This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on November 24th, 2925
Thanksgiving is, for wine lovers, the ultimate culinary battlefield—a single table hosting turkey (white and dark meat), cranberry sauce (tart and sweet), stuffing (herbal and savory), and gravy (rich and umami). It’s a meal that defies a single perfect wine. Instead, the smart host embraces a spectacular lineup to ensure every dish and every palate finds its perfect partner.
This year, forget the stress and delight your guests with a progression of pours that gracefully navigate every flavor on the plate. From an Italian fizz welcome to a powerful Napa Valley finish, here is your complete guide to the wines that will make your holiday feast truly memorable.
The Welcome Pour: Setting the Festive Tone
The greatest ally to the complex Thanksgiving menu is acidity and effervescence. Crisp bubbles cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of appetizers, casseroles, and gravy. Starting with a splash of fizz is not just celebratory—it’s strategic.
Pommery Apanage Brut Champagne: A classic, elegant choice. Its notes of white flowers, candied citrus, and subtle toasty complexity are perfect for greeting guests and pairing beautifully with savory appetizers or the crisp, buttery skin of the turkey.
Roederer Estate Brut Rosé NV: This spectacular American sparkling wine offers subtle red fruit notes (strawberry, raspberry) and a richer texture, making it a superb pairing for smoked salmon or charcuterie on the opening spread.
Enrico Serafino “Oudies” Alta Langa DOCG Brut: This traditional-method Piedmontese sparkler boasts notes of honey and bread crust. Its good salinity and structure will stand up beautifully against a rich vegetable gratin or whipped ricotta appetizer.
Bon Vivant Sparkling NV: True to its name, this wine embodies the good life. It’s the perfect uncomplicated, celebratory pour, designed to be enjoyed as a bright welcome aperitif alongside simple pre-dinner snacks.
Garofoli “Le Piccole Bollicine” Vino Frizzante: For a lighter, value-driven opening, this easy-drinking Italian frizzante is a winner, providing enough freshness to cut through the richness of a fruit and cheese board.
The Versatile Whites: The Feast’s Best Friends
When in doubt, go white. The right white wines are highly adaptable, balancing the herbaceous qualities of stuffing while not clashing with the subtle sweetness of yams or the tartness of cranberry sauce.
Smith-Madrone Riesling 2023: A dry Riesling from the steep slopes of Spring Mountain in Napa Valley is a secret weapon. Its high, focused acidity and mineral drive are perfect for balancing the complex array of the table, especially for cutting the sweetness of candied yams or a side dish with brown sugar and spice.
Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2023: This Russian River Valley expression is often luscious and round. The texture and depth make it a superb match for creamy or butter-laden dishes like creamy mashed potatoes and the rich pan gravy.
Alexana Hillsides Pinot Gris 2024: Oregon Pinot Gris tends to be richer and more textured, showing pear, melon, and a hint of spice. This profile perfectly complements the delicate flavor of the white turkey meat brushed with herb butter.
The Essential Reds: Light & Bright for the Bird
Turkey’s delicate flavor requires a red wine that is lower in harsh tannins. Pinot Noir and wines meant to be served with a slight chill are the Thanksgiving MVPs.
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2025: A Thanksgiving tradition! This wine is a fountain of juicy, vibrant red fruits. Its light body makes it an effortless pairing, mirroring the tart sweetness of traditional cranberry sauce.
La Badia Chill Ya Jolo 2024: This Ciliegiolo is best served with a light chill, offering bright, juicy cherry and red fruit flavors with soft tannins, making it a wonderful match for herb-crusted turkey rolls or light preparations.
Tenuta Sant’Antonio “Nanfre” Valpolicella DOC 2023: This fresh, Italian blend is light, fresh, and slightly tart, with appealing cherry and violet notes—a simple, food-friendly sipper that pairs well with classic bread stuffing.
The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir 2022: This Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir offers greater intensity and structure with notes of baking spices and savory earth, complex enough to stand up to an earthy wild mushroom stuffing.
Albert Bichot Mercurey 1er Cru “Champs Martin” 2022: This Burgundy provides an earthier, more refined texture with classic notes of red cherry and sous-bois (forest floor), ideal for pairing with dark turkey meat and its savory pan juices.
The Power Pours: For the Zinfandel and Cab Lovers
For those who prefer a richer, spicier, or more powerful wine, you must accommodate them by choosing options that offer concentrated flavor without overly aggressive tannins.
Dutcher Crossing Zinfandel & Proprietor’s Reserve Zinfandel 2023: Zinfandel’s intense, often jammy plum, raspberry, and pepper notes beautifully complement dark meat and savory stuffing, especially one made with sausage and apple.
Demetria Estate Pantheon Red Santa Ynez Valley 2022: This Californian Rhône blend brings peppery, earthy, and red fruit complexity with a complex herbal undertone. This depth makes it a unique pairing for roasted root vegetables like carrots and beets.
Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2024: The key is to match this wine’s powerful tannins and oak structure with equally robust flavors; save this for sipping alongside a rich beef-based gravy or the post-meal cheese course.
A Feast of Choices
Ultimately, the best Thanksgiving wine is the one your guests love most. But by offering this diverse selection, you ensure every dish and every palate finds its perfect partner. This collection of wines proves that when it comes to the holiday feast, the journey is just as important as the destination.
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