The Trophy WifeStyle
  • Welcome
  • The Blog Life
    • Eat Well
    • Look Fab
    • Travel Often
    • Western New York
    • Kiddos
    • Lush
    • Tech & Castle Decor
  • The Girl Behind The Blog
  • Disney Fabulousness

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

11/21/2017

9 Comments

 
4 Thanksgiving Wine Pairings
Ohh, Turkey Day!!! I'm beyond obsessed with this ultimate feast and the ever-swelling gathering of family and friends crammed into a too-tiny, hectic and utterly delicious-smelling kitchen. I adore the sight of hands everywhere eager to help prepare, stories being shared and everyone sitting down together to a veritable smorgasbord. And while this uniquely American holiday's history has given us a fairly good idea of what to eat, the question of what to drink is perhaps not so easily answered.
To start, let's get one thing out of the way! There's not a "right" or a "wrong" wine to slam with your pie, but there are wines that just might be more likely send you to sensory elation. So, where to start?
Zinfandel
Zinfandel could very well be the #1 All-American Thanksgiving wine choice given that it was once the most planted variety in California (prior to the Prohibition era). Here’s how this wine will behave when paired with food:
  • It will amplify Thanksgiving spices such as clove, cinnamon, and allspice.
  • It often adds a touch of smokiness to the taste profile.
  • It’s typically bolder and richer (higher alcohol) and thus, pairs well with dark meat turkey.
Pinot Noir
​
Pinot Noir is the fine-wine lover’s #1 pick for Thanksgiving, which is due (in large part) to the grape’s prestigious pedigree tracing back to Burgundy, France.
  • A great pick for classic Thanksgiving dishes with simple spicing (salt + pepper) or cream based dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or casseroles.
  • Pinot works well with both dark and white meat turkey.
  • It will do great to accentuate cranberry-like flavors.
Rosé or Blanc de Noirs Champagne
​
This is a sommelier’s must-have wine for Thanksgiving because, for a somm, you can’t really start a meal without a splash of something sparkling wine. Here’s why:
  • It’s a great choice for a pre-Thanksgiving aperitif.
  • It’s bold enough to pair alongside dinner.
  • Its strawberry, white currant and white raspberry flavors accentuate the cranberry flavors in the dish.
  • It acts as a palate cleanser to rich gravies and meats.
Riesling
​
One of the most aromatics of whites, Riesling meets the big flavors of the day with a bushelful of fruit. And as whites go, the variety is also deceptively mouth-filling and braced with acidity, giving it the wherewithal to keep up with everything from the sweet potatoes to the sausage in the dressing. And in this case, a touch of sweetness in the wine is your friend.
  • ​Its crisp acidity and flavors of apples, citrus and stone fruits pair well with such a wide variety of Thanksgiving foods.
  • Has a bright flavor that will pair amazingly well with rich and savory stuffing.
  • natural acidity stands up nicely to rich dishes like mashed potatoes.
  • ​It’s lush body, and hint of citrus pair perfectly with that beautiful bird.



4 Thanksgiving Wine Pairings
9 Comments
Monica
11/21/2017 10:04:43 am

You must have read my mind! We're on our way out of town to visit family for Thanksgiving and talking about what type of wine to take as a gift. Champagne is a given for any occasion so a bottle of that is a must, now to decide between the Pinot Noir & Zinfandel. Maybe a bottle of each :).

Reply
April Hammond link
11/21/2017 10:21:07 am

Wine is always at my Thanksgiving table. I love your suggestions and going to try a few of them this year. I am going to a friends house for dinner and it is always nice to bring a bottle to share.

Reply
valmg2@gmail.com link
11/21/2017 10:36:09 am

I never know exactly what to grab so wind up grabbing what I like. I think we've served all but a Riesling on Thanksgiving.

Reply
Heather Johnson link
11/21/2017 02:53:54 pm

You offer a great list of wines to accompany Thanksgiving dinner. I personally am a fan of sweet red wines myself.

Reply
Liz Mays link
11/21/2017 03:39:35 pm

I would love to try pairing with Rosé! It's not something that I've experimented with before.

Reply
Joline
11/21/2017 03:42:20 pm

Riesling is my wine of choice and we will certainly keep it flowing during the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving!

Reply
Brandy Tanner link
11/21/2017 04:15:33 pm

I am clueless for win pairing ideas, glad you shared this with us. It's a great way to know what to pair up with wine over the holiday family gatherings.

Reply
Neely Moldovan
11/21/2017 04:16:01 pm

This is great to know I tend to stick to a Sauv blanc! Its my fav!

Reply
Janella Panchamsingh link
11/21/2017 07:16:11 pm

This is great for those just getting into trying new wines. I love checking out pairing options

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    welcome

    CourtneyLynne is former model turned mommy & wifey! When not blogging all things foodie, fashion, travel, mom life & straight up fabulousness to the masses, she can be found chasing her toddler around in 6in stilettos & laughing at her own jokes her glass of wine told her to tell.

    Categories

    All
    Blog Tips
    Deals
    Fashion & Beauty
    Kiddos
    Kiss The Chef
    Lush
    Tech & Castle Decor
    Travel & Events
    Western New York

  • Welcome
  • The Blog Life
    • Eat Well
    • Look Fab
    • Travel Often
    • Western New York
    • Kiddos
    • Lush
    • Tech & Castle Decor
  • The Girl Behind The Blog
  • Disney Fabulousness