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Perfectly cooked turkey? Check. Airy mashed potatoes? Done. Decadent pie? All ready. Wine? That's where Emily Wines (yes, that's really her last name), comes in. She's the Master Sommelier and Director of Wines for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, and is on a mission to stop puzzled cooks from wandering wine store aisles with little direction.

She gave us four types of affordable, food-friendly American wines that will enhance any spread, formal or casual. “But if you buy only one bottle, make it pinot noir,” Wines says. “It’s the ultimate Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser.”

Sparkling
“Sparkling wine is necessary for celebratory toasts—and it just happens to be delicious with all types of pre-feast appetizers,” Wines says. Gruet Winery in New Mexico makes a variety of excellent bubblies under $15, and for more of a splurge in the $20 to $30 range, consider Shrumsberg Winery in California. “For a long time it was served in the White House during state dinners, so it’s fun to tell that to your own guests.”

Red
As noted, Wines’s top choice is pinot noir. “An autumnal Oregon varietal pairs so well with dishes like turkey and cranberry sauce, which are hearty but not too rich.” One she likes: Argyle Pinot Noir, which consistently wins awards and accolades but is still priced at around $25.


White
Wines looks for richer, heavier varieties that can stand up to full-flavored vegetable dishes like roasted squash. Chardonnay, like the one from Au Bon Climat in Santa Barbara, is ideal, as is a slightly sweet Riesling/Chenin Blanc blend, like Cameron Hughes Lot 259.

Dessert
Wines suggests drinking anything that’s left in the bottles! But she also likes Merryvale’s Antiqua from Napa Valley, a sweet wine with aromas of brown sugar and toasted nuts. “It’s practically made to go warm spiced desserts like pecan and pumpkin pie,” she says.

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