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 family, friends, and of course, delicious food. And what’s more Thanksgiving-y than a perfectly roasted turkey? But this year, let’s take things up a notch by pairing your turkey with the perfect wine. It’s the key to unlocking a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests raving and begging for seconds.
Wine Pairing 101: The Secrets to Thanksgiving Success
Choosing the right wine for your Thanksgiving turkey can seem daunting, but fear not! With a few simple tips, you’ll be a wine pairing pro in no time.
Consider the Turkey’s Preparation:
- Roasted Turkey: For a classic roasted bird, Chardonnay or a white Burgundy are your best bets. Their crisp acidity and fruit-forward flavors complement the juicy meat perfectly.
- Deep-Fried Turkey: This savory dish calls for a wine with big flavor. An off-dry Riesling with its vivacity and striking aromatics will be a perfect match.
- Smoked Turkey: For a smoky turkey, choose a Cabernet Franc. Its dark fruit flavors and earthy notes will create an unforgettable pairing.
Go Light and Balanced:
Thanksgiving is a feast, so keep your wine selections light-bodied and lower in alcohol to avoid overwhelming your palate.
Don’t Forget the Leftovers:
Leftover turkey deserves a delicious pairing too! An Oregon Pinot Noir is a perfect choice for a post-Thanksgiving treat.
Embrace Variety:
With so many different dishes on the Thanksgiving table, having a variety of wines allows everyone to find their perfect pairing
Seek Expert Advice:
Our friendly and knowledgeable in-store wine consultants are here to help you choose the perfect wines for your Thanksgiving feast.
Top Wine Picks for Your Thanksgiving Turkey:
- Fog Bank Pinot Noir: A crowd-pleasing red that complements the flavors of the season.
- Muri-Gries Pinot Bianco: This Italian gem boasts bright acidity and minerality, perfect for roasted turkey.
- Johannishof Charta Riesling: Its punchy acidity and citrus notes pair beautifully with fried turkey.
- Vajra Langhe Rosso: A value-friendly red with bright fruit flavors that complement cranberry and sliced turkey.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget about sparkling wines! A bottle of bubbly is a festive and versatile choice that pairs well with the entire Thanksgiving spread.
Thanksgiving Wine Pairing: Your Guide to a Gobble-Worthy Feast
With these tips and recommendations, you’re ready to choose the perfect wine for your Thanksgiving turkey. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer – it’s all about finding what you and your guests enjoy. So go ahead, experiment, have fun, and create a Thanksgiving feast that will be remembered for years to come!
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.
Thanksgiving wines. The best wines to pair with Thanksgiving turkey @WineTuber
FAQ
What kind of wine goes with turkey on Thanksgiving?
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What red wine do you have with turkey?