11/16/2023
A Guide to the Best Wines for Thanksgiving
Sparkling wine and Champagne
They can be the one-stop wonder you're seeking. These are increasingly popular pairing partners and not just for the holidays. Sparkling wines bring both elegance and phenomenal food-pairing versatility to virtually any meal. They shine at the Thanksgiving dinner table because they typically carry a decent dose of acidity while adding a festive flair to the table.
Top Thanksgiving Whites
Riesling: This white wine can either be quite dry or fairly sweet, and it's excellent with spicy, salty, or sweet foods. Whether from Alsace, Germany, or Washington, Riesling wines are a top pick for a Thanksgiving dinner. Riesling’s natural flavors of apple, apricot, and honey, and its clarifying acidity give it a significant pairing edge with the likes of sweet potatoes, turkey, and spiced or herb-filled stuffing.
Gewürztraminer: Simply delicious, this white wine tends to have aromatic gusto and spicy palate appeal. Gewürztraminer makes a solid standing with turkey and gravy, bringing out the best in both.
Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its citrusy flavor with herbal or mineral undertones, this crisp white is a prime pairing candidate for turkey and mashed potatoes.
Pinot Grigio: Capable of handling garlic and onions, herbs and rich, flavorful, high-fat dishes, this white wine is a natural for the demands of Thanksgiving Day.
Albariño and Viognier: These whites offer the perfect opportunity to shake up the Thanksgiving table. You'll take your guests on a little wine adventure while maintaining excellent pairing power.
Top Thanksgiving Reds
Pinot Noir: This red wine is a traditional favorite for Thanksgiving. Pinot noir's subtle earthy undertones and often mushroom-inspired flavors surround the fruity features of the wine. It tends to work well with the traditional flavors of turkey and stuffing.
Zinfandel: A fuller bodied red, zinfandel is more intense than pinot noir and balances many traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. It's a great wine pick for those looking for a heartier red with the capacity to accommodate spicy, bitter, and sweet flavor profiles.
Syrah: The syrah (or shiraz) grape can bring a spicy edge or a meaty character to the table. It's more complex, but graciously bows the cornucopia of flavors at a traditional Thanksgiving meal. The prevalent peppery notes of syrah partner well with herb-infused stuffing and both white and dark turkey meat.
Beaujolais Nouveau: A light, fruity red wine from the gamay grape, it goes quite well with turkey and all the fixings. This wine is released from France on the third Thursday of November, just in time to join you for your Thanksgiving feast!
You certainly don't have to stick to these suggestions. Come in and we'll find the perfect fit for your table!
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