I admit it — Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! There is just something special about sitting around the table with people you love and really taking the time to be grateful for all that you have. It is a joyful time, but it can also be a bit stressful trying to make sure that everything is prepared and ready for the feast. At least picking the wine can be simple! Here are my family’s favorite wines for our Thanksgiving table. I hope you enjoy them with your family and loved ones!
1. Dry Chenin Blanc
This lively and refreshing white wine is the perfect way to start off your Thanksgiving. It is always my ‘welcome wine’ as guests arrive to my home, and pairs well with a variety of types of cheese and appetizers, as well as with turkey. It is also a fun and interesting wine to bring as a hostess gift when someone else is doing the cooking!
2. Sauvignon Blanc
If you only want one white wine on your Thanksgiving table, choose a full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with riper flavors, such as stone fruit or guava. Our Sauvignon Blanc is bright with fruit-forward aromas and a voluptuous mouthfeel. If you prefer something that is more of an old-world style, seek out a white Meritage blend, like The Mariness. The blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle combined with partial barrel fermentation pleases every palate.
3. Zinfandel
The fruit-forward nature and balanced acidity of Zinfandel pairs exceptionally well with traditional Thanksgiving flavors. Select a medium-bodied Zin with lower alcohol to compliment the turkey without overpowering it. I’m partial to our Spencer’s Hill Vineyard Zinfandel, which my husband and I named after our son, and features deep, brooding berry flavors with savory notes of nutmeg and allspice.
4. Malbec
Bordeaux varietals can many times be too bold for a traditional Thanksgiving menu, but a silky Malbec can be just the ticket to spice up this classic fare. The velvety mouthfeel of this silky red wine pairs extremely well with leaner cuts of red meat and poultry, like turkey. As a bonus, add a splash into your homemade cranberry sauce while cooking to add some depth and complexity, and really tie your meal together.
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!
