Thanksgiving Pairings: Celebrate with German and Austrian Wines

• Posted on 20 November 2024
• Posted in Austria, Germany, pinot noir, Riesling, Rotgipfler, zweigelt
• 0

When planning your Thanksgiving table, German and Austrian wines might not be the first to come to mind, but they offer some of the best pairings for the season. Both regions have rich winemaking traditions tied to the harvest, and their wines are known for their bright acidity, fruit-forward flavors, and elegant structures—perfect for complementing the diverse dishes of a Thanksgiving meal.

In Germany, the harvest season is celebrated with Erntedankfest, an autumn festival of gratitude and abundance. Observed on the first Sunday in October, this celebration includes church services, music, parades, and a sense of joy that echoes a country fair. Inspired by this tradition, we’ve selected wines from Germany and Austria that embody the spirit of the harvest and elevate

Zweigelt, Austria’s most widely planted red grape, is an incredibly versatile variety. It was created in 1922 by Dr. Fritz Zweigelt as a cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. The grape’s fruit-forward and approachable style makes it a favorite for both red and rosé wines. The 2023 Tegernseerhof Mittelbach Zweigelt Rosé is a beautiful example, with its coal-pink hue and bright aromas of cherry and red currant. The palate is crisp and refreshing, offering fresh cherry, delicate red currant, and a hint of watermelon. Perfectly dry and medium-bodied, this rosé is an excellent pairing for roasted ham, spicy sausage stuffing, or even duck. Tegernseerhof, a highly respected producer from Niederösterreich, is known for crafting wines that highlight the natural elegance of Austrian grapes, and this rosé is no exception.

or a deeper, fruitier expression of Zweigelt, the 2021 Pratsch Zweigelt is a standout. This organic wine bursts with aromas of raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry jam. The palate follows with sour cherry, white pepper, prunes, and red licorice, and finishes with vibrant acidity and concentrated red fruit flavors. Family-owned and certified organic, Weingut Pratsch has long been dedicated to sustainable winemaking. This Zweigelt’s bold yet balanced character makes it a great match for classic Thanksgiving dishes like cranberry sauce, herb-roasted turkey, or sweet potatoes.

Pinot Noir, a classic staple of many a thanksgiving table, is also known as Spätburgunder in Germany.  Germany is the third-largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world, after France and the United States, and its cool climate produces wines with fresh fruit flavors and bright acidity. The 2021 Wittmann Spätburgunder from Rheinhessen is a prime example of this style. It features aromas of violets, earthy bramble, and subtle blue fruit. The palate offers notes of strawberry, red cherry, and herb de Provence, with hints of leather, pastry, and dried blackberry. With medium-plus acidity and fine-grained tannins, this wine is elegant and drinkable, pairing beautifully with turkey, mushroom dishes, or herb-laden stuffing. The Wittmann family has been farming organically and biodynamically for over 25 years, emphasizing sustainability and quality in every bottle.

For something truly unique, consider Rotgipfler, a rare white grape grown primarily in Austria’s Thermenregion. A crossing of Traminer and Roter Veltliner, Rotgipfler produces aromatic wines with vibrant acidity and intriguing complexity. The 2021 Heinrich Hartl III Rotgipfler highlights this grape’s potential with aromas of plums, honeydew melon, orange zest, and spring blossoms. The palate reveals flavors of green apple and pineapple, finishing with floral honey-blossom notes. Heinrich Hartl III is a passionate winemaker whose commitment to highlighting native Austrian varieties shines through in this bottle. Rotgipfler’s crisp and floral profile makes it a lovely pairing for appetizers, salads, or lighter dishes like roasted vegetables or seafood.

Each of these wines tells a story of place and tradition, making them perfect for your Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing rosé, a fruit-forward red, or an aromatic white, these selections offer something for everyone while honoring the harvests of their respective regions.

This Thanksgiving, let German and Austrian wines inspire your celebration. Their bright acidity cuts through rich, buttery dishes, while their vibrant fruit flavors complement sides like green beans and cranberry sauce. Light tannins and balanced structures make them ideal companions to roasted turkey, ham, or even duck.

Visit City Vino to explore these exceptional wines and discover how they can bring a new level of flavor and tradition to your holiday meal. We’re grateful to share these recommendations with you and wish you a joyful and delicious Thanksgiving!