France has always made great food wines, so it is natural when we come up to the holiday that is centered around food that some French wines leap to mind. This Saturday we’ll be tasting a few that match a wide range of Thanksgiving treats.  Come try these great food wines and find something to put on the table come Turkey day.

2011 Clos de Nouys, Vouvray, demi-sec  $14
Chenin Blanc
Clos de Nouys is a 25 acre estate in Vouvray in the Loire Valley with 35 years old vines.  The wine has aromas of white flowers and quince, with a full mouthfeel, crisp structure and an aromatic finish.  Its balancing act between fresh acidity and rich flavor is lipsmacking.

2012 Marion Pral Beaujolais Rouge $13
Gamay Noir
Pral is a 50 acre family run, organic estate, located in the heart of Beaujolais. The Rouge is loaded with sweetly-ripe blackberry and peach fruit, its tang and brightness of tart fruit skin and saline mineral notes give this insistency on the palate.  Its vibrancy can wash down even the lumpiest gravy.

2011 Le Hospices, Sancerre Rouge $20
Pinot Noir
Sancerre is known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but the region also grows some fine Pinot Noir as well.  The Hospices is a light bodied, aromatic wine with cherry and berry flavors, fresh acidity and a round finish.  It cuts through the stuffing without stuffing you.

2010 Clos Cristal $22
Cabernet Franc 
Clos Cristal is 10 hectares biodynamical farmed vineyards which contain 2 miles of walls along which, and through which, the Cab Franc vines grow. Close to the walls, the vine takes advantage of the heat accumulated by the stone, which enables a greater ripeness. The Cristal is a concentrated and expressive wine with dark, black fruit aromas held in a firmly tannic grip. It is big enough to slap any menu around, but elegant enough to complement the food while doing it.

2009 Antonine Moueix, Fleur Renaissance Sauternes $33 full bottle  $16 half bottle
70% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
During harvest the fog from the Garonne River covers the fields causing the grapes to develop the noble rot, botrytis, which concentrates the sugars and gives the wine its distinct flavors.  The grapes for the Renaissance are hand-picked in five passes selecting for optimal ripeness.  The wine is full and complex fruit flavors of apricot, peach, pear and honey along with a signature botrytis note. The perfect finish for any meal.