Thanksgiving Dinner is notoriously difficult to pair wine with because it's always such a cornucopia of flavors. Uncle Johnny’s chorizo stuffing, Mom’s marshmallow & sweet potato soufflé, canned cranberry sauce, green bean casserole…….one just never knows what to expect, let alone figure out what wine will compliment all of it.
Over at The Sarkus, we make wine recommendations all the time and Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to really let loose. We've organized our recommendations into New World and Old World options.
Sparkling wine is certainly a great way to kick things off. It’s festive, refreshing, and great with appetizers. So many options….so many price points….so much fun!
New World Options:
Domaine Chandon Brut, Napa, $15 - $20
Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc, Napa, $25 - $30
Old World Options:
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva, Penedés, $10 - $15
Nicholas Feuillatte Brut, Champagne, $30 - $40
Gewürztraminer offers a delicious white wine option for Thanksgiving Day. Both dry and off-dry styles will work. The grape is extremely versatile and can really stand up well to the vast set of flavors brought to the table. Personally, we love Gewürztraminer from Alsace and think there are great values to be found, but there are some fantastic domestic producers out there as well.
New World Option:
Lucas & Lewellen, Santa Barbara, $15 - $20
Old World Option:
Zind Humbrecht, Alsace, $15 - $20
Rose is another safe bet for Turkey Day. We think a drier style would fare better in this situation. Rose is one of our go-to wines for all occasions, as you can rarely go wrong with it. Get one with some guts. It will be a fantastic compliment to the savory flavors on the table.
New World Option:
Verdad, Santa Maria, $10 - $15
Old World Option:
St. Roch Côte de Provence, $12 - $18
Régis Bouvier Marsannay Rosé, $20 - $25
Gamay is the only way my friends. No brainer. Beaujolais is the quintessential red for Thanksgiving dinner. These are light bodied wines with lots of red fruit and great acidity. And for those of you who haven’t heard, 2009 will likely go down as one of Beaujolais' best vintages on record. It was a good year…for real. We suggest skipping the Nouveau and go straight to the Cru.
Old World Options:
C. Vergier Morgon, Beaujolais, $16 - $20
Henry Fessy, Fleurie, Beaujolais, $12 - $16
Pinot Noir wins the runner-up prize for reds. Earthy cranberry goodness—it’s like the liquid version of cranberry sauce! But Pinot is certainly more elegant than cranberry sauce; not to mention more expensive, so be ready.
New World Options:
Moshin Vineyards, Sonoma, $18 - $22
Witness Tree, Willamette Valley, $28 - $35
Old World Options:
Bachey Legros Santennay 1er Cru, $22 - $30
Domaine Parent Pommard 1er Cru, $50 - $60
Barbera is another fine choice if you can’t afford Pinot Noir. Barbera, with its racy acidity, is a food wine all the way. We sort of think of it as the Beaujolais of Piedmont.
New World Option:
Christian Lazo, Paso Robles $22 - $27
Old World Option:
Damilano Barbera D’Asti, Piedmont, $18 - $22
Dessert wine depends on which pie flavor you go for. With pumpkin, I recommend Sherry. With apple, a little Muscat is always nice. And with chocolate, I always go for Port.
New World Options:
Inniskillin Ice Wine, Canada, $20 - $25
Dolce, Napa, $75 - $85
Old World Options:
Chateau Gravas Sauternes, $18 - $22
Smith Woodhouse Lodge Reserve, Porto, $20 - $25
Please share your wine suggestions for Thanksgiving in the comments section below.
