Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, a feast fit for a king But what’s a king without his royal beverage? Choosing the perfect wine to pair with your Thanksgiving turkey can elevate the entire meal, transforming it from a delicious gathering to a symphony of flavors
Fear not, dear reader, for we’ve embarked on a culinary quest to uncover the secrets of wine and turkey pairings. From the rich, balanced whites to the earthy, fruit-driven reds, we’ll guide you through the world of wine, helping you find the perfect match for your Thanksgiving masterpiece
The Art of the Pairing: Unveiling the Secrets
When it comes to pairing wine with turkey, the key lies in understanding the nuances of the meat and the accompanying sides. Turkey, with its succulent flavor and juicy texture, offers a versatile canvas for a variety of grape varieties. But don’t be fooled by its seemingly simple nature! Turkey demands a wine that complements its delicate flavors without overpowering them.
White Wines: A Symphony of Brightness and Balance
For those who prefer the crispness of white wines, fear not! There’s a world of options waiting to be explored. Chardonnay, with its global reach and diverse expressions, stands as a champion in this category. From the citrus-driven notes of Old World Chardonnays to the juicy stone fruit flavors of New World expressions, there’s a Chardonnay for every palate.
And let’s not forget Pinot Noir, the red wine that masquerades as white. Its bright acidity and versatility make it a perfect companion for both turkey and the myriad of Thanksgiving sides. Whether you seek the earthier expressions of Old World Pinot Noirs or the juicy fruit-forwardness of New World bottlings, this grape variety promises a delightful dance on your taste buds.
Red Wines: A Celebration of Boldness and Depth
For those who crave the richness of red wines, there’s a plethora of options to explore. Zinfandel, with its jammy, juicy character, pairs beautifully with both light and dark meats, making it a crowd-pleaser at any Thanksgiving table.
And for those seeking a bolder experience, Cabernet Sauvignon stands ready to impress. Its strong tannins and full body make it a perfect match for the richness of turkey and gravy. But be warned, dear reader, this is a wine for the adventurous palate, one that demands attention and appreciation.
Sparkling Wines: A Festive Touch of Elegance
No celebration is complete without a touch of bubbly, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Champagne, with its high acidity and exceptional food-friendliness, adds a touch of elegance to the occasion. But don’t limit yourself to the classics! Explore the world of sparkling wines, from the vibrant Prosecco to the delicate Cava, and discover a new dimension of festive cheer.
The Final Verdict: Your Personal Wine Journey
Ultimately, the perfect wine pairing is a personal journey, a dance between your taste preferences and the symphony of flavors on your Thanksgiving table. Experiment, explore, and discover what speaks to your palate. And remember, dear reader, the most important ingredient is the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.
So raise your glass, and let the Thanksgiving feast begin!
Embrace acidity when pairing wine with turkey
A roast turkey dinner is often full of flavours and complexity. Sides like cranberry, bacon, parsnips, stuffing and Brussels sprouts are just some of the dishes vying for attention.
These diverse flavors should be better suited for a wine with medium to high acidity levels.
The basic rules of pairing wine with turkey
A well-balanced wine with some bottle age that has fine tannins is fantastic, but too much mouth-coating tannin can also undo all of your hard work in the kitchen.
Generally speaking, there won’t be much fat on the plate, so there won’t be much to ease the tannins in a big, bold, young wine.
This can accentuate the harsh feeling of tannins in the mouth, eclipsing other flavours. The saltiness of the turkey can also make tannins taste more bitter.
It may seem odd that traditional wine selections include wines with comparatively high tannin content, like Bordeaux blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
This, however, is where several years of bottle age come into play. Tannins will soften and integrate over time in the best wines.
Thanksgiving wines. The best wines to pair with Thanksgiving turkey @WineTuber
FAQ
Do you have turkey with white wine or red wine?
What red wine do you have with turkey?
What wine should you serve with Thanksgiving?
What wine goes well with Turkey?
Check out this recent post for a wine inspiration list. Zinfandel is the classic turkey pairing wine for 2 reasons: for one, it’s a variety with a long history in America and two, the flavors of raspberry and sweet tobacco are an ideal match for rich darker or smoked turkey meat. It also will do great alongside a honeybaked ham.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
What wine should I drink if I eat turkey?
In general, though, you’ll want to reach for a medium-bodied red wine or a full-bodied white wine. You’ll also want to opt with wines with a high acidity, but lower tannins, since turkey has a lower fat content. This post contains affiliate links.
What wine goes well with Turkey and cranberries?
This juicy, light-hearted yet subtly complex red is super food friendly and works really well with turkey and cranberries. But, more important to me, it’s a wine from a farmer practicing polyculture (a sustainable form of agriculture that uses multiple crops in the same space) and who is growing vines in one of the harshest terrains ever.”