Serving Wine at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and wine is a very celebratory beverage. Where do you start? Many of us serve the same dishes year after year, but choosing the wines can get confusing. With so many wine options, pairing wine with Thanksgiving food is a task all its own. But there is no need to worry! We’re going to cover some traditional and interesting pairing suggestions for your table this year. Maybe this is the year to branch out on some new dishes. Or better yet, combine the traditional and old family standbys with something different!
Best Wines to Serve With Turkey
It has long been said that, with white meat, you serve white wine. However, when pairing wine with food, it’s important to not only focus on one part of the meal. What are the side dishes? Are you serving strong flavoured dishes like brussels sprouts or cranberry sauce? With that in mind, here are some popular Thanksgiving wine pairing matches that will suit your turkey and many sides:
- Riesling – this white can range from bone dry to sweet. It has a food-friendly acidity and works well with many dishes.
- Pinot Grigio – this white holds its own with garlic, onions, herbs, stuffing, and higher-fat foods.
- Beaujolais – while Pinot Noir is the traditional red served for Thanksgiving, Beaujolais is a light and fruity red that matches nicely with almost anything on the table.
Best Wines to Serve With Potato Dishes
While turkey is easily associated with Thanksgiving, you’d be hard pressed to find a Thanksgiving table without potatoes. What makes potatoes extra special, is the seeming infinite ways they can be served. Largely influenced by the additional ingredients we add to our potato dishes, the wine pairing options are endless! We do have some suggestions for your favourite Thanksgiving potato dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes – serve with unoaked Chardonnay, especially alongside garlic-heavy, creamy mashed potatoes. This is a winning combo and will add an extra, rich layer to your entire meal.
- Cheesy Potatoes – whether you’re serving oven-baked scalloped potatoes or a cheese-crusted potato casserole, Riesling is going to be a great addition. Not to mention this white already goes great with your turkey!
- Root vegetables – both of the suggestions above would work really well with any root veggies like carrots and parsnips. If you’re looking for a red, we love Spanish Rioja with our root dishes.
Best Wines to Serve With Pumpkin Pie
Ah, pumpkin pie… the traditional Thanksgiving dessert. The rule for dessert, in general, is that the wine should be sweeter than the food. In that spirit, a sweet Chenin Blanc or Gewürztraminer would be an amazing option with the spicy flavours in this pie. Other great options would be a sparkling ice wine, or a vintage tawny Port. One thing to remember is that oak would not be a friendly match with pumpkin pie, so keep an eye on the labels before serving.
Wine Pairings for Thanksgiving
With food pairing, let your imagination take hold. There is no right or wrong way for pairing wine with Thanksgiving food, and personal preference is really key. But, with the suggestions made above, you’ll be a superstar at your Thanksgiving get-together this year! And if you’re looking for some special cocktails to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering, we have you covered. Check out our Holiday Cocktail Recipes below.