Once again, this is the time of year when what are the most excellent wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner? For a sommelier, Thanksgiving is a nightmare. There are so many different flavors available, and choosing wines that complement the assortment of foods that make up a classic Thanksgiving lunch while also pleasing your guests can be challenging. But do not worry; I am here to assist. Finding wines that complement the heavy dishes without overpowering the cuisine is crucial. They should be crisp and tart. I'll advise on choosing the best wines for your Thanksgiving dinner in this post and suggestions for which bottles to serve.
Get the meal Started Right Away With Some Bubbly
At this time of year, fizzy wine is a must. Toast is a great way to enjoy and start a meal, and it goes well with most meals. After all, what holiday would be complete without one? Like I always say, bubbly wine is excellent when you're unsure what to pair it with.
You can keep a bottle (or two) of sparkling wine on the table to combine with the entire meal, or you can serve a glass of bubbly as an aperitif with cheeses or other appetizers before dinner. It is that adaptable.
Because sparkling wine has a high acid content, it's essential when using a lot of butter and cream in your dishes. The acidity and bubbles help clear your palate, enhancing the meal's overall enjoyment.
Choose White Wines With High Acid That Aren't Too "OAKY."
Higher-acid white wines will serve as the ideal palate cleanser between mouthfuls of creamy mashed potatoes. These choices will satisfy any rigorous white wine connoisseurs at the table and go well with the turkey throughout the meal.
Take care not to select a too-oaky white wine. Not only can oaky wines be divisive, and you don't want to start another pointless argument amongst family members at the tableâoak may also mask other tastes on your plate and generally make the dinner feel heavier.Â
Because of this, you might also want to avoid any wine that seems very "buttery"âthe dinner has enough butter on it already; do we need to add more?
Red Wines With A Light Body Are The Best
Opt for red wines with a light body when crafting the perfect Thanksgiving pairing. The delicate flavors of a light-bodied red can elegantly enhance the subtle nuances of turkey without overpowering the palate. Steer clear of robust and tannic varieties, which may clash with the bird's mild taste. Instead, consider a Pinot Noir or a Grenache, whose soft tannins and red fruit notes gracefully dance alongside the Thanksgiving feast. This thoughtful selection ensures a harmonious marriage of flavors, allowing the savory essence of the turkey to shine while complementing the diverse array of side dishes that adorn the holiday table.
Desert Wine Is Optional, But Follow This Rule
Delving into the realm of dessert wines during the Thanksgiving feast is a delightful option, but the golden rule prevails: the sweetness of the wine should surpass that of the dessert. A dessert wine that harmonizes with, rather than competes against, the sugary notes of pies or cakes ensures a blissful pairing. Opt for late-harvest wines, ports, or sweet Rieslings to complement the post-feast indulgence. The interplay of flavors should be a symphony on the palate, with the wine acting as a lovely crescendo to conclude the Thanksgiving feast on a memorable, harmonious note.
Enhance Your Thanksgiving Feast
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