Perfect Thanksgiving Pairings
Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and of course, indulging in a feast of delicious dishes. From roasted turkey to creamy mashed potatoes, and from rich stuffing to sweet cranberry sauce, the Thanksgiving table is a medley of flavors and textures. But there’s one element that can take your Thanksgiving meal to the next level: the perfect wine pairing.
At Latah Creek Winery, we believe that every great dish deserves a great wine. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of wines that complement the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving, ensuring that every bite and every sip is pure holiday bliss. Whether you’re looking to enhance your turkey, elevate your sides, or serve a dessert that wows, we’ve got you covered with these perfect Thanksgiving pairings.
Appetizers and Starters:
Before the main course, many families like to serve appetizers to kick off the celebration. Think savory cheese boards, smoked salmon, or fresh fall salads. For these lighter bites, you’ll want a wine that’s bright, refreshing, and doesn’t overwhelm your palate.
Pairing: Riesling
Riesling is a versatile white wine with a crisp, balanced acidity that pairs beautifully with a variety of appetizers. Its notes of green apple, pear, and a touch of citrus provide a fresh contrast to creamy cheeses, smoked salmon, and even tangy dips. If you’re serving a salad with apples, cranberries, or walnuts, Riesling enhances these flavors, making it a perfect companion to your pre-dinner snacks.
Pairing: Chardonnay
Another great choice for appetizers, Chardonnay offers a smooth, rounded mouthfeel with flavors of ripe orchard fruits and a hint of vanilla from oak aging. It’s a wonderful match for buttery cheeses, savory pastries, and roasted vegetable dishes like Brussels sprouts or squash.
Main Course: Roasted Turkey and Traditional Sides
The star of the Thanksgiving dinner is, of course, the turkey, accompanied by an array of sides like stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The challenge with pairing wine for this course is finding something that complements the variety of flavors on the plate, from savory to sweet and everything in between.
Pairing: Pinot Noir
For turkey, a light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir is a classic choice. Its vibrant cherry and raspberry flavors, along with earthy undertones, make it the perfect match for the herb-seasoned turkey and savory stuffing. The subtle acidity of Pinot Noir helps balance the richness of the gravy and mashed potatoes, while its soft tannins allow the wine to shine without overpowering the delicate flavors of the bird.
Pairing: Merlot
If you prefer a red wine with a bit more depth, Merlot is an excellent pairing. With notes of black cherry, plum, and a touch of spice, Merlot complements both white and dark turkey meat, as well as the heartier sides like stuffing, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce. Its smooth, velvety texture makes each sip a pleasure, especially when paired with richer elements of the meal.
Pairing: Dry Rosé
For those who enjoy a lighter, more refreshing option, Dry Rosé is a wonderful choice. Its bright berry flavors and crisp acidity make it a delightful match for turkey, particularly when paired with fruit-based sides like cranberry sauce. The rosé’s versatility allows it to cut through the richness of mashed potatoes and gravy, making each bite feel balanced and fresh.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
If you’re serving a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving meal, you’ll want to select wines that complement the flavors of roasted vegetables, savory grains, and plant-based dishes.
Pairing: Sémillon
Sémillon, with its citrus and stone fruit notes, offers a bright, clean pairing for vegetable-based dishes like roasted squash, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes. The wine’s lively acidity enhances the earthy flavors in vegan stuffing, lentil loaf, or hearty grain salads, adding an extra layer of complexity to each bite.
Pairing: Chenin Blanc
For those serving dishes like roasted root vegetables, herbed risotto, or vegan shepherd’s pie, Chenin Blanc is a great choice. Its light body, floral aromas, and hints of honey and apple make it an excellent pairing for savory, herb-forward vegan dishes, providing a delicate balance that doesn’t overpower the meal.
Desserts: Pies, Pies, and More Pies!
No Thanksgiving is complete without a spread of decadent desserts. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are the traditional stars of the dessert table, and choosing the right wine can elevate these sweet treats to new heights.
Pairing: Moscato
For those with a sweet tooth, Moscato is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with dessert. Its light sweetness and bright notes of peach, apricot, and honey complement the creamy spices of pumpkin pie and the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie. The gentle bubbles and refreshing finish make it a delightful contrast to the richness of these desserts, ensuring that each bite feels lighter and more balanced.
Pairing: Late Harvest Riesling
For a more decadent dessert wine, Late Harvest Riesling is a fantastic pairing for apple pie or pear tart. Its concentrated sweetness, with flavors of ripe stone fruit and honey, enhances the natural sweetness of fruit-based desserts while offering a zesty finish that keeps the palate refreshed. The wine’s sweetness mirrors the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it an ideal match for your favorite holiday pie.
At Latah Creek Winery, we know that the right wine can make your Thanksgiving feast even more memorable. From the savory starters to the main course and sweet finish, our wines are designed to complement the diverse flavors of your holiday meal. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, our carefully crafted varietals offer a perfect pairing for every dish on your table.
This Thanksgiving, we invite you to celebrate with Latah Creek wines and share the joy of great food, great company, and of course, great wine!
Cheers,
Natalie