Thanksgiving is a time for indulgence, with a spread that includes everything from savory turkey and stuffing to tangy cranberry sauce and sweet potato casserole. But with so many flavors on the table, choosing the right wine can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, wine pairing doesn’t need to be complicated, especially when you focus on versatile options that complement the entire meal. To help simplify your selection, here are some tips on American wines that will elevate your holiday feast.
Red Wine Pairings for Thanksgiving
For red wine lovers, it’s best to opt for light-bodied wines with moderate acidity and bright fruit flavors. These characteristics will complement your Thanksgiving dishes without overwhelming them. Light reds such as Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Gamay are excellent choices. Their subtle tannins and fresh fruit notes make them perfect companions for turkey, while their acidity cuts through richer dishes like gravy and stuffing.
Among the top American options, Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Sonoma County, and Monterey in California are standout selections. A few bottles to consider include:
- Van Duzer Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
- WALT Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
- The Prisoner 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
- White Wine Pairings for Thanksgiving
If you prefer white wine, choose bottles with higher acidity to balance the rich and diverse flavors of your Thanksgiving meal. Wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, and Chenin Blanc offer the right balance of freshness and complexity to complement dishes like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
American-made options include:
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars AVETA Sauvignon Blanc and Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, both of which offer crisp acidity and vibrant fruit notes.
For a more unique selection, try a Riesling or Gewürztraminer from the Finger Lakes region in New York, or from Aurora Cellars in Northern Michigan, which also produces an exceptional Grüner Veltliner.
Sparkling Wines for Thanksgiving
If you’re looking for something bubbly to serve alongside your Thanksgiving feast, dry sparkling wines are an excellent option. The bright acidity and light body of sparkling wines, including Brut and Brut Nature varieties, make them a versatile pairing for everything from rich meats to lighter appetizers. Look for sparkling wines labeled Brut or Extra Brut for drier options, which contain little to no added sugar. Conversely, wines labeled Extra Dry, Sec, or Demi-Sec are sweeter, with more residual sugar.
For exceptional American sparkling wines, try:
- Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Rosé or Blanc de Blanc
Gloria Ferrer sparkling wines, which offer a broad selection available in many regions.
A lesser-known gem to seek out is Corollary Wines, a new sparkling winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Alternative Pairings for Non-Traditional Feasts
If your Thanksgiving plans involve a non-traditional feast, such as grilled bison steaks or a beef tenderloin, there are still excellent American wines to complement your meal. Consider robust red wines like:
- ZD Wines 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Grgich Hills Estate 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon
For seafood lovers, especially those planning to serve lobster or buttery fish dishes, crisp Pinot Grigio or a rich Chardonnay are ideal partners. These whites enhance the delicate flavors of seafood while pairing beautifully with creamy sides like risotto.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family, food, and of course, wine. By focusing on versatile wines that can complement a variety of flavors, you can simplify the decision-making process and ensure your wine choices enhance your holiday meal. Whether you’re enjoying traditional dishes or exploring a non-traditional spread, American wines offer something for every palate. Cheers to a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving!
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