Holiday Sipping: Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

Hosting an unforgettable Thanksgiving Day feast or attending your first holiday with the in-laws? However you plan to celebrate the occasion, wine is a thoughtful addition that not only brings out the flavors of the masterfully prepared meal, but will have everyone lingering a little longer around the table. We asked The Breakers’ Master Sommelier, Juan Gomez, to share his holiday wine pairing recommendations.

Here are Juan’s top wine selections to sip with your Thanksgiving meal…

Red: Pinot Noir from Sonoma, Carneros or Santa Barbara, California

Pinot Noirs from these wine regions are some of my favorite red wines to accompany your Thanksgiving feast. The silky tannins and medium body of the Pinot Noir will compliment the tender and juicy flavors of the turkey while the aroma of red fruits will match the sweet and zesty flavors of the cranberry sauce.

Red: Rioja from Spain

Rioja wines pair perfectly with the complex flavors of baked honey ham. Traditional Riojas are made mostly from Tempranillo grapes, which are aged in American oak. The soft tannins of these wines will complement the savory flavors of the ham, while the aromas of dill and vanilla enhance the caramelized notes of the crystallized honey.

White: Chardonnay from Napa Valley

A full bodied and delicious Chardonnay from Napa Valley is a wonderful option for Thanksgiving dinner. The notes of Golden Delicious apple, pineapple and smoky oak will complement classic Thanksgiving side dishes such as buttery mashed potatoes and creamy green bean casserole.

White: Chardonnay from Burgundy, France 

If your Thanksgiving dinner is seasoned with rustic spices and fresh herbs, white Burgundies from the villages of Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet or Chassagne-Montrachet are excellent choices as they have enough complexity and mineral notes to enhance the earthiness components of the meal.

From our family to yours, wishing you a
delicious day and a wonderful Thanksgiving!