The holiday season is officially upon us and wine country is definitely ready to help you celebrate! The decorations have been placed around the house, your grocery list is completed and all of the delicious food is ready to be prepared. Now to the most exciting part, selecting the ever-important wine that will be perfectly paired with your delicious Thanksgiving meal!
Now some might find the task of choosing wine to pair with different foods overwhelming, but do not fear, your Platypus team is here! Picking out wines can be quite fun as you can always experiment with different pairings before the big holiday. Some will head to the grocery store the day before to pick up a few bottles (we recommend choosing wines from Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries for top quality!) and others will tap into their own wine collection at home. No matter where you start, we have some helpful tips for you to pick some great wine for the holiday meal.
Pairing Ideas
As a typical Thanksgiving meal is full of different flavors, aromas, and types of food, it can be challenging to find a wine that will complement the already wide array of tastes. Consider these ideas to ease the process:
- Welcome your guests with a glass of bubbly – a simple sparkling wine or Champagne will do.
- Turkey and dressing pairs nice with Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay.
- If white wines are not your go-to, there are plenty of great red wine choices that will compliment your home cooked meal. A Pinot Noir is a perfect choice for a lighter red that has a mix of fruit forward components that balance with the mineral undertones. This varietal is a great way to enjoy the turkey and stuffing entrees. If you are looking for a bolder wine this holiday, we recommend a Zinfandel. This varietal is more intense than a Pinot Noir but still light enough to pair well with the meal.
- Pair your pumpkin pies, pecan pies, and any dessert with a sherry, port, or other rich, concentrated wines to match the intensity of your sweet treats.
- If you purchased any wines from Napa or Sonoma wineries, this is a great time to pull them out and try them with family and friends!
In the end, guests will drink what they like most. If you want to leave it up to them, offer 3-4 options throughout the dinner let the guests choose what and when. Have two wine glasses at each place setting and guests can make their decision, perhaps with your verbal suggestions.
We hope this quick guide will be a great reference as you plan wine options for you and your guests this Thanksgiving.
