, vibrant mix of Nero d’Avola, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc—think dark berries, cloves, and plums.

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12 Affordable Wines for Thanksgiving

1 of 12

Crisp and Refreshing Whites

2008 Erath Pinot Gris, $13

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2009 Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling, $13

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Gruet Brut Champenoise NV, $15

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Lush and Round Whites

2009 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier, $14

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2008 Hayman & Hill Russian River Valley Reserve Selection Chardonnay, $14

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2009 Bonny Doon Vineyard Ca’ del Solo Muscat, $15

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Soft and Fruity Reds

2008 Pertinace Barbera d’Alba, $15

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2008 Georges Dubœuf Morgon Jean Descombes, $15

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2009 Matua Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir, $14

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Bold and Rich Reds

2006 Montevina Zinfandel, $11

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2008 Heartland Stickleback Red, $12

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2008 Planeta La Segreta Sicily IGT, $14

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