Staff Favorites for Thanksgiving
This year, our staff have highlighted three spirits to break out during your meal and a red and a white to satisfy all guests.
Ch. de Ravignan 15yr Bas-Armagnac – 2006 $99.96
After your turkey and ‘taters, your Pinot Noir and politics, you’re going to need something to help you relax and digest post-feast, post-haste. And that something is a nice pour of Armagnac, a spirit that pre-dates the pilgrims. From our friends at Chateau de Ravignan, you can lose yourself for hours with this one just enjoying the aromas of mince pie, caramel apple, and plummy citrus that leap from the glass. Take a sip and enjoy a luxurious palate that oozes buttery finesse, with umami, brown sugar and sweet oak. Pie, anyone? – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
El Maestro Sierra, Fino Sherry $20.96
This wine is dry with a delicious, delicate salinity. It has nutty notes on the nose and on the palate it is savory with a silky mouthfeel. A great “fino” with character, personality, and elegance to be sipped with charcuterie before Thanksgiving dinner. – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Amaro dell’Etna Antico d’Erbe $36.96
Whet your Thanksgiving appetite with a cocktail made with this perfectly balanced Sicilian Amaro (try stirring with gin and vermouth). Later, when you’ve overstuffed yourself, reach for this digestif to help everything go down easier. Your taste buds and your belly will thank you. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes de 1903, Yohan Lardy – 2021 $41.96
Yohan Lardy is the fifth generation in his family to grow wine in the Beaujolais. This micro-plot of 120 year-old Gamay planted in 1903 is the treasure of his estate. While medium bodied, there is a powerful structure and dense, supple tannin. A bouquet of black currant and wild raspberry fruit prevail. This is an irresistible and unforgettable glass for your table this Fall. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle, Pavese Ermes – 2022 $32.96
A lot of people may be heading straight for the Beaujolais or Jura reds for Thanksgiving this year, but what about the white wine lovers? Coming from isolated vineyards just under the summit of Mont Blanc in the Val d’Aosta, this mineral driven wine provides the perfect pairing for roast white meat, and salads with apples and pears. As you sip, you may smell the mountain air and feel something singular about what’s in your glass. Prié Blanc is native to this place, and found almost exclusively here. – Erikka Anderson, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant