How to Choose the Perfect Wines for Thanksgiving

• Posted on 27 November 2024
• Posted in Australia, Austria, bobal, California, chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, france, Germany, grenache, Moscato, New Zealand, Oregon, Pinot Gris, Portugal, Sauvignon Blanc, spain, Virginia, zinfandel, zweigelt
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Thanksgiving is a time for coming together, celebrating abundance, and sharing a meal full of comforting flavors. The variety on the table—from roasted turkey to tart cranberry sauce, rich casseroles, and buttery sides—can make wine pairing feel overwhelming. But choosing the right bottles doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little thought, you can select wines that enhance the food and the mood, making your holiday gathering even more special.

Start the celebration with a sparkling wine. There’s something magical about the sound of a cork popping, and the lively bubbles of a good sparkler instantly set the tone for a joyful day. Sparkling wines are versatile and refreshing, making them perfect for appetizers or light snacks. The crisp acidity cuts through rich dips or creamy cheeses while cleansing your palate, preparing you for the feast ahead. A local favorite like 2017 Bluestone Vineyard Blanc de Blanc from Virginia offers bright apple and citrus notes, while NV Isaac Fernandez Biutiful which is a Spanish Cava balances orchard fruit with a touch of toast. For a French option, try NV Belle Jardin Blanc De Blanc Brut from the Loire Valley in France, with its zesty citrus and creamy mousse.

As the day progresses and people start to settle in, rosé becomes a wonderful choice. It’s a wine that works beautifully with the casual flow of Thanksgiving—whether you’re snacking on charcuterie, catching up with family, or keeping an eye on the football game. Rosé’s refreshing acidity and delicate fruit flavors make it an easygoing companion for a variety of dishes, from light veggies to roasted turkey. The structured 2021 Domaine Corne-Loup Tavel AOC from France offers bold red fruit flavors that can carry through the meal, while 2023 Tegernseerhof Mittelbach Zweigelt Rosé from the Niederosterrich region in Austria adds bright strawberry and cherry notes. For something unique, the 2023 Mil Historias Bobal Rosé from the Castille-La Mancha region of Spain delivers a burst of red berries with a crisp finish that pairs beautifully with appetizers or lighter sides.

When it’s time to sit down for the main event, full-bodied white wines are an excellent choice. These wines mirror the rich, creamy textures of dishes like scalloped potatoes, creamed spinach, or roasted squash. A full-bodied white, like an oaked Chardonnay or Viognier, also complements the lean proteins of turkey or pork. The 2022 Alpine Rift Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough New Zealand brings tropical fruit flavors and a zesty edge to vegetable sides and herb-forward dishes. Meanwhile, the 2022 Weingut Steininger Grüner Veltliner Reserve from the Kamptal region of Austria offers hints of spice and minerality, making it a perfect match for roasted turkey or buttery sides. For something lush and fruit-forward, the 2022 Fullerton Three Otters Pinot Gris from the  Willamette Valley of Oregon adds ripe pear and citrus to the mix. This Pinot Gris may good for those family members who wish a light touch of sweetness in their wine.

Of course, Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete without a juicy red wine to accompany the turkey and trimmings. A medium-bodied red with soft tannins and vibrant fruit flavors is ideal, as it won’t overpower the meal but will enhance its flavors. Pinot Noir is a classic option, offering elegance and high acidity, but other light reds like Grenache or Gamay are equally delightful. The 2021Maxime Francois Laurent Rouge Il Fait Soif from the Côtes du Rhône Valley of France is a Grenache-dominant blend with silky red berry notes that highlight the turkey’s flavors. If you’re looking for something more robust, the 2020 Morgan Côtes du Crow from Monterey, California delivers cherry, plum, and spice flavors that balance the richness of the meal. For a slightly earthy and vibrant choice, the 2022 Cantina Dorgali Cannonau from Sardegna, Italy pairs beautifully with herbed stuffing and roasted vegetables.

For those who lean toward heartier proteins like ham, roast beef, or lamb, a full-bodied red is the way to go. These wines bring depth and complexity to the table, complementing rich cuts of meat or bold holiday roasts. The 2021 Vermillion Red Blend from California offers smooth, dark berry flavors with a hint of spice, while the 2020 Chronic Cellars Sofa King Bueno Red Blend from Paso Robles California brings notes of chocolate and tobacco that pair beautifully with lamb or game meats. Another excellent option is the 2022 Field Recording Fiction from Paso Robles California, a structured red blend with ripe fruit and spice, perfect for glazed ham or roast beef.

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without dessert, and there’s a wine for that, too. Sweet wines like port, Moscato, or late-harvest varietals are perfect companions to the final course, whether it’s pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or a few indulgent chocolate cookies. The lightly sparkling 2022 Brown Family Wines Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato Victoria, Australia offers strawberry and floral notes, ideal for lighter desserts. For something richer, the NV Mas Peyre La Rage du Soleil from Maury, France brings flavors of dried fruit and chocolate that elevate pecan pie or dark chocolate desserts. And, of course, a classic NV Quinta da Pacheca Tawny from Porto, Portugal with its caramel and nutty notes is a timeless match for pumpkin pie or apple cobbler.

At the heart of Thanksgiving is the spirit of connection and gratitude, and the right wines can enhance both. Whether you’re sharing laughs over sparkling wine, savoring turkey with a juicy red, or toasting the end of the meal with a sweet dessert wine, there’s something for every palate and every dish.

If you’re looking for inspiration, City Vino, in downtown Fredericksburg, has a carefully curated selection to guide you through your Thanksgiving wine journey. Visit us at 100 Hanover Street or browse our offerings online at city-vino.com. Let’s raise a glass to good food, great wine, and the joy of coming together. Cheers! And Happy Thanksgiving!