Marnie Old

This modestly priced pinot noir from Bourgogne — as Burgundy is known in French — is one that shows wine drinkers the appeal of lighter, brighter, and drier red wines.

Using a hybrid of rosé and red winemaking techniques, this re-imagination of the standby Mouton Cadet x Pierre Bordeaux delivers richness without the sandpapery feeling of some chilled reds.

Austria’s wines have a distinct identity, and grüner veltliner is the country’s most widely planted grape by far. This example features the quality of smelling and tasting more savory than sweet.

The rising prices of wine from Napa and Sonoma might have you consider wine from nearby geographies, like Saracina's "Soul of Mendocino" blend.

An old-school lighter wine to close out a not-quite-dry January.

It's rare that you can score this level of quality for under $50.

Dry farming is the agricultural practice of cultivating a crop without irrigation — which contributes to the Cline Cellars “Ancient Vines” zinfandel's density and concentration.

Some grapes are better suited to rosé winemaking than others. Cabernet franc brings a savory quality, as seen in the Contempo Dry Rosé from Chile.

Chardonnay is the best-selling white wine for more than just its flavor. Sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio don't have the same body.

"The Burn" isn't just a marketing gimmick for the Borne of Fire Cabernet Sauvignon, it's a real place: the Burn of Columbia Valley, a recently recognized American Viticultural Area.

This Vinho Verde is a little different: Quinta de Gomariz is one of the region’s leading quality-focused wineries, whose wines tend to be drier and more complex than their peers.

need a lighter wine for a not-quite-dry January? This is the perfect candidate.

A mid-weight red with notes of pumpkin pie and cola bean.

This Oregon pinto gris is a great pick for your Thanksgiving table.

It's not clear why cabernet sauvignon still has all the acclaim when many red wine drinkers clearly prefer merlot in a side-by-side comparison, like J. Lohr's "Los Osos" merlot.

Sicilian vintners typically aim for lighter, brighter styles of red wine, as with this delightfully lightweight pinot noir.

White ports like Cockburn’s “Porto Branco” offer balancing acidity for intense blue cheeses or custard-y desserts — or with tonic, Portuguese-style, can be a refreshing aperitif.

The Browne Family Vineyards' “Forest Project” line partners with One Tree Planted to support reforestation efforts — while the chardonnay is well balanced, with a surprisingly clean finish.

An all-occasion sparkling wine for New Year's Eve or, really, whenever.

Satisfying the palates of both wine novices and wine lovers, especially with Thanksgiving's food treats, can be a challenge.