What wine to serve with Thanksgiving dinner...

The first thing to realize is that there's no one right wine that will match with white and dark turkey meat, mashed potatoes, stuffing, candied yams, cranberry relish, and gravy. The second rule is, drink what you like! One of the best and easiest solutions is to open several different types of wine, give each guest a couple of glasses, and have at it.


Bubbly
Everybody loves sparkling wine, right? Sophisticated and elegant, sparkling wines are the perfect way to start a meal. Richer Champagnes actually pair wonderfully with Turkey as well! A fun, delicious option is Italian Moscato d’Asti – aromatic, lightly sweet, low in alcohol and perfect with pumpkin pie – even Aunt Mabel will love this one.

Aromatic Whites
Generally steer clear of super acidic, lean whites (like Muscadet) and very oaky, fruitless wines. What you want are fruity, even spicy, palate-cleansing whites, since Thanksgiving dinner can be such a heavy meal. Fragrant and fruity Riesling or Pinot Gris are both excellent. Crisp, vibrant New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is delightful. And sometimes, nothing is better than a fruity, rich, balanced Chardonnay.

Fruity Reds
Again, fruit is key here! Avoid super tannic wines. Pinot Noir is a natural pick because of its fragrant fruitiness and versatility with foods and flavors. Nothing is more American (and fruity) then a good red Zinfandel. Look abroad for great matches as well: Sangiovese (Chianti), Barbera, and aged Spanish Rioja can be delicious. And if you want slightly bolder flavors, try a young, peppery Syrah or Southern French Rhone. Finally, a good, fruity Cab (or Cabernet blend) is often just what the occasion calls for.

Dessert Wines
Looking for a delicious way to wind down the perfect Thanksgiving meal? Sweet and semi-sweet dessert wines are a fun and unique addition the various pies, cakes and treats. Indulge yourself!