Thanksgiving Wines from Sonoma County

That Great American Holiday of overeating is here. The good news is wine aids conversation and digestion. In fact, it's been found that one kind of fat found in dark turkey meat, malonaldehydes, when combined with a glass of Cabernet or Syrah, was eliminated from the blood stream! (I always believe the good news studies).

So here we go with a list of wines you might look for to pair with that turkey dinner. The traditional turkey dinner calls for white wines and lighter reds.

What's a holiday dinner without sparkling wine? These wines go with lighter fare, many heavier meals, and salty food (ham, for instance). Following are a few Sonoma County bubblies ranging from about $15 to $35:

• Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee Carneros Brut
• J Vineyards Non-Vintage Brut
• Korbel Organic Brut

Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing and can make a nice contrast to the fatty, buttery items on your plate plus can still stand up to cranberries. Some great Sonoma Sauv Blancs under $20:

• Dry Creek Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
• Hanna, Russian River Valley
• Taft Street, Russian River Valley

Chardonnay is one of the better choices to pair with turkey white meat, mashed potatoes, buttered dinner rolls, etc. Some food-friendly Sonoma Chards for under $40:

• Balletto, Russian River Valley
• Dutton-Goldfield, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley
• Jordan, Russian River Valley

Pinot Noir is a great red wine to have with your turkey (or ham or lamb) Thanksgiving dinner. Sonoma County is home to lots of great Pinot Noirs. Here are a few choices for under $40:

• Balletto, Russian River Valley
• Delaoch, Russian River Valley, OFS
• Siduri, Russian River Valley or Sonoma Coast