Holiday meals are special occasions which usually call for a festive bottle of wine.
Holiday dinners traditionally consist of either ham or turkey, which leads to some discussion and misunderstanding about the appropriate wine to serve.
Pairing wines with these two main dishes can be a little tricky. Let’s examine these holiday dishes to see if we can deconstruct them and identify appropriate wine pairings.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting. And what feast is complete without a delicious wine pairing? But with so many options available, choosing the right wine can be a daunting task.
Fear not, fellow Thanksgiving enthusiasts! I’m here to guide you through the wonderful world of wine and help you find the perfect match for your turkey, ham, and all the trimmings.
A Few Things to Consider:
Before we dive into specific recommendations, let’s take a moment to consider a few key factors that will influence your wine choices:
- The Flavors of Your Dishes: What kind of stuffing are you making? Are you serving sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes? What about cranberry sauce? The flavors of your side dishes will play a big role in determining the best wine pairing.
- The Cooking Method: Are you roasting your turkey or ham? Are you using a glaze or a rub? The cooking method can also affect the flavor profile of your dishes, so it’s important to consider this when choosing a wine.
- Personal Preferences: Ultimately, the best wine for Thanksgiving is the one that you and your guests enjoy the most. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try different things!
Wine Pairings for Turkey:
Turkey is a relatively neutral meat, so it pairs well with a wide variety of wines Here are a few suggestions:
- White Wines:
- Chardonnay: A classic choice for Thanksgiving, Chardonnay offers a rich, buttery flavor that complements the turkey’s natural sweetness. Opt for unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the meat.
- Pinot Grigio: This light-bodied white wine has crisp acidity and refreshing citrus notes that pair well with the savory flavors of turkey.
- Sauvignon Blanc: A versatile choice, Sauvignon Blanc offers bright acidity and grassy aromas that cut through the richness of the turkey.
- Red Wines:
- Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine has earthy notes and a smooth finish that complements the turkey’s delicate flavor.
- Gamay: A fruity and approachable red wine, Gamay offers bright acidity and a hint of spice that pairs well with the savory flavors of the turkey.
- Zinfandel: A bolder choice, Zinfandel offers ripe fruit flavors and a touch of spice that can stand up to the richness of the turkey.
Wine Pairings for Ham:
Ham is a bit more challenging to pair with wine than turkey, as its salty and smoky flavors can clash with some wines. Here are a few suggestions:
- White Wines:
- Riesling: This off-dry white wine has a touch of sweetness and refreshing acidity that cuts through the saltiness of the ham.
- Gewürztraminer: This aromatic white wine has floral and spicy notes that complement the smoky flavors of the ham.
- Chenin Blanc: This versatile white wine offers a range of flavors, from dry to sweet, that can pair well with different types of ham.
- Red Wines:
- Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine has earthy notes and a smooth finish that complements the smoky flavors of the ham.
- Beaujolais: This fruity and approachable red wine has bright acidity and a hint of spice that pairs well with the savory flavors of the ham.
- Zinfandel: A bolder choice, Zinfandel offers ripe fruit flavors and a touch of spice that can stand up to the richness of the ham.
Bonus Tip: Sparkling wine is a great choice for Thanksgiving, as it pairs well with a variety of dishes and can be enjoyed throughout the meal. Consider serving a dry sparkling wine, such as Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco.
Remember: These are just suggestions, and the best wine for your Thanksgiving feast is the one that you and your guests enjoy the most. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try different things!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ham – glazed or smoked
A lot of holiday hams are prepared with a thick sauce of some kind and then glazed to create a crunchy crust that gives them a sweet flavor. There are also hams with more of a smoky flavor, the type that are cured and aged. Generally speaking, a simple White Zinfandel or Riesling with higher acidity levels would be a good match for the heavier flavors of a glazed ham; Gewurztraminer is also a good option. Lighter hams, those that have a smoky flavor usually go well with a Pinot Noir or a Vouvray.
The reasons these different flavors go well together is that the meal becomes more balanced. While the fruity notes of the Pinot Noir will help balance out the smoky flavor of the cured or smoky ham, the acidity of the Riesling will help cut through the sweet, sugary flavor of the glazed hams. Richer wines will overpower the ham’s flavors with too much pizzazz from the rich flavors or too much heat from the alcohol, drowning them out.
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