10 Wines For Thanksgiving -- No Pinot Or Chardonnay Allowed

I know when the holidays are nearing because of the massive number of pitches, press releases and (a small amount) of wine start coming in. I've been getting these since before Halloween, just like the department stores putting out Christmas decorations super early. Much of the wine is Pinot Noir. I certainly understand that; it's a safe and expected choice.

Not knocking Pinot here, but I like to introduce my guests to interesting wines, wines that you might not otherwise try with a holiday dinner. One year my pick was a Pinot Meunier, a wine that is mostly blended into Champagne. It was a big hit. So no Pinot Noir or Chardonnay here, just my top 10 recommendations to try along with the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. All the wines, except for a big splurge on a Sauternes from Chateau Coutet (hey, it's the holidays), sell for $25 and less.