Thanksgiving offers so many opportunities for wine pairing and celebration. The table is full of sides, flavors of the season and, of course, the turkey. Unlike everyday meals, Thanksgiving brings together tradition, passed-down recipes and, most importantly, family and friends. It can be intimidating to choose the ideal wine to go with the cornucopia because there are so many foods, flavors, and options available. When pairing wine with the most anticipated meal of the year, there are often questions like which wine to pair with the protein, which to pair with the sauce or sides, or which to pair with the dominant flavors. However, choosing the right wine doesn’t have to be difficult or stuffy. Two of our ABC wine experts, Paul Quaglini and Nathan Dale, offer their turkey pairing advice to help you choose the perfect wine to serve with your Thanksgiving meal so you can finalize your feast selections.
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones sharing delicious food and creating lasting memories. And what better way to enhance the experience than with the perfect wine pairing? But with so many options available, choosing the right bottle can feel overwhelming.
Fear not, fellow gourmands! This guide will navigate you through the world of wine and turkey pairings, ensuring your Thanksgiving feast is a symphony of flavors.
Understanding the Turkey and Wine Pairing Challenge
Turkey, the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table, presents a unique challenge for wine pairing Its mild flavor and lean texture can be easily overpowered by bold wines Therefore, the key is to select wines that complement, not compete, with the delicate taste of turkey.
Unveiling the Ideal Wine Companions for Your Thanksgiving Turkey
White Wines: A Refreshing Choice
- Sauvignon Blanc: This crisp and citrusy white wine is a classic pairing for turkey. Its vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, while its refreshing fruitiness enhances the flavors of the dish. Look for Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, France’s Loire Valley, or California.
- Chardonnay: For those who prefer a richer white wine, Chardonnay offers a perfect match. Opt for unoaked Chardonnays from Burgundy or California, which boast elegant minerality and subtle oak notes that complement the turkey’s flavor without overwhelming it.
- Riesling: This versatile German grape produces wines ranging from dry to sweet. For turkey, choose a dry or off-dry Riesling with vibrant acidity and notes of citrus and stone fruit. These wines pair beautifully with both the meat and the sweet and savory side dishes.
Red Wines: A Bold and Flavorful Option
- Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine is a Thanksgiving favorite. Pinot Noirs from Burgundy, Oregon, or New Zealand offer delicate fruit flavors, earthy notes, and a smooth texture that harmonizes perfectly with turkey.
- Gamay: This grape, best known for producing Beaujolais wines, is another excellent choice. Gamay wines are light-bodied, fruity, and have a touch of earthiness that complements the turkey’s flavor profile.
- Aged Bordeaux: For those who enjoy a more robust red wine, aged Bordeaux can be a surprising but delightful pairing. The mature tannins and complex flavors of aged Bordeaux, particularly from the Right Bank, can complement the richness of the turkey and stuffing.
Additional Tips for a Perfect Wine Pairing Experience
- Consider the preparation method: Roasting, frying, or smoking turkey each requires a slightly different wine pairing approach. For roasted turkey, opt for lighter-bodied wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. For fried turkey, choose a wine with higher acidity, such as Riesling or off-dry Chenin Blanc. For smoked turkey, pair it with a bolder red wine like Cabernet Franc or Syrah.
- Embrace acidity: Acidity in wine cuts through the richness of the turkey and helps cleanse the palate between bites. Look for wines with moderate to high acidity, especially if you’re serving a variety of rich side dishes.
- Don’t forget the leftovers: Leftover turkey sandwiches or salads deserve a delicious wine pairing too. Consider a lighter-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Gamay, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
With these tips and recommendations, you’re well-equipped to select the perfect wine to accompany your Thanksgiving turkey. Remember, the key is to choose wines that complement the delicate flavors of the turkey and enhance the overall dining experience. So, raise a glass, savor the delicious flavors, and create lasting memories with your loved ones this Thanksgiving.
Picks by Paul Quaglini Court of Master Sommelier Level 2, WSET Level 3, and Vinitaly International Italian Wine Ambassador
Specializes in wines from Italy
Lean more about Paul here. .
Fortunately, turkey is flavor-tolerant! Nathan and Paul concur that turkey is a canvas protein with subtle flavors that pairs well with a variety of foods. Consider turkey as a vehicle for the flavors that the cook adds through seasonings, rubs, or cooking techniques. Therefore, many different varietals can be both table and turkey friendly. A sparkling wine or a light-bodied gamay, for example, are go-to bottles to grab for your harvest meal. In the end, you’ve chosen and paired well if your family and friends are gathered around your table, the food is excellent, and the wine is alcoholic. In fact, there is no right or wrong varietal or style to pair with turkey. Instead, Paul and Nathan share some suggestions that can help guide your selection.
You should consider the method of preparation when making your wine choice. Turkey can be prepared in a variety of methods including roasting, deep frying or smoking. Each method produces different textures and tastes and has its own best pair. The classic Thanksgiving cooking technique is roasting, which involves cooking a turkey in the oven to produce tender meat and subtle flavors. Some chefs prefer to brine their food, while others simply season and stuff it. Either way, a chardonnay or white Burgundy goes well with roasted turkey. The roasted bird will taste even better thanks to the wine’s crisp acidity, minerality, and fruit-forward flavors, which won’t overpower the careful preparation.
Deep-frying is a relatively new technique for preparing turkey that has become more and more popular because of its consistent flavor and tenderness. A savory, fried turkey will be best complemented by a wine that also leads with flavor. If your Thanksgiving plans involve propane and a large pot, make sure you have a few bottles of off-dry riesling ready to go with your turkey. The wine’s vivacity, striking aromatics and light body will drink perfectly alongside fried poultry. If you decide to smoke your turkey, pair it with a cabernet franc for a memorable and delightful experience. These wines pair beautifully with smoked turkey because they often have rich, dark fruit flavors combined with earthy or spice undertones.
In addition to pairing towards the preparation, you will also want to stay light in your selections. Thanksgiving is a delicious, but dense meal. To counterbalance the weight of the meal, you should generally gravitate toward lighter wines that are lower in body and alcohol content. And finally – don’t forget about the leftovers. We think so, so don’t overthink the choice—isn’t that the reward for all the cooking and cleaning? Anything you have left in the fridge will work. However, an Oregon pinot noir, sweatpants, and a plate of leftovers will make a delectable post-Thanksgiving treat if you really want to up your game.
Go Old School with a Beaujolais – French Beaujolais are a traditional fall harvest wine to serve on your table and are traditionally enjoyed during this time.
Open Several Wines: Having a range of options allows your guests to have a say and a choice in pairing, especially when considering the variety of flavors found on a Thanksgiving table and their varied drinking preferences.
Pick Light – Select light-bodied wines to help balance the weight of the meal.
Talk with Our In-Store Wine Consultants: Unlike large grocery stores, ABC stores have amiable and competent consultants who can help you choose the ideal wine to pair with your Thanksgiving meal.
Picks by Nathan Dale WSET level 3
Specializes in spirits, passionate about wine
Lean more about Nathan here.
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FAQ
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