2008 INACAYAL VINEYARDS, PINOT GRIGIO, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

Some Pinot Grigios can be flat and uninspired (of course, nothing WU would ever offer), but this one is quite the opposite. This wine is lean, but also has some meat to it. It’s as if someone didn’t tell how she was supposed to act. It‘s very pretty and sincere in its delivery. Inacayal’s vineyards are located in Tupuntago near Mendoza, Argentina and benefit from a temperature amplitude and an altitude of 3,117 feet above sea level. Both play an important role in the ripeness of the grapes, allowing natural acidity and fruit retention as they reach full maturity. Yield is kept very low and hand harvested at the end of February. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature in the traditional Italian Pinot Grigio style. Bottling takes place at the end of June after spontaneous clarification and stabilization. Inacayal’s Pinot Grigio displays a brilliant whitish color with delicate green tones. The perfect balance between sugar and acidity make this wine outstanding in its type. It‘s fresh and floral, with citric notes mixed with white fruits and delicate traces of licorice. $14.00 a bottle.

2007 JOSEF LIETZ, RIESLING, “DRAGONSTONE”, GERMANY

I personally love drinking Riesling with a Thanksgiving day feast. It is lower in alcohol so the cook won’t injure themselves in the kitchen!! Parker writes: “The latest installment of a proverbial hit, Leitz’s 2007 Rudesheimer Drachenstein Riesling Dragonstone continues (as its full name demonstrates) to come from a single vineyard, one from which by now Leitz takes a significant percentage of the crop. There has never been a better example of the electric intensity and uncanny balance Leitz is able to achieve in this site between taut, invigorating acidity and a high level of residual sugar that comes off as barely sweet. Zesty lime, peach, pink grapefruit, and red currant ally themselves to cinnamon spice, salts, and wet stones, and finish with simultaneous penetration and delicacy. Enjoy this great value anytime over the next 3-4 years.” $18.00 a bottle

2007 DOMAINE DE BECASSONNE, ROUSSANE AND MARSANNE, CÔTES DU RHÔNES, FRANCE

This Côtes du Rhônes is made from 50% Roussanne and 50% Grenache Blanc and Clairette, and fermented in tanks. Andre Brunel, the winemaker, is one the most respected winemakers in this area. Ban all Chardonnay and convert to this buxom beauty. It’s full-bodied but has acidity to balance it out. An all-around great wine, since it can be drunk with appetizers, as well as many main course meals. One of my favorite selections, I like to have one of these bottles at the ready. Parker writes, “This is about as good a white Côtes du Rhônes as readers will ever find. This wine is tank-fermented and the malolactic has been blocked to preserve the wine's vibrancy and acidity.” $16.00 a bottle.

2006 DOMAINE DES NUGUES, GERARD GELIN, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE

You always have to have a fun light red. This wine is so versatile, it can work with take-out pizza, as well as chilled down for a picnic with cold cuts and such. It’s also perfect for a Thanksgiving feast, from appetizers to the main course. This property is in the village of Lancié between Morgan and Fleurie (both of which are the best crus for Beaujolais)…so you could say that this is almost a cru! This wine is tart but balanced with fruit (not screaming lush fruit from California) and pairs easily with food. Cherry and earthiness combine for a smooth presence and go well with Fall flavors—think mushrooms, squash, etc. Despite its youth, this wine has an old soul in its deliberate movements. $17.00 a bottle.

2005 ETUDE, PINOT NOIR, CARNEROS, CALIFORNIA

Etude always delivers a solid experience of what Pinot Noir can achieve. This vintage does not disappoint. Wine Enthusiast writes: “Features a wonderful sense of balance and plenty of complexity. Chocolate, cinnamon and back cherry scents mark the nose, while the flavors add briary, herbal hints. Well-structured, with some slightly dusty tannins on the finish.” $35.00 a bottle