Wines to drink with turkey and other Thanksgiving foods

 

For as long as I can recall, Thanksgiving has been my favorite holiday. Not only for its homage to the value I find most important in life, gratitude. But also, for its simplistic authenticity. There are no presents to purchase, wrap, and hope meet expectations. There are no flashy lights or endless loops of overplayed holiday soundtracks. Thanksgiving is quiet and unassuming, cozy and warm. It's family and friends, food and laughter. Furthermore, its predictable menu grants us the creative liberty to find something new in our wine selection for the occasion. Below is a great Thanksgiving wine pairing guide to honor all Thanksgivings foods. 

Thanksgiving Breakfast:

Food: Biscuits and Jam 

Wine Pairing: Bubbles but not the Champagne kind, Cava

 

In my house, Thanksgiving begins sharply at 4am when the turkey goes into the smoker. Then after steaming cups of coffee and tea, the real celebration commences. Macy’s parade in the background, a flurry of preparation begins. One of my favorite Thanksgiving breakfasts consists of homemade biscuits (try this recipe if you are pressed for time) with berry compote and fresh mascarpone. Combine 2-3 cups of your favorite berry with a teaspoon per cup of honey or brown sugar.

I prefer a combination of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes or until desired consistency. Select your favorite flakey biscuit recipe or pre-made variety and bake to the directions. Layer hot biscuits with fresh mascarpone and berry compote. 

 

 

To enjoy these homemade biscuits we recommend you serve them with a glass of Montsarra Cava Brut NV for a refreshing start to the day. Imported from Catalonia, Spain, Montsarra Cava is made from with a blend of three grape varieties - Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada. This sparkling wine is pale-colored with apple and grassy aromas. The palate is jumpy and lively, with pleasant, slightly sweet apple and peach flavors and a crisp finish. Shows good refinement, ample layering of flavors and a spot of minerality.

The effervescence of the bubbles mixed with a hint of sour adds the perfect partnership with the sweetness of the berry compote. Not interested in a breakfast that upstages the main meal, this pairing also makes a delightful dessert. Drizzle the biscuits with honey or add a layer of Nutella for a bit of extra sweetness. 

 

Thanksgiving Side Dish Wine Pairings: 

Food: Casserole

Wine: Pinot Noir 

Food for the body is not enough, there must be food for the soul. Growing up in Florida with strong southern and Cajun family roots, the casserole was king. Sweet potato, squash, and green bean casseroles lined our table, each filled with equal parts love and butter.

After decades of ingredient, herb and spice modifications, only the decadence of these items remained consistent. Casseroles provide a much needed make ahead convenience and the leftovers reheat to perfection. Find great casserole recipes in any southern cookbook. No southern cooking experience required, just heart. 

Whether or not casseroles are a part of your family dining, dishes of richness pair perfectly with the Prosper Maufoux Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC 2021.  The layers of ripe wild berries and cherries coupled with the medium-bodied flavor offers a great balance with rich foods. Soft tannins and good acidity with a fresh blackcurrant, raspberry and cherry aromas bring out the depth of flavors rich food and pairs beautifully. To keep with the wholesomeness of Thanksgiving it helps that this red wine is grown with no herbicides or pesticides. 

Wine with Turkey

Food: Turkey

Wine: Grenache  

 

Furthermore, turkey is almost always had in conjunction with the plethora of thanksgiving side dishes. We recommend you stick to a great Pinot Noir like the one suggested above. However, if you want to showcase something different and nicely break up the Thanksgiving meal you can kindly offer your guests a transition wine to pair with their turkey. 

 

Turkey’s white meat and brown meat combination call for something unique, not too strong but grants the turkey room to shine yet something that compliments its often dry nature. The La Ferme Dumont Cotes du Rhone Premiere 2020 from Rhone Valley, France does just that. This wine with turkey food pairing is delicious. You will not only be sharing this wine with your family but you are bringing a family owned winery right into your home for this special holiday occasion. 

 

Thanksgiving Leftover Wine Pairings

Food: Roasted Corn Dip

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

With the turkey, stuffing and casseroles depleted, the dishes washed, and obligatory naps and walks taken, it is time for football, a movie, or games. Despite the resounding claim there is no room for additional food, my roasted corn dip never goes unfinished. A modification from Emeril Lagasse’s recipe, I substitute the regular mayo with a vegan avocado spread and the jalapeño’s for hatch green chilies to give it a more Colorado/New Mexico flair.  And so, we recommend you pair this Thanksgiving sidedish with a red wine from Lebanon, Chateau Musar Jeune Red 2020.

The spice of the chilies, sweetness of the early bells and smokiness of the corn are complemented by the array of red cherries, strawberries, blackberries with a little black pepper and spice.  A delicious, yet lesser known grape varietal, from Lebanon wine country, the Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastically beautiful, medium-bodied, fruit-forward wine with gentle tannins, and with a beautiful soft texture.  Sit back, sip and cheer to your heart's content.

On the off chance there is leftover corn dip, it makes a great second day topper for roasted chicken breast or mix with rice and black beans for a vegetarian southwest bowl. 

 

Thanksgiving Meals Always Pair with Wine and Gratitude 

Food: Gratitude

Wine: Glühwein Recipe

Showing gratitude is one of the most simple yet powerful things humans can do for one another. 

When the sun has set over the fall horizon and the day of gratitude comes to a close, consider a warm Glühwein to end the night. Combine orange slices, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise with a bottle of red wine and slowly warm on low until heated through. As a fruit-forward wine, this 100% Pinot Noir comes with fresh blackcurrant, raspberry and cherry aromas. The mouth feels the weight of supple tannins balanced with good acidity and an earthiness along with the tart red fruit will enhance the flavors and provide a soothing and quiet end to a joyous day of food and fun. 

However it is you and yours celebrates Thanksgiving day, be sure it is done in gratitude. Raise a glass and cheer, for even in 2024, there is much to be thankful for. 

For more information on these bottles or to see 2023 Humanity Wine Co. Cellar Sell-Out, go to www.humanitywineco.com.