Turkey is a flavorful meat that pairs easily and wonderfully with a wide variety of wines. Depending on how you prepare your turkey and what flavors you add to the meat, gravy, and stuffing, you have many options for intriguing and delicious wine and turkey pairings.
Turkey is practically synonymous with Thanksgiving, a holiday that brings a wide palette of foods with diverse taste profiles. Thus, oftentimes pairing wine and turkey means pairing wine with other flavors and textures ranging from crunchy greens to soft and sweet potatoes.
All that said, our suggestions will focus on Thanksgiving wine and turkey, with a special consideration on preparation methods.
The centerpiece of many Thanksgiving feasts is a beautifully roasted turkey. But what wine should you serve with turkey? With all of the different flavors on your plate, from savory to sweet, finding the right wine can be a daunting task. Never fear, we’re here to help guide you in choosing wines that will perfectly complement your Thanksgiving turkey and impress your guests.
Why Wine Pairing Matters
You may be wondering if picking the right wine for your Thanksgiving turkey really makes a difference. The short answer – yes, it does! While your grocery store cabernet or chardonnay might be just fine, taking the time to select wines that specifically enhance the flavors of turkey and traditional Thanksgiving side dishes can really elevate your meal. The right wine pairing provides balance to the food, allowing the flavors to shine. It cleanses your palate after each bite so you taste the foods anew with every sip. A thoughtful wine pairing is like adding another dimension to your meal.
Choosing Wines for Turkey
Turkey is a fairly neutral-flavored meat so it can work well with a wide variety of wines. Here are some varietals and styles that pair wonderfully with Thanksgiving turkey
Light-bodied White Wines
-
Sauvignon Blanc – This crisp, dry white wine has bright citrus notes that cut through the richness of the turkey. It pairs nicely with cranberry sauce and green bean casserole as well.
-
Chardonnay – An oaked Chardonnay provides a fuller mouthfeel and flavors of butter and vanilla that complement turkey’s richness. Unoaked styles work well too.
-
Riesling – Riesling runs the gamut from dry to sweet. Dry styles have racy acidity and flavors of green apple peach, and lime that work well with turkey. Off-dry versions pair nicely with cranberry sauce.
-
Pinot Grigio – Light in body with lemon-lime flavors, Pinot Grigio is a very food-friendly option. It won’t compete with all of the Thanksgiving flavors.
Full-bodied White Wines
-
Chardonnay – As mentioned above, a fuller-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can stand up to the turkey and all of its rich accompaniments.
-
Viognier – This white wine is more aromatic and fuller-bodied with stone fruit flavors. It has enough heft for the turkey meat but won’t overwhelm.
Sparkling Wines
-
Champagne – Bubbles are always appropriate when celebrating! Brut Champagne has vibrant acidity that cuts through the rich foods and cleanses the palate.
-
Prosecco – More affordable than Champagne, Prosecco has a light effervescence and approachable fruity flavors. It’s festive and food-friendly.
Rosé
- Dry Rosé – With crisp acidity, vibrant berry flavors, and a light body, dry rosé is incredibly versatile with food. It takes on turkey and all the fixings with ease.
Light-bodied Red Wines
-
Pinot Noir – Earthy with bright cherry flavors, Pinot Noir is light enough not to overpower turkey but substantial enough to complement the meat.
-
Beaujolais – Made from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais is light, fruit-forward, and has very soft tannins. It’s a great option with poultry.
-
Côtes du Rhône – This Grenache-based red blend from France has medium body, spicy red fruit flavors, and gentle tannins.
Bolder Red Wines
However, if you prefer red wine, richer styles like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah can work well when enjoyed alongside boldly flavored foods like sausage stuffing or red wine gravy. Their higher tannins help cut through fattier dishes.
Serving Tips
-
Have a range of wine options on hand so guests can taste different pairings and choose their favorite. Offer a mix of varietals and styles.
-
Chill reds lightly before serving, around 60-65°F. The cool temperature helps accentuate the fruity flavors and softens tannic grip.
-
Pour smaller samples of each wine, about 2-3 ounces, so people can try different pairings without getting overwhelmed. Offering wine “flights” makes it easy.
-
Start with gentle, light wines. As dishes get heavier and rich desserts are served, move to more robust wines that can handle the intensity.
-
Take it slow and sip water between wines. Pace yourself so you can sip and savor rather than gulp!
Recommended Wines to Pair with Turkey
To make shopping easy, here are some specific wines in each category that pair beautifully with turkey:
Light-Bodied Whites
- Conundrum White Blend
- Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
- Dr. Loosen Riesling
- La Crema Pinot Grigio
Full-Bodied Whites
- Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
- Bonterra Organic Viognier
Sparkling
- Roederer Estate Brut
- La Marca Prosecco
Rosé
- Gerard Bertrand Côte des Roses
- Chateau Minuty Rosé
Light-Bodied Reds
- Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages
- Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône
- Meiomi Pinot Noir
Full-Bodied Reds
- Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
- The Prisoner Red Blend
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Syrah
Time to Feast!
As you prepare your Thanksgiving menu, think about how you can take your turkey and sides to the next level with wine. Pick a few options within your budget that offer a mix of styles so your guests can enjoy different pairings. Trust me, your palate will thank you – and so will your guests! Here’s wishing you a very happy and delicious Thanksgiving meal.
Tips for Pairing Wine with Turkey:
Curating a selection is better than limiting choices.
- When it comes to pairing wine and turkey, it is better to curate a selection rather than restrict a pairing. You are dealing with a large bird with parts that are very different from one another; a juicy breast cut will not taste the same as a piece of roasted dark meat.
- Easy reds are an obvious choice of wine pairing, but there is always room for more creative wine and turkey pairings.
- How you prepare your turkey will dictate the choice of wine pairing.
Wine and turkey pairings
You cannot go wrong with this choice when served alongside a classic, roasted turkey with a side of gravy. Pinot Noir is an incredibly versatile wine. You can select a New World Pinot Noir for a lighter, fruit-forward profile with wines from Oregon, California, Argentina, or another region of the Americas. Or you might prefer an old world Pinot Noir selection from Frances Burgundy region, or even a German Spatburgunder.
Another obvious choice for wine pairing with turkey, Chardonnay is ideal for a classic roasted bird. It will complement a variety of flavors, such as the herb notes used in basting. Needless to say, Chardonnay is a grape that boasts abundant variety. The oaky notes of a California Chardonnay will bring out more complex flavors and textures from the turkey, while a fruity and crisp French Chardonnay such as Chablis or Burgundy offers a more delicate mouthfeel. Regardless of your choice of Chardonnay, the acidity and fruitiness are constants that make for an excellent pairing with your turkey.
It should be no surprise that this classic, bubbly drink makes the list. A mainstay drink for celebrations, Champagne is an excellent wine to pair with turkey. It contains high acidity, which pairs well with traditional Thanksgiving flavors and can be drunk throughout the meal—even during dessert.
Champagne pairs especially well with a deep-fried turkey as it offsets the crunch of the skin and is great at bringing out the grassy, herbal flavors of the bird. Plus, theres nothing like a bubbly wine pairing with a large meal to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends.
A dry, German Riesling is an outstanding choice for a Thanksgiving wine and turkey pairing. The wine pairs especially well with smoked turkey and spicier, herbier flavors. However, a dry Riesling also pairs splendidly with sweeter items such as sweet potatoes. If you would like to emphasize your turkey’s carefully added, detailed and rich flavors, Riesling is the way to go. The drink’s high acidity and minerality add a delicious touch to the turkey while keeping your taste buds soothed and comfortable.
Another popular choice for Thanksgiving turkey, this wine brings an assortment of pairing variations. For a trendier choice look no further than a Cru Beaujolais. This young wine is light and high in acidity, making for a distinct and enjoyable wine and turkey pairing.
For a classic and popular choice, a Beaujolais Nouveau will not disappoint. This light and fruity variation of the wine will complement the turkey, and the drink’s low alcoholic content will effortlessly highlight sweeter flavors. Choose this wine and turkey pairing if youd like to keep your meal light.
While not a classic a go-to wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, Sangiovese can be an excellent choice for pairing with turkey. Its subtly spicy flare helps bring out more unique, savory flavors in your turkey preparation. Pick a Sangiovese to emphasize vibrant fruit flavors without overpowering other tastes. Because it is not as noticeably oaky as some other reds, a young Sangiovese with fresh, fruity flavors makes an excellent choice.
This wine variety pairs exceptionally well with turkey. Zinfandels fruit profile and body pairs well with both dark and light turkey cuts. The drink is the perfect choice of wine if you would like to go for a red with more oomph than Pinot Noir. It is best when paired with heavier meals and dishes.
No matter how you prepare your turkey, you can always bring out the best flavors and highlight interesting textures with the right wine pairing. JJ Buckley Fine Wine has a highly curated wine selection for you to choose from. Regardless of your pairing needs, our selection is guaranteed to have just the right wine to perfectly complement your next Thanksgiving meal.
If you are unsure about what wine pairing you would like, or simply want to expand your wine collection, take advantage of JJ Buckley’s consultancy services. We offer:
- Knowledgeable Wine Specialists to provide you with highly personalized recommendations
- Assistance in helping you build and expand your wine collection
- Tailored recommendations to your wine preferences and selections
- Answers to your questions on wine pairings, tasting notes, and wine reviews
- Exclusive offers on the world’s best wines
Look through our wine collection and contact us today to find the perfect wine for all your pairing needs!
What Wine Should You Serve With Turkey?
FAQ
Is turkey better with red or white wine?
What wine do they drink in turkey?
What white wine do you use for turkey?