The OpMom Blog

Choosing Wines for Thanksgiving

Picking out wine for Thanksgiving can be tricky.

The table is full of robust and sweet flavors. So let’s take a look at our options for a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.

Champagne or Sparkling Wine Pick a Champagne or sparkling that is not completely dry. Look for the label “extra dry,” which is just a little softer than a “brut”, with fuller fruit flavors that will pair wonderfully with your holiday meal. A brut, which is what I prefer doesn’t serve this type of meal well. It’s a bit like drinking orange juice after you brushed your teeth. I would go with a Piper Heidsieck Extra Dry Champagne, Moet Chandon White Star Extra Dry, or a Sparkling Chandon Extra Dry

White Wines I believe that Chardonnay is one of the BEST to pair with a turkey and sides. I would choose a full-bodied, ripe, fruity Chardonnay from France, California, or Australia. These wine will serve well from the appetizers through the meal. Now if you aren’t a fan then of Chardonnay and prefer something lighter then go for a Riesling from Washington State.

Rosé Wines
It’s true that dry rosé wines go well with almost any dish, and with so many flavors on the table at Thanksgiving, rosé can be a great choice. If your taste runs to drier wines (mine certainly do), a rosé from the Cotes du Rhone or Provence regions in France will be light, crisp, and flavorful, but won’t overpower the meal.I’m personally not a fan of Californina Rosé BUT the the ones from Cotes du Rhone or Provence or simply amazing and you should definitely give it shot. It isn’t sweet and cheap, it is a classy bottle of wine.

Red Wines For red you have a couple of options. A Beaujolais Nouveau from the Burgundy region of France complements Thanksgiving fare and it can be enjoyed slightly chilled and work for those who favor white wines. An aged version of Beaujolais will be smoother and more aromatic.
One of my favorites is a Red Cotes du Rhone from France’s Rhone Valley. My favorite and popular choice from this area is by *Châteauneuf-du-Pape*.

*Hostess Notes* When hosting I always start off with a Sparkling or Champagne. Then I move to both red and white understanding that some people prefer one or the other. For Thanksgiving I like to offer a dry French Rosé as an option instead of white or red since it seems to pair so nicely with a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Blessings to you all and Happy Entertaining!
P.S. come back and let us know what wines you enjoyed with your Thanksgiving Dinner!