While summer and clambakes are behind us for now, the wines that accompany them don’t have to be put on hold. In this regard, winemaker Mary McAuley and her Clambake Wines are great accompaniments at the table anytime of year. And, with their luscious fruit and lovely minerality, these wines are actually a wonderful option for Thanksgiving, given their versatility and vibrant acidity.

Mary produces her wines under her Ripe Life Wines company and was first inspired to do so when she was less than satisfied with the options available when selecting wines for a friends’ annual clambake. A certified sommelier and graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Mary decided to solve the problem by making her own wine. Thus, her single-vineyard, Unoaked Chardonnay and Limited Edition Rose, were crafted in response. More recently, she added the Moules Blanc de Blancs Brut to her seafood-themed portfolio. Made with 100% sustainable grapes sourced from the Lodi Valley (CA), this methode champenoise sparkler is produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes.

TASTING NOTES

Clambake Moules Blanc de Blancs Brut NV, Clements Hills California, USA, $36.50
With butter and citrus aromas on the nose, the mousse is a bit aggressive, but displays lively acidity, with butter, minerality, and salinity on the medium bodied palate. Long length.

Clambake Wines Chardonnay Batch 6 2022, Mendocino (CA), USA, $19.99

Aromas of minerality and butter greet the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, with citrus and red apple flavors, medium-plus body, a slight toothpick texture and lovely, long length.

Clambake Wines Limited Edition Rose of Pinot Noir 2022, Redwood Valley AVA (CA), USA, $19.99

Hailing from the Hawkeye Vineyard, this rose is produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. It offers up notes of melon and strawberry. The dry palate shows bright acidity, medium body, with simple, but fresh and good fruit, culminating in long length.