Thanksgiving dinner encompasses a cornucopia of flavours. Whether a large gathering or an intimate dinner, the holiday is the chance to do what you do best with a traditional turkey. Or, tweak that turkey dinner with a new side dish or two. Often, so much thought is put into the food but the other key to a wonderful meal is the wine a divine hostess chooses. This is the fun part, because turkey is so flexible; it likes sparkling, white, red and rosé wines. With so many different varietals and wine styles, it’s possible to feel a little challenged in the choice department. Here are several wine suggestions to get your Thanksgiving off to the right start.
Sparkling Wine
Suggested Wine: Jackson Triggs Proprietors’ Reserve
White Wine
A popular varietal, chardonnay can be oak-aged or un-oaked; for a Thanksgiving turkey, a well balanced, medium bodied, smooth white that has spent a little time barrel ageing is a perfect all ‘rounder. With vanilla and spice notes from the oak, this style of wine is sure to complement dark and white meat alongside dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or traditional butternut squash accented with cinnamon and pecans. A traditional herbed bread stuffing will not be overpowered by the wine.
Suggested Wine: Inniskillan Montague Vineyard Chardonnay
Red Wine
Suggested wine: Le Clos Jordanne Pinot Noir Village Reserve
Rosé
1 comment
It is essential to have a good bottle of wine with a perfectly cooked or baked turkey. I always volunteer to bring the wine on the thanksgiving dinner so that I have the creative freedom to find the right bottle.