Looking for good wine for Thanksgiving? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s the ultimate guide to the best wines to serve with turkey, guaranteed to make your holiday dinner unforgettable.
This might sound a tad bit silly to say out loud but Thanksgiving feels like it’s right around the corner. I know we’re just approaching July and summer has barely even started but in the food blogging world, it’s our job to think 3-6 months in advance.
And you know what that means—you can’t talk Thanksgiving without talking about turkey. And, IMHO, you can’t talk turkey without talking about one of the most essential elements of any holiday feast: the wine. The perfect wine can transform your Thanksgiving dinner from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a casual sipper, I’ve got you covered with this guide to the best wines to serve with turkey.
THE ULTIMATE THANKSGIVING WINE GUIDE: TOP 10 WINES TO ELEVATE YOUR TURKEY DINNER
1. KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER’S RESERVE CHARDONNAY (California, USA)
Starting off with a classic, Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is a crowd-pleaser. This wine boasts rich flavours of tropical fruit, such as pineapple and mango, with a hint of buttery vanilla. The creamy texture and balanced acidity make it an ideal match for the juicy, flavourful turkey and all those delicious sides.
2. DOMAINE SERENE EVENSTAD RESERVE PINOT NOIR (Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA)
Pinot Noir is a traditional favourite for Thanksgiving, and Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve is a standout choice. With its elegant notes of cherry, cranberry, and subtle spice, this wine enhances the flavours of both the turkey and the savoury stuffing. The smooth tannins and bright acidity ensure it won’t overpower the meal.
3. CHÂTEAU STE. MICHELLE EROICA RIESLING (Columbia Valley, Washington, USA)
If you’re looking to add a bit of sweetness to your feast, Château Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling is a superb option. This Riesling offers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity, with flavours of green apple, peach, and lime. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, especially if you’re serving a honey-glazed bird.
4. BOGLE VINEYARDS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL (California, USA)
For those who prefer a bolder red, Bogle’s Old Vine Zinfandel is a fantastic pick. This wine features dark berry flavours, complemented by hints of black pepper and spices. Its robust profile pairs beautifully with turkey, especially if you’re incorporating richer, spicier dishes like sausage stuffing or cranberry sauce.
5. LOUIS JADOT BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES (Burgundy, France)
Beaujolais is synonymous with celebration, and Louis Jadot’s Beaujolais-Villages is a festive addition to your Thanksgiving table. Additionally, light and fruity with flavours of raspberry, cherry, and a touch of earthiness, this wine is refreshing and versatile. It pairs well with turkey and a variety of sides, from green bean casserole to sweet potatoes.
6. VEUVE CLICQUOT BRUT YELLOW LABEL CHAMPAGNE (Champagne, France)
Why not start your Thanksgiving feast with a bit of sparkle? Indeed, Veuve Clicquot’s Brut Yellow Label Champagne is perfect for toasting the occasion. With its lively bubbles, notes of green apple, pear, and brioche, this Champagne adds a touch of elegance to your meal and pairs excellently with the entire spread.
7. KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC (Marlborough, New Zealand)
For a crisp, refreshing white wine, look no further than Kim Crawford’s Sauvignon Blanc. This wine features vibrant flavours of citrus, tropical fruit, and fresh herbs. Its bright acidity makes it a great match for the turkey, especially if you’re serving it with a herb-infused stuffing or a citrus-based glaze.
8. DECOY MERLOT (Sonoma County, California, USA)
Merlot is another excellent choice for Thanksgiving, and Decoy by Duckhorn delivers quality without breaking the bank. This Merlot offers rich flavours of plum, black cherry, and a hint of oak. Its smooth tannins and well-balanced profile make it a great companion to turkey and hearty sides like mashed potatoes and gravy.
9. TRIMBACH GEWÜRZTRAMINER (Alsace, France)
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try Trimbach’s Gewürztraminer. In addition, this aromatic white wine is bursting with flavours of lychee, rose petal, and spice. It’s a versatile wine that pairs especially well with turkey and spicy or sweet sides like cranberry sauce and glazed carrots.
10. ROCCA DELLE MACIE CHIANTI CLASSICO (Tuscany, Italy)
For a taste of Italy at your Thanksgiving table, Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico is a delightful choice. Moreover, this wine is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes and offers a beautiful blend of red fruit flavours, with hints of violet and a touch of earthiness. Its balanced acidity and moderate tannins make it a perfect match for turkey and herb-infused sides, bringing a touch of Italian elegance to your feast.
No matter your taste or budget, these wines are sure to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner and impress your guests. Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all! Cheers to a festive and flavourful holiday with good food and even better wine!
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR THANKSGIVING WINE
When selecting the perfect wine for Thanksgiving, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First, consider your guests’ preferences—are they adventurous or more traditional? Opt for wines that match their taste profiles to ensure everyone enjoys their glass.
Secondly, think about your budget. Thanksgiving can involve a lot of expenses, so finding a wine that fits your budget without compromising on quality is essential. Whether you’re buying one bottle or several, there are great options available at every price point.
Lastly, take a look at your menu. The flavours of your dishes should harmonize with the wine you choose. For example, if you’re serving herb-roasted turkey, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Pinot Noir can complement it beautifully. Matching your wine to your menu enhances the dining experience and ensures each sip enhances the flavours on your table and brings all of your dishes together beautifully.
By considering these factors—guest preferences, budget, and menu—you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect wine to elevate your Thanksgiving feast.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At Thanksgiving, both red and white wines can complement the diverse flavours of the meal. Red wines like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel pair well with turkey’s savoury elements, while white wines such as Chardonnay or Riesling can enhance lighter dishes and balance the palate. It all comes down to personal preference.
Personally, I like having options for both red and white wine so my guests can choose for themselves which colour wine they want to drink!
Generally speaking, Pinot Noir tends to be the most popular wine consumed on Thanksgiving due to its versatility with turkey and traditional holiday flavours. Although, as you can see by this list of good wine for Thanksgiving, there are a variety of popular wines to choose from!
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