When it comes to choosing what kind of wine you want to wash down your Thanksgiving Day feast with, the amount of options can be overwhelming. But the reality is, when you’re face down in a pile of gravy soaked everything, the subtle nuance of a high-priced Beaujolais perfectly complimenting Aunt Ruth’s cranberry sauce is likely to go unnoticed. Just like the vast assortment of food piled on your plate, variety is the key to your turkey day wine spread.
Some basic rules make it difficult to mess up. Low tannin, big fruit, and high acidity is your tasty ticket to turkey town.
We’ve got a great list of ten classic wine styles and some best bang-for-your-buck bottles for the perfect holiday feast.
Reminder: Regardless of what the experts think, drink whatever makes you happy, especially on Thanksgiving!
Champagne
Bubbles are a great way to kick off an epic Thanksgiving feast! Plus, the acidity cuts through the fat in the meal refreshing your palate for the next dish.
Bottle recommendation
Champagne to be Abel Charlot Brut- Champagne, France
Zinfandel
Zinfandel’s fruitiness, flavor, and weight makes it standout as the perfect go-to wine that does well with the variety on your plate.
Bottle recommendation
Bliss Zinfadel – Mendocino, California
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauv-Blanc’s rousing acidity, herbal undertones, and fruit forward citrus means it goes quite well with sweeter sides and earthy greens.
Bottle recommendation
Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley, California
Agiorgitiko
Agiorgitiko hails from Greece with a bouncy body and fruity flavors. The small berry and thick skin of this grape produce high phenolics, which serve to intensify the flavors of your feast.
Bottle recommendation
Skouras Saint George Agiorgitiko – Nemea, Greece
Verdicchio
One of Italy’s most in-demand wines, the rich, bright, and flowery Verdicchio is a well-balanced crowd pleaser.
Bottle recommendation
La Monachesca Verdicchio Di Matelica – Marche, Italy
Chardonnay
A rich, oaky Chardonnay is the perfect companion for poultry fat and buttery sides.
Bottle recommendation
Tobias Chardonnay – Napa Valley, California
Gamay
Gamay is a youthful, juicy wine best drunk a tad south of room temperature. It’s calm tannins and red and black fruit notes makes this a comfort meal go-to.
Bottle recommendation
Villa Ponciago La Reserve Fleurie Gamay – Beaujolais, France
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a Thanksgiving favorite for its sharp acidity, mild tannins, and fruit flavors balanced with earthy notes.
Bottle recommendation
Hunter Chaps Pinot Noir – Napa Valley, California
Riesling
Rieslings delicately light sweetness, versatility, and low alcohol content make it the perfect aperitif that can rouse appetites and continue right into the main course.
Bottle recommendation
Perimeter Riesling – Washington State
Grenache
Grenache features softer tannins and lower oak making it good match for turkey that can also hold its own with the heavy stuffing.
Bottle recommendation
Tierhoek Grenache Syrah – Olifants River Valley, South Africa
