{"id":3174,"date":"2019-11-18T14:49:24","date_gmt":"2019-11-18T19:49:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wtso.com\/blog\/?p=3174"},"modified":"2022-11-22T16:02:48","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T21:02:48","slug":"guide-to-the-best-wines-for-thanksgiving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wtso.com\/blog\/guide-to-the-best-wines-for-thanksgiving\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Best Wines for Thanksgiving"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a lot to love about Thanksgiving\u2014the delectable, mouth-watering food; the intimate time shared with family; and the joy of a few days off are all aspects that make this holiday such a fantastic time. However, such a big holiday means a lot planning\u2014which for some people means a lot of stress. You probably already have a rough idea of what you\u2019re doing for food, but don\u2019t forget that the most important complement to tasty food is a winsome wine<\/a>. To help you plan the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, take a look at our guide to the best wines for Thanksgiving. We\u2019ll delve into our top wine<\/a> choices and then pair those wines with the big staples\u2014check it out!<\/p>\n

Top Red Wines for Thanksgiving<\/h2>\n

Pinot Noir<\/h3>\n

Pinot Noir is a beloved red wine for Thanksgiving, and for great reason. The wine\u2019s subtle earthy undertones and fruity features will pair well with just about every dish you have on your table. If you\u2019re going to pick just one bottle of red, then pinot noir is definitely the way to go. The high acidity cuts through the rich flavors without overpowering them, and the wine\u2019s light-bodied nature pairs well with those lighter dishes.<\/p>\n

Our wine recommendation:<\/a>\u00a0Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2017 Ardi\u0301ri Winery and Vineyards<\/p>\n

Beaujolais Nouveau<\/h3>\n

Although it\u2019s not one of the most well-known wines for Thanksgiving, Beaujolais actually offers a lot of lovely flavor pairings for your meal. Made from Gamay grapes, the wine is comparable to pinot noir, but it has an even wider range of complements. Its lighter body pairs well with salads, roasted squash, cranberries, and marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes.<\/p>\n

Our wine recommendation:<\/a>\u00a092 Pt. Beaujolais Cru Morgon Les Charmes Red 2020 Annick Bachelet<\/p>\n

Zinfandel<\/h3>\n

Another popular option for Thanksgiving meals is the full-bodied Zinfandel. Although it\u2019s definitely more intense than pinot noir or Beaujolais, this red still has quite the balancing effect on most of your Thanksgiving staples. The low tannins help moisten a dry turkey (we don\u2019t want to admit it, but most of our turkeys come out pretty dry), so you\u2019ll want to pick up a bottle before you head to the in-laws\u2019 house. Not to mention, its lovely secondary flavors of clove, cinnamon, and vanilla complement a lot of dishes you find in the fall.<\/p>\n

Our wine recommendation:<\/a>\u00a0Artezin Zinfandel Collins Vineyard 2017<\/p>\n

Best White Wines for Thanksgiving<\/h2>\n

Riesling<\/h3>\n

Say goodbye to the stereotypical sweeter-than-sweet Riesling and welcome dry Riesling into your home. When it comes to the perfect white wine for Thanksgiving dinner, nothing pairs better than the dynamic dry Riesling. Truth be told, even if you\u2019re not a huge fan of dry Riesling, then a semi-sweet one will work just as well. Either way, the wine\u2019s apple, apricot, and honey flavors and stimulating acidity give it a wonderful pairing edge you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find in other whites.<\/p>\n

Our wine recommendation:<\/a>\u00a095 Pt. Cave de Beblenheim Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Schoenenbourg 2020<\/p>\n

Gew\u00fcrztraminer<\/h3>\n

This cheerful summer wine actually transitions quite well to the fall. It\u2019s a highly aromatic and spiced wine that does wonders for bringing more flavor to turkey and gravy. Similar to Riesling, it can be dry or sweet, so get a bottle of both and hold a little taste-test to figure out which showcases more flavor. Gew\u00fcrztraminer also pairs well with any lighter salads or dishes you have, bringing out more of those tangy notes.<\/p>\n

Our wine recommendation:<\/a>\u00a094 Pt. Boeckel Zotzenberg Grand Cru Gewurztraminer Alsace 2018<\/p>\n

Sauvignon Blanc<\/h3>\n

Another crisp white that\u2019s high in acidity, Sauvignon Blanc is a prime candidate for mashed potatoes. The high level of citrus-based flavors works well with herb and mineral undertones, so this wine pairs nicely with a variety of dishes. An herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc pairs terrifically with green bean casserole and roasted asparagus, and it acts as a palate cleanser for those super-rich gravies and meats\u2014it\u2019s quite the versatile white wine choice.<\/p>\n

Our wine recommendation:<\/a>\u00a0Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc 2021 by Wagner Family of Wines<\/p>\n

Wines for Turkey-Lovers<\/h2>\n

Zinfandel<\/h3>\n

As we mentioned above, Zinfandel is a popular wine option for Thanksgiving, and one of the main reasons is its ability to pair perfectly with turkey. The fuller body matches well with both light and dark meat, so pour a glass and dig in.<\/p>\n

Our favorites:<\/h4>\n