Thanksgiving Wine

Traditional Pairings
Lately, it seems like whenever you ask an expert for wine pairing recommendations for turkey or chicken they encourage you to try Pinot Noir or syrah. Yes, they both can go wonderfully with turkey, but because there are syrahs that are more powerful than some Cabernets and some Pinots that are too sweet or too thin, it takes a lot of sampling to find just the right one.

Unless you’ve already experimented ahead of time, why guess? Make dinner an enjoyable experience for everyone. Serve traditional pairings for you feast.

Traditional wines that go best with roast turkey are dry Riesling and – of course, Champagne.

Pinot Grigio is a mild wine that will also go well with roasted turkey. Chardonnay can be a good match, but remember, the less oak, the better.

If you are serving ham, choose a sweet, spicy pinot noir to stand up to the rich flavor of the meat.

For those who have room for pumpkin pie, a cream sherry or late harvest Riesling will complement the spiciness of the pie.

Last, but not least, the old standby, Moscato d’Asti, which is fun and low in alcohol – usually around 5.5%, goes well with pumpkin or apple pie.

Some recommendations:
Clean Slate Riesling, Germany
See Twisting Vines review.

La Caudrina Moscato D’Asti
See Twisting Vines review.

Perrier-Jouët “Grand Brut” Champagne
Pale gold color. Aromas of pineapple, orange with hints of yeast. Flavors of pear, green apple and citrus with hints of brioche and spice. Nice balance. Clean finish.

90 points Wine Spectator: “A toasty version, displaying a polished texture and flavors of Golden Delicious apple, pastry and spiced orange peel. This is lively, with a pretty floral note running throughout. Drink now.” $35 at K&L.

Bon appetit!

Tags: pumpkin pie, thanksgiving, turkey