Wines to Pair with Thanksgiving Dinner 2024
Ah, Thanksgiving. The one day of the year when it’s socially acceptable to eat mashed potatoes and stuffing and pie until you can’t move. It’s also the perfect excuse to break out some special wines to impress your guests—or just yourself, let’s be honest, Aunt Stephanie isn’t caring what the wine is as long as it is white. But instead of the usual suspects (looking at you, Chardonnay), let’s explore some unique, niche wines that pair beautifully with your holiday favorites.
1. Sancerre: The Ultimate Turkey Companion
Sancerre, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from France’s Loire Valley, is like that friend who gets along with everyone at the party. Its zippy acidity and notes of citrus and green apple make it a natural fit for turkey, especially if you’re serving it with herb-forward stuffing or a citrusy glaze. Bonus: Sancerre also plays nicely with lighter sides like green beans and salads.
Why It Works: The wine’s freshness cuts through the richness of the meal, making every bite and sip feel balanced.
2. Beaujolais: A Light-Hearted Red for the Whole Table
Beaujolais is the Thanksgiving MVP for a reason. This Gamay-based red wine from France is light, fruity, and low in tannins—basically, it’s the wine version of a crowd-pleaser. Its cherry and cranberry notes make it a slam dunk with cranberry sauce, while its soft structure won’t overpower turkey or ham.
Pro Tip: Go for a Beaujolais Cru like Morgon or Fleurie if you want something with a bit more complexity than the standard Beaujolais Nouveau. Nouveau is meant to be fun and friendly and a celebration of wine, but it is not a serious drinker, more to be used in a sangria.
3. Nebbiolo: For the Bold and Savory Dishes
If you’re serving something hearty like roasted root vegetables, mushroom stuffing, or even a smoked turkey, Nebbiolo is your wine. Hailing from Italy’s Piedmont region, this bold yet elegant red has high acidity and tannins, with flavors of cherry, rose, and earthiness. It’s like the wine version of your fanciest guest who brought truffle mashed potatoes. If you’ve got the budget for it, grab a Barolo or Barbaresco.
Why It Works: Nebbiolo’s tannins and acidity make it a great match for richer dishes, cutting through the fat and enhancing the flavors.
4. Dry Riesling: A Secret Weapon for Sweet and Savory
Yes, you all know I love Riesling a little too much (my dog’s name). Dry Riesling is like the Swiss Army knife of Thanksgiving wines—it can handle almost anything. Its vibrant acidity and flavors of green apple, citrus, and petrol (in the best way) pair wonderfully with sweet potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and even turkey. If you’ve got something spicy on the table (Cajun stuffing, perhaps?), Riesling can tame the heat too.
Why It Works: The touch of sweetness and acidity balances both sweet and savory dishes without overwhelming them.
5. Trousseau: For the Adventurous Wine Lover
Let’s get a little niche with Trousseau, a light-bodied red from France’s Jura region. It’s delicate yet complex, with red berry flavors, earthy undertones, and a hint of spice. Trousseau is fantastic with dishes like roasted squash, mushroom stuffing, and even turkey with a rich gravy.
Pro Tip: Trousseau is a great conversation starter for wine lovers looking to try something outside the usual Pinot Noir or Merlot.
6. Sparkling Rosé: Because Bubbles Make Everything Better
Who says Thanksgiving can’t have a touch of glam? Sparkling rosé brings festive vibes with its vibrant fruitiness and refreshing bubbles. Pair it with appetizers like baked brie, cranberry tartlets, or even pumpkin pie for a dessert pairing that will wow everyone at the table.
Why It Works: The bubbles cleanse your palate, making every bite feel like the first.
7. Orange Wine: A Funky Choice for Adventurous Pairings
Orange wine (white wine fermented with the grape skins) is having a moment, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to introduce it to your table. With its tannic structure and funky, savory flavors, orange wine pairs beautifully with dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, squash soup, and herb stuffing.
Pro Tip: Look for a skin-contact wine from Slovenia or Italy’s Friuli region for a truly unique experience.
Tips for Pairing Thanksgiving Wines
Think Versatility: Thanksgiving menus are like a chaotic potluck of flavors. Wines with good acidity and low tannins (like Sancerre or Beaujolais) tend to play well with a variety of dishes.
Serve a Mix: Offer a white, a red, and maybe something sparkling to cover all the bases.
Keep It Fun: The best wine is the one you enjoy. Don’t stress too much—Thanksgiving is about gratitude and good company (even if Aunt Nancy is already eyeing the last slice of pie).
Thanksgiving dinner is a marathon, not a sprint. With these unique wine pairings, you’ll not only elevate your meal but also have some great conversation starters for the table.
Cheers to good food, great wine, and the best excuse to eat stuffing for three days straight.
