Wines That Deliver on Taste and Trend
Like bonfires and blankets and pumpkin spice and chilly nights – wine and fall go hand in hand.
As we head into the new season, it's the perfect time to explore what’s happening in the world of wine.
From the latest trends taking over the wine scene to selecting the ideal bottle for your Thanksgiving dinner, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests with a trending varietal, pair your feast with a perfectly matched wine, or gift a sparkling option to thank your dinner host, this guide will help you sip through the season in style.
WINE TRENDS TO WATCH
Jake Spencer, ANBL Wine Category Manager delivers the goods on what’s new and trending in wine and what to look for on shelves this season.
Lower-alcohol and lighter wine styles are becoming increasingly popular. This trend encompasses everything from lighter red wines to lower-alcohol varieties with less sugar. Some lower-alcohol wines are crafted through low-intervention methods, whether they’re natural wines from smaller craft wineries or those from larger producers. Cloud 90 from Cavit (one of Italy's larger producers) is a great example.
They achieve lower alcohol levels not through additional processes, but by picking the grapes earlier when they contain less sugar, leading to less sugar available for fermentation, and ultimately resulting in lower alcohol content.
Lighter red wines are also gaining traction, with notable new options coming from reputable producers such as Gerard Bertrand and Chapoutier. These reds are often fresh, vibrant, and low in tannins, meant to be enjoyed slightly chilled. While we’re betting on some of these wines for next year, there are already some great options available now.
Other lower-alcohol white wines, such as Vinho Verde from Portugal, have been popular for years. Vinho Verde wines typically range from 8.5% to 11% alcohol, are slightly effervescent, and pair wonderfully with food.
NEW + TRENDING WINES TO TRY – COMING SOON!
THANKSGIVING WINE
As for Thanksgiving wines, with so many elements in a traditional meal, there’s no one-size-fits-all pairing.
Although a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling is often recommended, or juicier reds like Pinot Noir or Grenache, the key is to drink something you enjoy.
While food pairing is still important, there’s a growing trend toward breaking traditional rules. People are more open to experimenting, so why not try something unique and different to enhance your dining experience?
DISCOVER THESE OPTIONS
SPARKLING WINE
RIESLING OR OFF DRY WHITES
LOW TANNIN REDS WITH PRONOUNCED FRUIT
HOSTING GIFTS
Your dinner host is the real MVP of Thanksgiving Day – so don’t forget to say ‘thank you’!
As much fun as a harvest feast is, it’s a ton of work for whoever is behind the scenes making sure that the festivities run smoothly.
Organizing the big dinner and having everything come together on time is no easy feat – not to mention all the prep work and the hefty clean up afterwards.
Your Thanksgiving Day host goes above and beyond to make the day a special one – so don’t forget to say thank you with a bottle of wine they will love.
CHECK OUT THESE GIFT IDEAS
As always, our store team members do a fantastic job of being able to speak about our products and are able to make custom recommendations.
They’re armed with loads of product knowledge and are your best bet for getting a recommendation that is unique to you.