Conversation-Starter wines for Thanksgiving! Weds., 11/19, 5-7pm, complimentary.

Conversation-Starter Wines for Thanksgiving
Weds., Nov. 19, 5-7pm
in-store, complimentary
10% discount

A note from Brett:

As a Master Sommelier and owner of the Boulder Wine Merchant, I’ve always believed that Thanksgiving should feel less like a formal, perfectly choreographed meal and more like a relaxed cocktail party with family and friends — a day defined by generosity, discovery, and the joy of sharing what you love.

With such a wide array of flavors on the table, the idea of a single “perfect pairing” quickly becomes unrealistic, so I encourage people to drink the wines they genuinely enjoy.

Think instead about curating a lineup of fun and interesting bottles to explore before, during, and after the feast. If you do want to lean toward compatibility, reach for wines with minimal oak, generous texture, and even a touch of residual sweetness.

Alsace, Germany, Southern France, Austria, Southern Italy, and Greece are wonderful places to start, while Oregon, California, and South America offer excellent New World options.

And don’t forget: sparkling wines shine brilliantly on Thanksgiving, and beer or cocktails are equally festive ways to toast the day.

NV Scharffenberger Brut Rosé, Mendocino County $32.99

Producer Information: Scharffenberger Cellars, founded in 1981 in Anderson Valley, is one of California’s classic méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine producers. Longtime winemaking expertise and cool-climate fruit make their sparkling wines consistent benchmarks for value.
Region & Climate: Anderson Valley’s fog-cooled, ocean-influenced climate is ideal for sparkling wine, allowing long hang time and bright acidity. Soils of gravel, sandstone, and marine sediment lend finesse and subtle minerality.
Variety & Base Wine: A traditional blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, vinified using the méthode traditionnelle with extended aging on the lees for depth.
Tasting Notes: Fresh red berries, cherry blossom, and citrus zest with subtle pastry and spice. The palate is creamy yet lively, showing fine mousse, ripe strawberry, and a clean, mineral finish.
Sommelier Insight: A standout value in domestic rosé sparkling—balanced, festive, and reliably delicious.
Retail Appeal: Perfect for celebrations or weeknight bubbles; approachable and crowd-pleasing.

2024 Luna Gaia Zibibbo, Terre Siciliane $19.99

Producer Information: Luna Gaia is a biodynamic Sicilian producer dedicated to expressing native varieties with purity and transparency. Their Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) is crafted with minimal intervention to highlight aromatic intensity and Mediterranean character.
Region & Climate: Sourced from organic vineyards in western Sicily near Marsala and Trapani, an area defined by volcanic and sandy soils. Warm maritime conditions yield ripe fruit balanced by coastal breezes.
Vintage & Variety: 2024 produced expressive, highly aromatic wines. 100% Zibibbo.
Tasting Notes: Explosive aromatics of orange blossom, apricot, and wild herbs with hints of mandarin and sea spray. The palate is vibrant and textured, combining floral richness with refreshing acidity and a saline finish.
Sommelier Insight: A wonderfully exotic and aromatic white—perfect for fans of Gewürztraminer or Muscat seeking a Mediterranean twist.
Retail Appeal: Bold, character-driven, and great with spicy dishes or seafood; an adventurous choice at a friendly price.

2023 Domaine Carrette Mâcon–Milly-Lamartine $38.99

Producer Information: Domaine Carrette is a family-run estate in Vergisson, known for precise, mineral-driven Mâconnais wines. Their work emphasizes sustainable farming and gentle cellar practices that preserve purity of fruit.
Region & Climate: Mâcon–Milly-Lamartine lies in the southern Burgundy foothills, with limestone-rich soils from ancient volcanic formations. The area enjoys slightly warmer temperatures than northern Burgundy, producing ripe, expressive Chardonnay with lively acidity.
Vintage & Variety: 2023 offered generous fruit and balanced structure. 100% Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes: Notes of lemon curd, pear, white flowers, and chalky minerality. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity, subtle creaminess, and clean, stony length.
Sommelier Insight: A beautifully classic Mâconnais Chardonnay—ripe yet refined, with unmistakable limestone lift.
Retail Appeal: An excellent value Burgundy white ideal for everyday drinking, seafood pairings, and Chardonnay lovers seeking freshness.

2023 Castello di Verduno ‘Basadone,’ Verduno (Pelaverga) $47.99

Producer Information: Castello di Verduno is a historic Piedmont estate with deep roots in Barolo and Barbaresco, but their most charming wine may be Basadone, made from the rare Pelaverga Piccolo grape.
Region & Climate: Verduno, one of Barolo’s northernmost villages, features sandy and calcareous soils that suit Pelaverga’s delicate, aromatic profile. The cool, breezy ridge-top exposures preserve spice and freshness.
Vintage & Variety: 2023 produced fragrant, balanced wines. 100% Pelaverga Piccolo.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of wild strawberry, red currant, pink peppercorn, and rose petal. Light-bodied yet expressive, with juicy acidity, fine tannins, and a gently spicy finish.
Sommelier Insight: One of the most distinctive wines in Piedmont—playful, floral, and peppery, bridging the charm of Gamay with the elegance of Nebbiolo.
Retail Appeal: A conversation-starting red ideal for aperitivo, charcuterie, and customers eager to explore rare Piedmont varieties.