Turkey & Wine! The Perfect Thanksgiving Pairings

Thanksgiving dinner is a smorgasbord of flavors, textures, and aromas, making wine pairings an exciting yet sometimes challenging endeavor. The key to a successful Thanksgiving wine selection is versatility—wines that can complement a variety of dishes, from savory turkey to tangy cranberry sauce and sweet yams. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the perfect bottles for your holiday table:

White Wines: Bright and Food-Friendly
Riesling
Why: Its natural acidity and notes of citrus, apple, and stone fruit make it a fantastic pairing with turkey, stuffing, and even sweeter sides like candied yams. Opt for off-dry styles to balance rich flavors.
Best Region: German Rieslings or Washington State Rieslings offer excellent options.
Chardonnay
Why: A creamy, oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables. If your meal leans lighter, a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay works wonders.
Best Region: California for oaked styles; Chablis from France for unoaked.
Sauvignon Blanc
Why: Zippy and herbaceous, this wine complements green bean casseroles, herbaceous stuffing, and dishes with fresh herbs like thyme or sage.
Best Region: New Zealand or Sancerre from France.
Red Wines: Soft and Fruity
Pinot Noir
Why: Its light body and red fruit flavors make it a classic Thanksgiving pairing. The wine's earthiness also highlights the rustic flavors of stuffing and roasted turkey.
Best Region: Burgundy, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, or California’s Sonoma Coast.
Zinfandel
Why: With its jammy, spicy profile, Zinfandel is a great match for rich gravies, sweet potatoes, and dishes with cranberry sauce.
Best Region: California.
Gamay (Beaujolais)
Why: Vibrant, light-bodied, and fruit-forward, Gamay is ideal for a meal with diverse flavors. Look for Beaujolais Nouveau for a fun, festive vibe or Beaujolais-Villages for more structure.
Best Region: Beaujolais, France.
Rosé Wines: The Middle Ground
Why: Rosé’s acidity and fruit-forward nature make it a flexible choice for Thanksgiving. It bridges the gap between whites and reds, complementing both the turkey and side dishes.
Best Style: Dry rosés from Provence or a sparkling rosé for added festivity.
Sparkling Wines: Celebrate in Style
Prosecco or Cava
Why: Bubbles cleanse the palate between bites and pair well with appetizers, light salads, and turkey.
Best Region: Italy for Prosecco; Spain for Cava.
Champagne
Why: The epitome of celebration, Champagne’s acidity and elegance can enhance the entire meal.
Best Region: Champagne, France (opt for Blanc de Blancs for lighter dishes).
Dessert Wines
Port or Late-Harvest Riesling: Perfect with pumpkin pie or pecan pie.
Moscato d’Asti: A light, sweet option that pairs with fruity desserts.
Tips for Serving
Serve whites and rosés chilled, reds slightly below room temperature (around 60–65°F), and sparkling wines well chilled.
Provide a variety of wines so guests can mix and match to their tastes.
Happy Thanksgiving and cheers to great pairings! 🥂