Palmina Sisquoc Nebbiolo

Palmina Wines Santa Maria Valley Sisquoc Nebbiolo 2007: No other grape combines vibrant acidity with chewy tannins like the Italian varietal nebbiolo, which Palmina Wines has been mastering in Santa Barbara County soils for nearly two decades now.

This bottling from the historic Rancho Sisquoc Vineyard — which is full of cranberry tang, herbal spice, and an intriguing medium body that somehow combines racy brightness with dark richness — is just one of four current Palmina releases of nebbiolo, ranging from the more affordable, $30 county blend all the way up to the $70 Honea Vineyard designate. And with holiday meals full of different flavors coming up this season, no grape can better handle that wide range of dishes.

For an interview with Palmina’s founder Steve Clifton on why nebbiolo is best for Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays, see independent.com/nebbiolo. For more on Palmina, see PalminaWines.com.