Best Wines for Thanksgiving Pairings
Thanksgiving is a feast that brings together a wide variety of flavors and textures, from rich roasted turkey to tangy cranberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes. Choosing the right wines to complement these dishes can elevate your holiday meal to a new level. Here’s a guide to some of the best wines for Thanksgiving pairings.
1. Pinot Noir: A Thanksgiving Classic
Why It Works:
Pinot Noir is versatile and food-friendly, with its red fruit flavors, soft tannins, and balanced acidity. It complements turkey, stuffing, and even mushroom-heavy dishes like green bean casserole.
Recommendations:
- Eola Hills Pinot Noir (Oregon) – Bright red fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and subtle earthiness. These qualities complement the variety of flavors in traditional dishes like roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and herb-infused stuffing. The wine's light tannins ensure it doesn't overpower sides like sweet potatoes or green beans while enhancing the meal's overall experience.
- Ken Wright Pinot Noir (Oregon) - This Pinot Noir often delivers layers of red fruit, earthy minerality, and balanced acidity. Slightly fuller-bodied than a traditional Beaujolais but still refined and versatile, it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and savory sides.
2. Chardonnay: Rich and Creamy
Why It Works:
Chardonnay, especially oaked styles, pairs beautifully with creamy dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy. Unoaked Chardonnay is excellent for lighter sides like roasted vegetables.
Recommendations:
- Talbott Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay (California) – The wine showcases flavors of ripe apple, pear, and tropical fruits, complemented by subtle oak notes of vanilla and butterscotch. This wine pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, especially when accompanied by herbaceous stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of dishes, while its fruit-forward notes complement the sweetness of cranberry sauce.
- Sandhi Chardonnay: A refined Chardonnay with notes of citrus zest, green apple, and flint, embodying the cool climate and mineral-rich soils of Santa Barbara. There is creaminess on the mouthfeel, but is balanced with acidity. This duality makes it appealing for those who appreciate a Chardonnay that isn't overly dominated by either buttery or acidic qualities
3. Beaujolais: Light and Fruity
Why It Works:
Beaujolais, made from Gamay, is light-bodied with vibrant red fruit flavors. Its lively acidity cuts through rich dishes, making it perfect for turkey and cranberry sauce.
Recommendations:
- Jean Foillard Beaujolais-Villages (France) – A more structured yet approachable Beaujolais with notes of cherry and hints of earth, balancing freshness and complexity
- Couvent des Thorins, Moulin-à-Vent: This wine offers an aromatic profile of strawberries with spicy and peppery undertones. Its structured tannins and subtle minty freshness make it an elegant and vibrant choice, reflecting the granite-rich soils of its region
4. Riesling: Sweet and Savory Harmony
Why It Works:
Riesling’s natural sweetness balances savory dishes like stuffing and offsets the tang of cranberry sauce. Look for off-dry styles for the best pairing flexibility.
Recommendations:
- Prost Riesling (Germany): This off-dry Riesling offers bright flavors of citrus, green apple, and a touch of honey. Its crisp acidity balances a subtle sweetness, making it a versatile choice for dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham
- Emile Beyer Les Traditions Riesling (France) – It features vibrant aromas of citrus and a pronounced minerality, with flavors of pear, lime, and a bright, zesty finish. The wine balances its fruit-forward elements with refreshing acidity, making it a great companion for the diverse flavors of a Thanksgiving meal.
5. Sparkling Wine: Festive and Fresh
Why It Works:
The effervescence of sparkling wine refreshes the palate and pairs well with nearly everything on the Thanksgiving table. A dry or off-dry bottle ensures it doesn’t overpower the meal.
Recommendations:
- Langlois-Chateau Crémant Brut (France): This Crémant de Loire delivers crisp, clean flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus with a touch of minerality. Its light body and refreshing acidity balance rich dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey, while cleansing the palate between bites.
- Schramsberg Brut Rosé (California): With its bright red berry notes of strawberry and raspberry, this wine complements sweeter dishes like cranberry sauce while also standing up to savory items like roasted turkey and root vegetables. Its creamy texture and lively bubbles make it a celebratory addition to the table.
6. Zinfandel: Bold and Spicy
Why It Works:
Zinfandel’s jammy fruit and spice can stand up to heartier dishes like glazed ham, spiced sweet potatoes, and sausage stuffing.
Recommendations:
- Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel (California): A robust wine showcasing ripe blackberry and raspberry flavors with layers of spice and earth. The vines, many over a century old, contribute to its depth and complexity.
- Kokomo Dry Creek Zinfandel (California): Bright and approachable, this Zinfandel features jammy red berry notes complemented by hints of black pepper and a smooth, balanced finish.
Tips for Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Success
- Offer Variety: With so many dishes on the table, consider providing both red and white wine options.
- Go Easy on Tannins: Choose wines with softer tannins to avoid clashing with the turkey.
- Don’t Overthink: Thanksgiving is about family and togetherness. Pick wines you enjoy, and your guests will too!
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to explore wines that enhance the flavors of your meal while bringing everyone together. Cheers to a holiday full of gratitude, good food, and great wine!