So the summer is gone and temperatures are getting cooler, some are changing their preference in wine styles, to suit the change of season. Plans are being made for the big event, inviting friends and family from near and far to spend the afternoon at your table. The most popular question in wine shops over the next few weeks is, “What kind of wine shall I serve for my Thanksgiving celebration?” So, I thought it might be a good time to discuss wine pairings for the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner.

With the vast array of flavors and textures that we enjoy overstuffing ourselves with annually, many find it difficult to find the perfect wine to “cover all the bases”. Typically wines that offer a light-medium body and present themselves with lower tannin levels and less complexity are better suited to the flavors they are meant to complement. I recommend putting a white and a red on the table and letting your guests decide what they would like to enjoy. Here are some suggestions in both categories:

Reds- Again, with all the flavors present you will probably need a wine with big fruit flavors and a soft finish that won’t be too overpowering with the lighter accompaniments.

My personal favorite would be Pinot Noir! A lighter Pinot Noir in style will probably work better. The Pinots from Oregon, with their great expressions of earthy fruit flavors and lighter body styles will be perfect. I recommend the Brandborg or King Estate Pinot Noir, both available here on our site at great values. You may also want to try a Beaujolais or a lighter style zinfandel, with low tannins.

Whites-For your white, skip the oakiness in many chardonnays and choose a grape with the body and lushness to handle both meat and sweet flavors.

If pressed to pick a single varietal that could handle the traditional Thanksgiving dinner from start to finish, it would hands down be a Riesling. Rieslings from Alsace are perfect to me, not sweet like the German or many new world styles, but crisp and slightly off dry while full of great ripe fruit flavors and supple spiciness. If Riesling is not your style I would look to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or a try a Viognier from the Rhone Valley, for your white selection.

I can’t finish without letting you know how great a Tawny port will accompany your pecan or pumpkin pie. With the toasted nutty flavor found in Tawny ports this is a perfect match and your chance to impress even the most “sophisticated” wine connoisseurs at your table.

I hope this helps to relieve a little stress while planning your holiday celebration.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!!