Thanksgiving turkey is one of those foods that we might be inclined to assume only pairs well with white wine, but that’s just not true. A person’s palette must also be taken into consideration as we all know that we enjoy different flavors, based on our own personal preferences. Allow me to take you on a taste adventure as we discover which wines truly do pair well with Thanksgiving dinner.
Begin With Bubbles!
While a glass of wine or cold beer is great to sip on while cooking and preparing the meal, sparkling wine is the perfect companion to toast to at the beginning of the meal when everyone is seated and ready to dig in. The light taste and effervescence of the bubbly tingles the nose and gets guests ready to dine on a thoroughly rich meal laid out in front of them. My favorite bottle of bubbly, Martini & Rossi Asti, is very inexpensive but really appropriate for this occasion and hosts will be happy to be greeted with a bottle of this sparkling wine as they open their door to invite you in.
Pairing the Protein
How a turkey is prepared is very important when it comes to wine selection. While roasted turkey pairs well with Pinot Grigio, smoked or grilled turkey pair well with a good Cabernet Sauvignon. The oaky flavor of the Cab can be appreciated when paired with the smoky flavor of the turkey. My favorite bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon is Sterling Vineyards, a Napa Valley wine near and dear to my heart since I had the opportunity to take their vineyard tour and ride their famous gondola. Much like all vineyards in the Napa area, they have also been affected by the recent Glass Fire in Northern California.
Pinot Grigio is an ideal wine to pair with turkey on Thanksgiving. The fruity sweetness and acidity complements the turkey, which is naturally low in fat and can therefor dry out easily with overcooking. My favorite bottle of white is Astrolabe Pinot Gris/Grigio from New Zealand.
Sometimes turkey isn’t the protein of choice for Thanksgiving dinner. If that’s the case, ham pairs well with fruity wines like Moscato (a sweet white) or Lambrusco (a sweet red) due to the rich, sweet and salty flavors of the pork. The light flavor of a Pinot Noir pairs well with savory beef brisket and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness of beef tenderloin.
Sips for Sides
When choosing wine for Thanksgiving dinner, keep in mind that there is a smorgasbord of flavors on the dinner table, when you take into account all the sides. Keeping it simple, I’ll focus on wine pairings for three of the most popular and traditional Thanksgiving side items. It’s all about finding that perfect mix of sweet and savory. Sweet Potatoes, earthy and sweet by nature, pair well with a dry, oaky Chardonnay. The saltiness of Green Bean Casserole works just the opposite by pairing well with a sweet Riesling. My personal fave, Mac & Cheese, pairs well with a smooth and dry Chenin Blanc to complement the salty creaminess of the side dish.
Don’t Forget Dessert!
How could anyone forget dessert? Not me! Pass the Pumpkin Pie…to someone else! I have never been a fan, but if there’s cherry pie available, it’s all mine! I like to pair cherry pie with a Pinot Noir since the sweet and tart flavor of the fruit and buttery flavor of the crust are complemented well by the light, drier taste of the wine. My favorite is Meiomi Pinot Noir. If pumpkin pie is your thing, and I won’t hold it against you, then you might want to consider pairing it with a Pinot Gris to complement the creamy spices of the pie.
Pair your wine with some of the Easy and Delicious Recipe Ideas for Christmas Day Dinner Side Dishes I’ve shared over on the Zulily blog!