What To Know
- If you’re cooking a roasted turkey, you’ll want to choose a wine with a little more body and flavor.
- The best type of wine to serve with turkey is a white wine with a light to medium body and crisp acidity.
- The best red wine to serve with turkey is a light to medium-bodied red wine with soft tannins.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, food. And what’s a Thanksgiving feast without a glass of wine? But with so many different wines to choose from, it can be tough to know which one is the best for your turkey dinner.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research and tasted dozens of wines to find the perfect pairings for your Thanksgiving meal. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing white wine or a full-bodied red wine, we’ve got you covered.
White Wines
White wines are a great choice for Thanksgiving dinner because they’re light and refreshing, and they won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the turkey. Some of our favorite white wines for Thanksgiving include:
- Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a classic Thanksgiving wine for a reason. It’s full-bodied and buttery, with flavors of apple, pear, and citrus.
- Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a lighter-bodied white wine with crisp acidity and flavors of green apple and lemon.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing white wine with herbaceous aromas and flavors of grapefruit and lime.
Red Wines
Red wines are a great choice for Thanksgiving dinner if you’re looking for something with a little more body and flavor. Some of our favorite red wines for Thanksgiving include:
- Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice.
- Merlot: Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine with flavors of plum, blackberry, and chocolate.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of black currant, cherry, and oak.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines are a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving. They’re festive and bubbly, and they can be paired with a variety of dishes. Some of our favorite sparkling wines for Thanksgiving include:
- Champagne: Champagne is the classic sparkling wine, and it’s always a good choice for a special occasion.
- Prosecco: Prosecco is a sparkling wine from Italy that’s less expensive than Champagne, but just as delicious.
- Cava: Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain that’s a great value for the price.
Dessert Wines
Dessert wines are a great way to end your Thanksgiving meal on a sweet note. Some of our favorite dessert wines for Thanksgiving include:
- Port: Port is a fortified wine from Portugal that’s sweet and rich, with flavors of fruit, chocolate, and spice.
- Sauternes: Sauternes is a sweet white wine from France that’s made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot.
- Moscato d’Asti: Moscato d’Asti is a sweet sparkling wine from Italy that’s light and refreshing, with flavors of peach and apricot.
How to Choose the Best Wine for Your Turkey Dinner
When choosing the best wine for your turkey dinner, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The type of turkey you’re cooking. If you’re cooking a roasted turkey, you’ll want to choose a wine with a little more body and flavor. If you’re cooking a smoked turkey, you can choose a lighter-bodied wine.
- The flavors of your side dishes. If you’re serving your turkey with traditional Thanksgiving sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, you’ll want to choose a wine that will complement those flavors.
- Your personal preferences. Ultimately, the best wine for your turkey dinner is the one that you enjoy the most. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find a wine that you love.
Key Points
Finding the best wine for your turkey dinner doesn‘t have to be difficult. By following these tips, you can choose a wine that will perfectly complement your meal and make your Thanksgiving celebration even more special.
Questions You May Have
Q: What is the best type of wine to serve with turkey?
A: The best type of wine to serve with turkey is a white wine with a light to medium body and crisp acidity. Some good choices include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Q: What is the best red wine to serve with turkey?
A: The best red wine to serve with turkey is a light to medium-bodied red wine with soft tannins. Some good choices include Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
Q: What is the best sparkling wine to serve with turkey?
A: The best sparkling wine to serve with turkey is a brut or extra brut Champagne. These wines are dry and crisp, and they will pair well with the rich flavors of turkey and stuffing.
