Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we love any excuse for a feast. The thought of the holidays makes your mouth water, but no good dinner would be complete without the ideal wine pairing to match. We all know that choosing the perfect wine can be daunting, but it does not have to be stressful. In this article, we are going to go through some perfect wine pairings for Thanksgiving. Let’s take one thing off your plate and make more room for turkey.
All the wines in this article are available for local wine delivery in Vancouver from Darby’s Liquor store. 7 days a week, all year round, our local wine delivery service has you covered.
Beautifully Crisp White Wines That Were Meant for Thanksgiving Dinner
- Sauvignon Blanc
Let’s begin with a long-standing favourite. In fact, it would be a crime to write any list of wine pairing recommendations that didn’t include Sauvignon Blanc. Its dry finish works incredibly well with light pairings such as poultry, making this the perfect wine pairing for your Thanksgiving turkey.
The vivid flavours in a good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc such as this Kim Crawford are a great choice to complement strong herbaceous flavours, such as rosemary, chives, and garlic, so this one is perfect for a roast.
- Viognier
If very dry white wine isn’t your thing and you prefer something leaning closer to a medium, you can’t go wrong with Viognier. Viognier can hold its own alongside a roast turkey, and deliciously complements earthy root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. However, it is absolutely at its best when paired with a rich smoked salmon starter. Lacking much in the way of acidity, Viognier excels at enhancing a dish by creating a richer, fuller flavour rather than balancing it.
Try this Church & State Viognier to add floral notes and subtle, fruity aromas to your Thanksgiving dish.
- Riesling
Riesling is easily one of the most versatile wines on the market. You can find varieties of Riesling that range from dry all the way through to sweet that never fail to impress. Riesling makes a perfect wine pairing for chicken, duck, or pork. It also presents flavours that work best with vegetables that are naturally sweet, such as onions, peppers, or squash. This one works exceptionally well with spices like ginger, cloves and cinnamon and will even stand up to light cheeses (if you’ve got any room!).
O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars Riesling is a great example of an intense white wine that will fit perfectly with your Thanksgiving feast.
A Light Red Wine is an Ideal Pairing for Thanksgiving
- Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grapes used for making wine. The Romans were drinking it at their feasts back in the first century, and it makes a fantastic wine pairing for any feast to this day. Its light body and delicate flavours mean this wine won’t only be the perfect partner for your Brussels sprouts but will stand the test of time right the way through to pumpkin pie.
Pair this Bertaine Et Fils Pinot Noir with earthy flavours like asparagus, mushrooms or even beetroot for a match made in heaven.
- Gamay Noir
Originating from the mountains of Beaujolais, Gamay Noir is one of the absolute best wine pairings for a maple-glazed turkey. High acidity and low tannins work perfectly with a meat that can be notoriously dry. Vivid aromas and earthy tones work incredibly well with roasted potatoes, onions, and cranberry sauce.
This Jean Loron Rift 69 Gamay Noir is the perfect example of a Gamay that is sure to go down well with any cosy feast.
- Zinfandel
Zinfandel has made a name for itself as a must have for Thanksgiving, and there’s a reason for it. This medium bodied red pairs beautifully with light meats and flourishes alongside juicy, fruity flavours. It’s got enough presence to keep up with a heavier sauce or gravy, all without overpowering the turkey.
The aromas of red berries and touch of oak make this Pepperwood Grove Zinfandel a great match for a good roast dinner.
Try a Dry Rosé Wine to Complement the Delicate Flavour of Turkey
- Cotes De Provence Rosé
Rosé coming out of the Cotes De Provence AOC has proven time and time again that it is almost without equal. Known for their crisp, dry, light flavours, these wines really have set the bar for French rosé. Delicate flavours work best with this one, so think light and herbaceous. Why not try this wine with a vegetarian squash roast?
Our Louis Bernard Cotes De Provence Rosé is a fantastically versatile wine that will pair nicely with a huge variety of foods. You’ll be drinking this one even after all the food is gone!
- Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
Serving as a strong competitor, the often-overlooked Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé is another fantastic choice. Known for its deep pink colour, Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé is a dry rosé that often presents intense aromas of red fruits. Its high acidity makes it a great contender to accompany poultry and roasted vegetables if you’re not a red wine drinker.
With aromas of strawberries and hints of candied fruit, this Dirty Laundry Hush Rosé will add a depth of flavour to your Thanksgiving dinner that your guests won’t be able to ignore.
No Celebration is Complete Without a Bottle of Sparkling Wine
- Prosecco
Everyone knows fizz is the perfect aperitif – but why not try it as a wine pairing for dinner? Prosecco really is perfect for every occasion! Prosecco has finer bubbles than those found in Champagne, often giving it a crisp flavour. This wine is so versatile that it is at its best when paired with a whole variety of foods, making it the perfect bottle to have on standby in the fridge to please all your guests.
Gancia Dry Prosecco is the perfect match for an herbaceous turkey breast with its delicate taste and light citrus tones.
- Champagne
Thanksgiving is a very special time of the year, and nothing says special like Champagne. Not only is it sure to get any celebration off to a good start, but its high acidity and dryness make it the perfect accompaniment to any feast, and particularly divine with turkey.
When it comes to Champagne, Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne is a long-standing favourite that is sure to please.
Conclusion
All the wines in this list are fantastic choices for Thanksgiving that are sure to please any palette. In any big celebration, getting the drinks right is half the battle. Using these suggestions, your time is free to prepare the yams, roast the turkey and spend time with your loved ones – now that’s something to be thankful for!
For all the wonderful wines in this article alongside a fantastic selection of alcohol for every occasion, head over to Darby’s Liquor store. We are based in Vancouver and offer local delivery on all our products 7 days a week, all year long.
