Thanksgiving Cheers: Wine Pairings
As the festive aroma of roast turkey and pumpkin pie fills the air, it's time to gather around the table and celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family. To elevate your Thanksgiving feast, consider these delightful wine pairings that perfectly complement the season's flavors. Plus, we'll guide you in choosing the ideal glassware for each drink, ensuring an exquisite drinking experience. Don't worry if you prefer non-alcoholic options – we've got you covered with spirit-free alternatives as well.
When it comes to Thanksgiving foods, there are a few simple rules to help you navigate the world of wine pairings:
Crisp Whites & Lighter-Bodied Wines with Lighter Dishes
Starting your feast with light and refreshing appetizers or roasted vegetables? Reach for a crisp white wine option.
Vegetarian Feast with Sauvignon Blanc
Wine: Sauvignon Blanc is known for its citrus-based flavors with herbal or mineral undertones, so this crisp white wine is a great partner for lighter appetizers. It also pairs wonderfully with vegetable-based dishes while cleansing the palate between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Glass: Choose a medium-sized wine glass with a slightly tapered rim to capture and concentrate the wine's vibrant aromatics.
Spirit-Free Option: Herb-infused Iced Tea – brew your favorite herbal tea, let it cool, and add fresh herbs like mint or basil.
Rich Reds with Bolder Dishes
When it's time for heartier mains like roast turkey, lamb, or dishes with rich, flavorful sauces, opt for a robust red wine.
Classic Roast Turkey with Pinot Noir
Wine: Pinot Noir is a quintessential choice for Thanksgiving gatherings for a reason. Its zesty red fruit undertones harmonize seamlessly with autumn flavors, much like cranberry sauce complements the meal! Pinot Noir's light body and subtle notes of red berries and spices also make it a superb choice for the Thanksgiving turkey.
Glass: Serve Pinot Noir in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate its delicate aromas and enhance its taste profile.
Spirit-Free Option: Sparkling Cranberry Punch – combine cranberry juice, sparkling water, a splash of lemon juice, and fresh cranberries for a festive, non-alcoholic alternative.
Sweet, Sparkling, or Creamy Wines with Dessert
Save room for dessert, and remember to pair your sweet treats appropriately. A general guideline suggests that the wine should be sweeter than the dessert. While we don't believe in strict "rules" regarding pairings per se, this one tends to hold true in most cases.
Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Dessert Wine
Wine: Indulge your sweet tooth with a spiced dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Its luscious sweetness and aromatic spices complement the warm flavors of pumpkin pie.
Glass: Serve dessert wine in a small, tulip-shaped glass to enhance its bouquet and concentrate the aromas.
Spirit-Free Option: Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte – combine steamed milk, pumpkin puree, espresso (or strong coffee), and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy, non-alcoholic treat.
Regardless of your drink choice, these Thanksgiving wine pairings, coupled with the proper glassware, will add a hint of refinement to your celebration. Here's to delicious food, excellent company, and the spirit of thankfulness!