Foolproof Thanksgiving Dinner Wine Pairings
Posted by Wine Gourmet on
While no two families or Thanksgiving dinner tables are alike, one thing a lot of us can agree on... wine seems to taste better during the holidays. The question, "red or white?" somehow falls into the category of argument-inducing debates on a day like Thanksgiving so we're here to share our foolproof wine selections!
Pinot Noir
This classic, light-bodied red wine is a Thanksgiving favorite that’ll please all the personalities at your dinner table and reigns as our number one red wine suggestion for Thanksgiving. Pinot Noirs pairs perfectly with simply seasoned Turkey (both white and dark meat) as well as those savory cream-based side dishes as the high acidity cuts the rich flavors. For those of you that favor a cranberry sauce at your table, the red fruit flavors in Pinot Noir’s compliment cranberry flavors beautifully. For a crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir try Dom Dubois Bernard et Fils Savigny Les Beaune ‘Les Ratausses’.
Beaujolais Nouveau
Last week on the blog we shared the story of the French wine Beaujolais Nouveau and it’s highly-anticipated arrival falling exactly one week before Thanksgiving. This easy to drink, light-bodied red wine is a perfect match for traditional Turkey dinners and aids in balancing any excessive sweetness the meal might offer. Try this year’s Domaine Manoir Du Carra Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 release and the Domaine Manoir Du Carra Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2018 release for your turkey dinner!
Chardonnay
Roast turkey and herb-heavy Thanksgiving dishes seek the accompaniment of a full-bodied Chardonnay, which is why it tops the list as our number one white wine suggestion for Thanksgiving. While the profile of Chardonnay can fall within a wide range, knowing when to choose between oaked and unoaked can be difficult. Unoaked Chardonnays act just like a Pinot Noir when it comes to helping cut the richness of a big holiday dinner while oaked Chardonnays can overpower the meal. Finding a Chardonnay with a bit of oakiness proves to bring back to life a turkey that’s dry.
Gewürztraminer
Pulling on the sweeter end of white wines, aromatic Gewurtztraminer isn’t quite as rich as a Chardonnay and works perfectly for an early-afternoon Thanksgiving dinner. It’s refreshing with a high alcohol content and lower acidity, making it an ideal match for roast meats, autumn spices, and dry or plain meat.