What wines complement turkey and the array of main dishes and sides at your Thanksgiving dinner?
You could opt for a lively white, a high-quality Champagne, or a light to medium bodied red - though there are no strict rules, certain wine styles tend to pair exceptionally well.
To simplify your selection process, we've curated a list of the best red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines tailored to match your Thanksgiving menu.
Let us know your perfect pairings in the comments.
Best Red Wines for Thanksgiving
When selecting red wine we suggest you opt for varieties with a light to medium body, low tannins, and well-balanced acidity.
1. Pinot Noir
Choose Pinot Noir for an elegant addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. It boasts the perfect balance of acidity, complemented by notes of red fruit and earthy undertones. This sophisticated choice pairs exceptionally well with turkey, dishes featuring cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Best wines to serve:
- Joseph Drouhin, Clos de Chenes Premier Cru, Volnay, 2016
- Dom. Bruno Clair, Gevrey Petite Chapelle Premier Cru, Gevrey-Chambertin, 2016
2. Syrah or Syrah Blends
For a left field option. Syrah is a luscious red wine characterised by a velvety texture and a bold flavour profile accented by hints of spice and black fruit. Its vibrant character makes it an excellent companion for a range of Thanksgiving dishes featuring abundant herbs and white turkey meat.
Best wines to serve:
- Penfolds, St Henri Shiraz, South Australia, 2005
- Etienne Guigal, Ermitage Ex-Voto Rouge, Hermitage, 2010
3. Rhone Blends
For a more sophisticated and refined red wine experience, opt for a classic Rhone blend featuring Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. This traditional French wine showcases fig and berry fruit flavours harmonised by subtle earthy undertones. The well-balanced nature of most Rhone blends makes them an ideal wine pairing for roasted veggies and a traditional turkey dinner, complete with gravy and cranberry sauce.
Best wines to serve:
- Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf du Pape, 2005
- Domaine de la Janasse, Cuvee Chaupin, Chateauneuf du Pape, 2007
Best White Wines for Thanksgiving
For white wine lovers, these are excellent options that embody the ideal fusion of fruity citrus flavours and crisp acidity.
1. Viognier
Viognier, with its medium body, exudes a delightful honeysuckle aroma and offers ripe stone fruit flavour notes akin to Chenin Blanc. Enjoy a glass of this approachable wine alongside a classic holiday stuffing or some indulgent buttery mashed potatoes.
Best wines to serve:
- Domaine Georges Vernay, Coteau du Vernon, Condrieu Blanc, 2016
- Etienne Guigal, La Doriane, Condrieu, 2020
2. Riesling
Here's another exceptional white wine available in both sweet and dry variations. Regardless of your choice, you'll be treated to wonderful aroma of flowers, honey, and spice, accompanied by enticing white fruit flavour notes and mild acidity. Whether you prefer sweet or dry Riesling, it pairs wonderfully with herb-infused dishes, sweet potato casserole, and turkey.
Best wines to serve:
- Markus Molitor, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Zeltingen, 2015
- Egon Muller, Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett, Wiltingen, 2019
3. Sauvignon Blanc
This refined wine exhibits a light body, gentle acidity, and citrus flavour notes with subtle grassy undertones. Sauvignon Blanc is a palate-friendly and flavourful option that complements traditional turkey stuffing, gravy, Brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes.
Best wines to serve:
- Didier Dagueneau, Pouilly Fume Silex, Sancerre, 2019
- Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre Les Romains, 2020
Best Sparkling Wines for Thanksgiving
To bring extra flair and festivity to the Thanksgiving table, consider adding a classic sparkling like:
1. Champagne
Sparkling wines and champagne stand out as one of the most versatile and celebratory choices to enhance your Thanksgiving dinner.
In fact, champagnes and sparkling wines complement a wide array of dishes that constitute your Thanksgiving feast. Here's a selection of some bubbly options that will add an extra layer of sparkle to your celebration.
Best wines to serve:
- Pol Roger, Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill Brut, Champagne, 2008
- Bollinger, La Grande Annee Rose, Champagne, 2012
2. Sparkling Rose
For those who enjoy something a bit racier, consider opting for a sparkling pink wine such as Rosé Champagne. Its refreshing and fruity palate makes for an excellent pairing with high-fat, salty, and sweet dishes.
Best wines to serve:
- Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose, Champagne, 2008
- Gosset, Grand Rose Brut, Champagne, NV
Best Dessert Wines for Thanksgiving
Here are some great dessert wine options for those who have a sweet tooth. These sweet wines are also the perfect match for your Thanksgiving desserts.
1. Port
Port is a delectable fortified wine characterised by a velvety mouthfeel and enriched with notes of dried fruit and caramel. It serves as the ideal wine companion for a range of desserts, such as cranberry-apple cobbler, caramel pecan pie, and pumpkin cheesecake.
Best wines to serve:
- Dow's, Vintage Port, 2000
- Taylor's, Vintage Port, Vintage Port, 2011
2. Sauternes
This refined wine showcases opulent apricot and honey flavours, accented by nutty undertones and lively acidity. Sauternes proves to be an excellent wine match for various cheesecakes, as its acidity adeptly cuts through the rich texture of the dessert.
Best wines to serve:
- Chateau D'Yquem, 1st Growth Premier Cru Superior Classe, Sauternes, Half Bottle, 2001
- Chateau Suduiraut, Premier Cru Classe, Sauternes, 2011
Let the Thanksgiving Feast Begin!
Here's a crucial tip for selecting Thanksgiving wines: Ensure you have an ample supply of each wine style. This way, you guarantee a perfect wine pairing for all your prepared dishes, ensuring admiration from all your guests. If your
Regardless of your choice, savour every sip with your Thanksgiving meal! If you're interested in making your own selection, find your Perfect Bottle here.