Thanksgiving may be an American tradition, but why not give it a Mediterranean twist this year?  From crisp whites to bold reds, Italian wines elevate your holiday meal into something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for pairing inspiration or simply want to savor the beauty of these vineyard properties, here are a few exquisite options to explore. Cheers to a Thanksgiving that’s as bold as it is delicious!

Tenuta Regaleali’s Lamùri Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC 2020 ($20)

After all your friends spent the summer sharing photos of their vacations in Sicily, bring them a bottle that will help them relive their vacation highs. This wine’s intense fruit flavors and subtle oak are transportive and will instantly enchant any Sicilian wine lover. Acquired by the Tasca d’Almerita family in 1830, Tenuta Regaleali is the Tasca’s flagship estate located in the highlands of central Sicily. Cultivators and caretakers of native Sicilian varietals for generations, Tasca has received outstanding recognitions for their dedication to sustainability. Purchase here.

Famiglia Cotarella’s Sodale Merlot Lazio IGP 2020 ($25)

An interpretation of a French grape in Lazio, this wine reflects the values of cultural exchange at the core of Thanksgiving. This Merlot, with its classic purple reflections and notes of red fruit and spice, will pair well with a turkey roast or a creamy soup. Famiglia Cotarella and its 260 hectares are located in the hills between Umbria and Lazio, extending from Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding Orvieto. Purchase here.

The vineyard at  Famiglia Cotarella 

Villa Cerna Primocolle Chianti Classico 2020 ($26.99)

For those not familiar with Italian wine, this one is for you. An instant trip to Tuscany in a glass, this Chianti Classico is a great introduction to Italy’s storied wine region as it offers typical earthy and rustic aromas that pair perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Villa Cerna is located in Chianti Classico, just beyond Sienna. Luigi Cecchi purchased the winery in 1962, the first of the Cecchi family’s estate purchases, though they’d been making wine decades prior. The family has since completely restored the original structure and constructed the winemaking facility and cellar. Purchase here.

Villa Cerna

Argentiera Villa Donoratico 2021 ($49.99)

For an intriguing wine that will get people talking, there is no better choice than Argentiera’s Villa Donoratico. The intensity of its color, its prominent spice notes, and the depth of its flavors show why the Bolgheri region along the Italian coast is one of the best wine growing areas in the world. (Bolgheri has a diverse landscape that includes coastal areas, rolling hills, and clay-limestone soils. This variety creates ideal conditions for grape growing, allowing for complexity in the wines.) Tenuta Argentiera is a magical place at the southern tip of the Castagneto Carducci area, cradle of the Bolgheri DOC denomination. Purchase here.

The vineyard at Tenuta Argentiera

Cerrito Barolo DOCG 2019 ($74.99)

This bottle will surely be the star of your Thanksgiving feast; the Ceretto family’s winemaking prowess is reflected in a complex, rich, and structured wine that can be enjoyed young or fully matured, making it a true delight for Barolo enthusiasts. The Ceretto family has been making wine since the 1930s in the Langhe region of Piedmont, (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), with a goal of environmental sustainability. The region is celebrated for its cultural landscape and historic wine-producing practices that have been maintained over generations. It is also home to diverse flora and fauna, which contribute to a balanced ecosystem. Purchase here.

Tenuta Monsordo at Ceretto Vineyards

 Photos courtesy of each winery, except where noted

Photo by Fran Miller