Thanksgiving dinner is right around the corner and hopefully you’re all going home to enjoy the holidays with your family. We fully recognize that not all of you are big on wine and that most of you will be sticking to beer or liquor throughout the weekend BUT that being said, you know who is drinking wine? Your parents and family. And nothing says “great guest” to your hosts who’ve been slaving in the kitchen like a bottle or two of wine.
That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of our five favorite cheap red wines to bring to the table. You’ll notice that most of these cheap wines are actually Pinot Noirs (my personal favorite) which will go very well with turkey. It’s a type of wine that’s a natural compliment to pretty much everything you’ll be served at dinner.
Not only will you really enjoy these red wines, they’re cheap enough to leave a even little gravy in your wallet. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hob Nob Pinot Noir
Origin: France
Price: $10.99
The Hob Nob Pinot Noir is without a doubt my favorite cheap red wine. Does it help that Pinot Noir is my favorite type of wine? Probably. But when red wine tastes this good out of a Solo cup, people will appreciate the hell out of this when you put it in a glass.
Arrogant Frog Pinot Noir
Origin: France
Price: $9.99
I recently discovered Angry Frog after the local liquor store had sold out of Hob Nob. After asking them for a cheap recommended replacement, they sent me two bottles of the Arrogant Frog which I was really pleased with. It’s even a dollar cheaper than Hob Nob!
VINTJS (Trader Joe’s)
Origin: Willamette Valley, OR
Price: $8.99
Trader Joe’s is well-known as the mecca of good, cheap wine but one of our favorites for the Thanksgiving holiday season is the VINTJS Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Here’s a review from their website. “This Oregon wine’s bright cherry and raspberry notes ride the moderate acidity, cutting the richness of your turkey gravy, while bringing an accent to your cranberry relish. Its hints of spice, tobacco, and oak find grateful partners in your herby stuffing and sides.”
Votre Sante Pinot Noir
Origin: California
Price: $12.99
Francis Ford Coppola knows both movies and wine, and we know that the Votre Sante Pinot Noir is top-notch. Some wine drinkers with deeper pockets might say that cheap Pinot Noirs lack “character” (whatever that is) but that Votre Sante is an exception to that rule.
Heartland Stickleback Red
Origin: South Australia
Price: $11.99
When you’re eating turkey, gravy, and stuffing, you’re going to want something a little spicy to complement the tastes and flavors. Heartland Stickleback Red is just the wine to do that. This is a great wine for hearty meat dishes. Finishes with black pepper and smoke. We highly recommend it.
