The Ultimate Guide to Wine Pairings for Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. And what better way to complement your Thanksgiving feast than with the perfect bottle of wine? But with so many different dishes on the table, it can be difficult to know which wine to choose

Fear not, fellow wine enthusiasts! This guide will help you navigate the world of Thanksgiving wine pairings and find the perfect match for your turkey.

Understanding Turkey’s Flavor Profile

Before diving into specific wine recommendations, let’s first understand the flavor profile of turkey. Turkey is a relatively mild-flavored meat with a low fat content. This makes it a versatile canvas for various flavors and seasonings, but it also means that you need to be careful when pairing it with wine.

Choosing the Right Wine: Key Considerations

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a wine for your Thanksgiving turkey:

Preparation Method: The way you prepare your turkey will significantly impact its flavor profile and, consequently, the ideal wine pairing For example, a roasted turkey will have a different flavor than a smoked or deep-fried turkey.
Seasonings and Sides: The seasonings and sides you choose for your turkey will also play a role in determining the best wine pairing. For instance, a cranberry sauce will call for a different wine than a stuffing with herbs and spices.
Personal Preferences: Ultimately, the best wine for your Thanksgiving turkey is the one that you and your guests enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different wines to find your perfect match.

Wine Pairing Recommendations: A Delicious Journey

Now, let’s dive into some specific wine recommendations for your Thanksgiving turkey:

For Roasted Turkey:
- Chardonnay: A full-bodied Chardonnay with oaky richness and creamy lactic acid can beautifully complement the roasted turkey. The wine’s acidity helps cleanse the palate and balances the richness of the meat.
- White Burgundy: For a truly luxurious experience, consider a White Burgundy from renowned regions like Chassagne-Montrachet or Puligny-Montrachet. These wines offer high levels of minerality and acidity, perfectly cutting through the richness of the turkey and its accompaniments.
For Deep-Fried Turkey:
- Off-Dry Riesling: The vivacity, striking aromatics, and light body of an off-dry Riesling make it an ideal match for the savory and flavorful deep-fried turkey. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the fried bird and complements its crispy texture.
For Smoked Turkey:
- Cabernet Franc: This red wine boasts dark, ripe fruit flavors and earthy or spice notes that harmoniously blend with the smoky aroma and taste of the turkey. The wine’s tannins add complexity and structure to the pairing.

Additional Tips for a Perfect Thanksgiving Wine Pairing

Go Traditional: French Beaujolais wines are a classic Thanksgiving choice, enjoyed during the fall harvest season. Their light and fruity profile makes them a versatile option for various Thanksgiving dishes.
Embrace Variety: With the diverse flavors on a Thanksgiving table, consider offering multiple wine options to cater to different preferences. This allows your guests to choose the perfect pairing for their individual taste.
Seek Expert Advice: Don’t hesitate to consult our knowledgeable and friendly ABC wine consultants. They can assist you in selecting the ideal wine for your Thanksgiving meal, taking into account your preferences and the specific dishes you’ll be serving.

By considering the preparation method, seasonings, and personal preferences, you can find the perfect wine to complement your Thanksgiving turkey and create an unforgettable dining experience for you and your loved ones.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the company, the delicious food, and the perfect glass of wine that completes your Thanksgiving celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Red wine with turkey

Although there are many options available and taste varies, Pinot Noir is frequently thought to pair well with turkey dinners.

Pinot Noir from bolder Burgundy crus, such as Gevrey-Chambertin or Pommard, should work exceptionally well.

You’re in for a treat if you can afford to visit the Grand Cru of Chambertin, but there are plenty of less costly options available as well. Try looking towards Fixin or Santenay, for example.

Certain lighter Pinot Noir varieties, like traditional Volnay wines, might be overtaken by the variety of flavors on your plate.

You can also look to other relatively cool-climate regions known for great Pinot Noir. These include the Finger Lakes in New York State, Central Otago in New Zealand, the Mornington Peninsula in Australia, and even Essex or Kent in the United Kingdom.

Food and wine expert Fiona Beckett says that cold roast turkey leftovers go well with pinot noir. She previously recommended ‘a riper, more robustly fruity Pinot Noir from, say, California, Oregon or New Zealand’.

Although gamay is still a relatively unknown grape variety, it can produce deliciously complex red wines that are enjoyable to drink.

Look toward the 10 “Crus” in the Beaujolais heartland, perhaps especially those recognized for producing styles that are a tad bit more powerful, like Morgon or Moulin-à-Vent.

With its large tannins, high acidity, and abundance of luscious dark fruit, Cabernet Sauvignon is a world unto itself compared to what we’ve just discussed.

Merlot, too, carries significant weight in its classic Bordeaux Right Bank form.

However, even if tertiary aromas from a few years of bottle age have begun to emerge around the edges, the expertly balanced harmony of fruit, acidity, and integrated tannins can still pair wonderfully with your Thanksgiving meal.

Aged Barolo or Chianti Classico are other classic reds to consider with turkey.

Mature Rioja can combine those lovely, earthy, mushroomy aromas with bright red fruit and medium-weight tannins. There are also plenty of relatively good value options.

Be wary of choosing a wine with too much oak influence, however.

Pairing wine with turkey: a visual guide

Click on the turkey and wine pairing graphic below to see a full-size version.

What Wine Should You Serve With Turkey?

FAQ

Do you have turkey with white wine or red wine?

When pairing wine with turkey, remember that this is a white meat with a low fat content, which is why it can dry out if not cooked carefully. Your wine matches should ideally be either a full-bodied white wine or a medium-bodied red, with low or medium tannin and relatively high acidity.

Does Pinot Grigio go with turkey?

It’s a general rule of thumb that you pair red wines with red meats. However, if you prefer white meats such as chicken or turkey with your Christmas dinner, then a light Pinot Grigio is sure to make a great pairing and not draw the attention away from the flavours of the light meat.

What white wine is used for turkey?

The secret to this flavorful gravy is the whole bottle of wine that simmers in the roasting pan while the turkey cooks. It adds acidity and brightness to the pan drippings, plus it helps to keep the meat moist while cooking. Any dry white will do, such as pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.