I love including a Riesling with a traditional Thanksgiving feast — and not only because the wine works beautifully with the meal. I also do it because there are always those people who think they don’t like Riesling who end up liking (and drinking) it. The pure, silky fruit of the Riesling inevitably tastes cleaner and more refreshing than the heavily-oaked Chardonnays that surround it on the wine table. And Riesling’s naturally high acidity makes it food friendly and versatile — a good thing for the wide array of dishes that find their way into a typical Thanksgiving meal.

Riesling most famously comes from Germany, but there are also excellent choices from places like France’s Alsace region, Washington, New Zealand, California and Australia. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed lately, at a variety of prices:

Zind Humbrecht 2004 Riesling Alsace Turckheim ($40). Mouthwatering aromas and flavors include concentrated apricot, apple and pretty nectarine fruit, with aromatic honeysuckle and a flinty mineral note lingering on the long, bright finish. Delicious now and over the next five or six years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Casa Nuestra 2007 Riesling Napa Valley ($23). I absolutely loved this wine, for the value and for its appealing mix of zesty citrus, crisp apple, aromatic spices and touch of wildflower honey — all folding together on a mouthwateringly bright finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Lucian Albrecht 2006 Riesling Alsace Reserve ($18). Versatile for its everyday appeal, even to non-Riesling drinkers. With juicy green apple accented by moderate citrus and floral notes that mingle on a fresh, lightly mineral finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-10-30)

Redcliffe 2007 Riesling South Island ($11). Nice wine for the price, with juicy citrus and green apple that stays fresh and easy-to-like through the refreshing finish. Off-dry. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.