Can You Drink Red Wine With Turkey? A Guide to Perfect Pairings

Turkey is a versatile meat that can be paired with both white and red wines, depending on how it is prepared While white wines tend to pair more easily with white meat turkey recipes, dark meat and more complex turkey preparations may go well with a light-bodied red wine or a richer, spicier red wine in the case of a spicy, earthy flavored dish Here is a detailed guide to help you find the perfect red wine to pair with your turkey this holiday season.

Light-Bodied Red Wines

Light-bodied red wines with high acidity and low tannins make great options for pairing with turkey, as they won’t overpower the delicate white meat. Some excellent choices include:

• Pinot Noir An elegant red that often has notes of cherry, raspberry and earth. Both Old World styles from Burgundy and New World styles from California, Oregon or New Zealand work well.

• Beaujolais: Made from Gamay grapes, Beaujolais is fruity and light-bodied. Look for Beaujolais Villages or the 10 Beaujolais Cru villages like Brouilly or Morgon.

• Valpolicella: An Italian red made from grapes including Corvina and Rondinella. Valpolicella Classico has bright cherry flavors and minimal tannins.

• Chinon: This Loire Valley Cabernet Franc is an ideal choice with its red fruit flavors and savory herbaceousness.

Medium-Bodied Red Wines

Medium-bodied reds with modest tannins can work with turkey, especially if you are serving dark meat or roasted turkey legs. Consider:

• Chianti Classico: Sangiovese-based, this Italian red has cherry flavors and savory herbal notes. Youthful versions have grippy tannins that soften with a little age.

• Red Bordeaux: Merlot-based Bordeaux from good producers is excellent with turkey. Look for a Cru Bourgeois from a recent vintage.

• Rhone Reds: Both Cotes du Rhone and GSM blends from Lirac or Gigondas have enough weight and spice to match turkey.

• Zinfandel: With lush fruit and moderate tannins, California Zinfandel is a friendly pairing, especially with spicier preparations.

Rich, Spicy Red Wines

For dark turkey meat covered in bold sauces or rubs, go for a bolder red that can handle the intensity of flavor. Consider:

• Amarone: Made from dried Corvina grapes, Amarone della Valpolicella has concentrated plum and raisin flavors with chewy tannins.

• Chateauneuf-du-Pape: This southern Rhone blend is robust with notes of roasted meat and blackberry. It needs some age for the tannins to integrate.

• Shiraz: Whether from Australia or the Rhone Valley, Shiraz has enough peppery richness to match a well-spiced turkey dish.

• California Cabernets: Bold, full-bodied Cabernets from Napa or Sonoma offer dark fruit flavors that work with turkey in mole sauce or tikka masala.

What to Avoid

Stay away from light, delicate reds like Pinot Noir or Sangiovese without some age, as the tannins may taste harsh and bitter with turkey’s lack of fat. Heavily oaked wines can overwhelm turkey’s delicate flavors as well.

Factors that Influence Pairings

Several factors impact what red wine styles work with turkey:

• White vs Dark Meat: White meat is more delicate and pairs best with lighter reds. Dark meat holds up to richer, fuller wines.

• Preparation: Roasted or fried turkey can handle bolder reds than poached or grilled. Strongly spiced preparations need a wine with intensity.

• Sides: Savory herb stuffing calls for an earthy red while sweet potato casserole pairs better with a fruit-forward wine.

• Sauces: Rich pan sauces work with fuller-bodied reds. Bright cranberry calls for a lighter wine.

So feel free to enjoy red wine this holiday season by selecting the proper style for how you prepare and serve your turkey! With this guide, you’ll be sure to find a perfect match.