Pairings to Be Grateful for
Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table, share gratitude, and savor a variety of delicious dishes. The combination of flavors and textures on a Thanksgiving table offers a unique opportunity to explore an array of wine pairings that can bring out the best in each dish. Whether you’re serving traditional turkey and stuffing, opting for a non-traditional main, or hosting a vegan feast, there’s a wine that will elevate your meal. Here’s a comprehensive guide to choosing wines for Thanksgiving — including specific brand recommendations sure to shine at your gathering.
1. Classic Wines for Turkey and Traditional Fixings
For those enjoying the classic turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings, traditional pairings like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are excellent choices. These wines balance the mild flavors of turkey and enhance the richness of the side dishes without overpowering them.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a classic Thanksgiving red due to its light body, bright acidity, and red fruit flavors like cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, which harmonize well with turkey and a variety of sides. Its low tannins won’t overshadow savory dishes, and it pairs especially well with herbs like sage and thyme often used in Thanksgiving recipes.
Recommendations
- Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvée Pinot Noir (Oregon) – Known for its delicate blend of red fruit, earthy spice, and smooth texture, this Pinot is an excellent match for turkey and stuffing.
- La Crema Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) – With its approachable, fruit-forward profile and hints of red berries and subtle spice, La Crema is a crowd-pleaser that complements traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
Chardonnay
A lightly oaked Chardonnay offers a creamy mouthfeel with flavors of apple, pear, and soft hints of vanilla from oak aging. This wine’s full-bodied texture pairs well with roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and creamy dishes like green bean casserole.
Recommendations
- Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay (Napa Valley) – This rich, buttery Chardonnay with notes of stone fruit and a hint of vanilla is a delightful pairing for the rich, comforting flavors of Thanksgiving sides.
- Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay – Known for its balance of creamy and citrusy notes, this wine’s acidity complements turkey and other savory sides without overpowering them.
2. Wines to Shake Things Up
If you’re looking to break away from tradition, consider these unique pairings that add a new layer of flavor to the Thanksgiving table.
Beaujolais
The release of Beaujolais Nouveau each November has made this vibrant, fruity wine a Thanksgiving staple. Made from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais is light, fresh, and filled with red berry flavors. It’s a refreshing, low-tannin red that pairs wonderfully with turkey and the diverse flavors of Thanksgiving sides.
Recommendations
- Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau – This classic Beaujolais Nouveau has a vibrant red berry flavor and crisp acidity, making it perfect for roasted turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais (France) – A more structured Beaujolais with notes of ripe red fruit and minerality, this wine brings a bit more complexity to the table.
Riesling
An off-dry or semi-sweet Riesling provides a touch of sweetness that complements savory and slightly spicy dishes. Its natural acidity balances richer side dishes and works especially well with spiced or fruit-based sauces.
Recommendations
- Dr. Loosen Riesling (Germany) – A well-balanced Riesling with notes of green apple, peach, and lime, perfect for pairing with turkey and Thanksgiving spices.
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling (Washington) – This semi-dry Riesling has vibrant acidity and a mix of peach and citrus flavors that enhance turkey and richer sides.
Zinfandel
Known for its bold fruitiness and peppery spice, Zinfandel is a rich, full-bodied wine that pairs well with herb-forward stuffing, sausage-based sides, and smoked or grilled turkey. Its fruit-driven character balances the savory and spiced elements on the table.
Recommendations
- Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel (Sonoma) – With flavors of blackberry, plum, and a hint of oak, this wine complements roasted turkey and herbaceous sides.
- Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel – This full-bodied, fruit-forward Zinfandel with a spicy finish works beautifully with stuffing and heartier Thanksgiving flavors.
3. Pairings for Non-Traditional Mains
If you’re branching out from turkey with mains like lamb or duck, these wines offer structure and richness to complement these flavorful meats.
Lamb
For lamb, with its earthy and savory flavor, a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah is ideal. These wines’ tannins and dark fruit notes balance lamb’s richness, especially if it’s roasted with rosemary or garlic.
Recommendations
- Stags’ Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) – This wine’s robust tannins and dark fruit notes make it an ideal companion for lamb’s rich, savory flavor.
- Jean-Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône Les Abeilles Rouge – This Syrah-based blend offers black fruit, pepper, and a smooth finish that pairs beautifully with lamb.
Duck
Duck’s rich, slightly gamey flavor pairs well with medium-bodied reds like Merlot and Grenache, which bring out the savory-sweet elements in duck, especially if served with a glaze or fruit sauce.
Recommendations
- Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot (Napa Valley) – With lush plum and dark berry flavors, this Merlot complements the richness of duck without overwhelming it.
- Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes (Grenache) – With its bright red fruit and hint of spice, this Grenache is an elegant pairing for duck dishes.
4. Wines for a Vegan Thanksgiving
A vegan Thanksgiving features an array of vegetables, grains, and earthy flavors. These wines complement plant-based dishes and bring out the natural flavors of vegan mains and sides.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling Brut or Cava adds a celebratory touch and pairs well with a variety of vegan dishes. Its bright acidity is perfect for balancing the richness of roasted vegetables, root dishes, and nut-based sauces.
Recommendations
- Roederer Estate Brut (Anderson Valley) – This California sparkling wine offers crisp green apple and citrus notes, perfect for a plant-based feast.
- Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava – With vibrant bubbles and a light body, this Cava pairs well with roasted vegetables and nutty flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp acidity and herbaceous notes make it a versatile pairing for roasted squash, green vegetables, and mushroom-based mains.
Recommendations
- Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) – With intense citrus and herbal flavors, this wine pairs beautifully with the earthy and savory elements of a vegan feast.
- Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) – Known for its tropical fruit notes and refreshing acidity, this Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice for a vegan Thanksgiving.
Gamay
Light and fruit-forward, Gamay pairs well with roasted veggies and the earthy flavors of a plant-based meal. It’s an excellent choice for a lighter, vegetable-centric table.
Recommendations
- Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages (France) – Light-bodied and fruit-driven, this Gamay complements a variety of vegan dishes.
- Domaine Chapel Fleurie (Beaujolais) – With floral and red berry notes, this Gamay enhances the flavors of roasted root vegetables and mushrooms.
5. The Perfect Host Gift Wine
When bringing a bottle to Thanksgiving as a host gift, look for wines that are versatile, festive, and sure to be enjoyed by everyone.
Sparkling Rosé
A sparkling rosé is both beautiful and versatile, pairing well with a range of flavors. Its berry notes and bubbles make it feel festive, and it’s a wine that can be enjoyed by all.
Recommendations
- Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé (California) – With crisp acidity, red berry flavors, and a creamy finish, this sparkling rosé is an elegant and thoughtful gift.
- Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé (France) – Affordable and balanced, this rosé offers a delicate blend of red fruit flavors and a touch of toastiness.
Red Blend
A balanced red blend pairs well with many Thanksgiving dishes and is a great choice for a crowd.
Recommendations
- The Prisoner Red Blend (California) – Known for its lush fruit and smooth finish, this wine is a sure hit for Thanksgiving.
- Bogle Phantom Red Blend – With flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice, this wine is versatile and approachable.
Dessert Wine
If you want to bring something unique, a dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling or Port makes a thoughtful gift to enjoy with dessert.
Recommendations
- Fonseca Bin 27 Reserve Port – With sweet, rich dark berry flavors, this Port is ideal with desserts like pecan pie.
- Eroica Late Harvest Riesling (Washington) – This sweet Riesling with notes of honey and apricot pairs beautifully with apple pie.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy good food, good company, and good wine. The right wine pairings can make your meal even more memorable, whether you’re choosing classics, exploring new options, or looking for a perfect host gift. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, delicious food, and wines that bring out the best in every bite. Cheers!
