The Unfussy, Inexpensive Wine I Serve Every Thanksgiving
Planning a Thanksgiving meal is a lot of work. Don’t get me wrong; I love it, but I’m also a passionately detail-oriented chef who has trouble outsourcing any aspect of the meal. When people ask me what they can bring to contribute, I struggle to find a dish I’m willing to relinquish control of. Dessert? I make the same two pies every year. Mashed potatoes? I have strong feelings. And don’t even try to come near my classic white bread stuffing.
Over time, I’ve discovered that the one area of the meal where I can turn over the reins is drinks. I’m happy to let guests bring what they like to drink, so I don’t have to worry about pleasing the entire crowd’s tastes. My type-A personality will not allow me to do nothing in this department, though, so I always have a backup on hand, just in case we run out of wine, or someone doesn’t like what the other guests have brought. The perfect backup beverage for my Thanksgiving feast, and what I’ve turned to year after year, is the humble Bota Box chardonnay.
What Makes Bota Box Chardonnay the Perfect Thanksgiving Wine
I turn to this box of wine every year for a few reasons.
It goes well with everything on the table. Chardonnay has a mild, oaky flavor that complements everything from the turkey to the pie.
It’s broadly appealing. While not everyone likes Chardonnay in particular, I find that its lack of a super-bold flavor means that it’s not polarizing, like, for instance, a Riesling might be.
It’s affordable. One box is equivalent in volume to four bottles of wine, and the price is typically in the neighborhood of $20.
Other Thanksgiving Backup Wines to Consider
While Bota is my favorite — it’s tasty, affordable, and widely available — there are many options for affordable boxed wines that taste great. Wine in a box has come a long way since the days when Franzia was the main option. Black Box, House Wine, and the now very trendy La Vielle Ferme (better known as “chicken wine“) are all tasty options that you can likely find at your local liquor store for around $25. If you’re hosting a holiday get-together this year, stock your bar with a box of backup wine. I promise you won’t regret it.
Further Reading
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