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If you’re looking for the perfect wine for your Thanksgiving gathering, you’re in the right place. On the recent episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s podcast, four crew members from the Trader Joe’s wine team selected bottles that are worth a try.
We think these wines are perfect for the winter holiday season, especially Thanksgiving. From fruity reds to crisp whites, here are 4 bottles of wine to consider for the big meal—and to stock up on this season.
Super Happy Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese & Malbec
First up, the Super Happy Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese & Malbec is a top choice for the wine experts over at TJ’s.
“It’s coming from the Happy Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County. It’s essentially Sangiovese plus Cabernet and a little Malbec blended together, reflecting a version of Super Tuscan wine style,” James Zichterman, the category manager for wine, beer and spirits at Trader Joe’s explains.
This blended red gives the best flavors of dark cherries and plum, making it a delicious sip for the main meal. And at a budget-friendly price of $9.99 a bottle, might as well grab two!
Cuy Malbec
It’s hard to overlook this bottle at Trader Joe’s thanks to its “striking” hot pink label. An option at TJ’s since last year, the Cuy Malbec is a customer requested choice that the wine experts agreed was a need.
“That producer partner in particular already had some history of carrying a national brand in the U.S. and being able to maintain quality control,” Zichterman explains. Malbec is our associate editorial director Carolyn Malcoun’s personal pick when it comes to red wine.
“Malbec is one of the most perfect red wines to serve at a holiday gathering,” she says. “Typically juicy and lower in tannins than some reds, it pairs well with almost everything on your Thanksgiving table.” It also tastes amazing with a steak dinner, like this irresistible Rosemary & Garlic-Basted Sirloin Steak.
Espiral Vinho Verde
If you’re looking for a white wine that will be sure to impress, this Espiral Vinho Verde is a crowd pleaser. Trader Joe’s employees noted the flavor to be “bright, acidic” and resembling the tartness of a Granny Smith apple. This brightness holds a depth that will caress whatever you’re eating.
“Vino verde is one of my go-to whites to serve at parties,” Malcoun says. “It’s slightly effervescent with a bright, crisp flavor that goes well with everything.” She recommends pairing it with grazing apps like a meat and cheese board or these Cranberry-Brie Bites with Puff Pastry. And you can’t beat the price at $4.99 to $6.99 a bottle (price varies on region).
Charles Shaw Nouveau Red Table Wine 2024
Beloved by wine connoisseurs, Charles Shaw promises a fresh approach to California red, and their Nouveau Red Table Wine 2024 bottle is no exception. A top recommendation for the holidays, it will pair well with both turkey and ham.
“One out of every 10 bottles of wine that customers buy is Charles Shaw,” Trader Joe’s podcast co-host Matt Sloan says. Senior category manager Colin Fields notes that this particular variety of Charles Shaw wine is “lights-out awesome.” Try it with the Thanksgiving feast, or give it a taste while enjoying leftovers through the weekend.