That doesn't mean it has to be box wines for the holiday. I simply aim for a wide range of wines with bold personalities that match the spirited flavors of the meal - and at prices that will quench a crowd at a reasonable cost.
Here a diverse selection of good values available in Pennsylvania for less than $20. Many of them are also available in New Jersey and Delaware.
Red
Fess Parker 2005 Syrah (code 20755), $19.99: Rhone-style wines are a longtime favorite for the meatier portions of the meal, and this stellar American rendition is no exception. It has a deep core of dark fruit, but also a savory edge of earth, eucalyptus, roasted meat and herbs (bay leaves?) that speaks to the giblet gravy and sausage stuffing.
Duckhorn Parajaxx 2007 Zinfandel (code 20656) $19.99: Zesty red zin is the perfect reply to the smoky flavor of my grilled turkey and the tartness of cranberry relish. There are tons of great values in this grape (Rosenblum, Ridge, and Seghesio are all sure bets), but I like the sale price on this Duckhorn, which wraps a sparkle of spice and tart red fruit in a plush Napa package of polished cocoa and vanilla.
Gundlach Bundschu Rhinefarm 2005 pinot noir (code 15601) $17.99; Gallo Family Sonoma Reserve 2006 pinot noir (code 20859), $8.99: When it's right, pinot is the ultimate compromiser grape - able to complement both the white and dark meat on your plate. I loved both the finesse and guts of this Gundlach, which weaves pretty notes (cherries, cocoa, violets, pomegranate) with earthy ones (mushrooms, cracked pepper, soil) into one velvety sip. The Gallo isn't quite as polished, but it's a good bargain at this price with a balanced blast of ripe raspberries, vanilla softness and a food-friendly brightness on the finish.
