As a wine lover and avid home cook, if I had to choose a favorite holiday Thanksgiving just might be it. Thanksgiving offers us a day to focus on gratitude, gather with the ones we love, and cook up all sorts of tasty dishes. This bountiful holiday also provides the perfect opportunity to pop open a special bottle from the wine cellar and savor numerous bottles of our favorite varieties to make the day an all-out celebration.
While I have so much fun selecting wines for the celebration to carry friends and family through the day from cooking to post-dinner lounging, I know this may not be the case for everyone. We’re just a week out from Thanksgiving and with so many items to check off the to-do list before next Thursday, I wanted to help you out with my guide to choosing the best wines for Thanksgiving.
Allow me to start by saying that the number one rule for choosing the best wines for Thanksgiving is to drink what you love! Below you’ll find suggestions for what varieties to seek out, why they work so well for Thanksgiving Day, and some of my favorite producers.
For my family, a bottle of bubbles is a must have for Thanksgiving. Let’s be honest, is there anything more festive than popping open a bottle of bubbly? I think not. So, choose a bottle or two of bubbles, pick a couple whites, a couple reds, and before you know it you have a yourself a casual Thanksgiving wine pairing menu. Selecting a variety of wines also ensures you have something to offer every palate and a wine that complements each of the flavors on the Thanksgiving table.
“I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” – W.C. Fields
Bubbles Are A Must
No best wines for Thanksgiving guide would be complete without some bubbly. Sparkling wine is the best way to start the celebration, welcome your guests, and keep the cooks fueled in the kitchen. Thanksgiving only comes around once a year and if nothing else, your guests can be thankful for a divine glass of bubbly. So, go for the good stuff! If you can swing it, splurge on a special Champagne. If not, choose a sparkling wine produced in the traditional method. This will offer more complexities on the palate, giving guests the opportunity to savor bubbles alongside the entire meal if they wish.
Notes For Your Wine Shop
- Stick with Brut or Extra Brut, as you’ll want to avoid a sweeter style of bubbles unless serving alongside sweet dishes or dessert.
- Ask for a sparkling wine produced in the traditional method. Generally, the more time wine spends in contact with the lees in bottle, the more complexities and savory qualities it will have, making it an ideal wine to pair with the savory fall flavors of Thanksgiving. Also making it all the more special sipped on its own!
My Picks
Gloria Ferrer, Carneros Cuvée – Late Disgorged 2008 ($80) – 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay (first press). Bottled aged on yeast for 9 years. Aromas of green apple, toast, and brioche. Notes of Asian pear, ginger, and baked apples. A creamy mouthfeel and opulent, clean finish.
Schramsberg, J. Schram 2010 ($120) – 84% Chardonnay, 16% Pinot Noir. Bottle aged on lees for 7.5 years. Aromas of green apple, candied ginger, graham cracker, and nutmeg. Flavors of apple, pear, Meyer lemon, and cinnamon spice with bright acidity.
A White To Go With Your Greens
If your Thanksgiving menu features some greens, then you’re going to need a zesty, herbaceous white wine to complement those vegetal, green flavors. A Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, or Albariño would do the trick. All varieties tend towards high acidity, keeping the palate bright, and fresh. This means they will pair nicely alongside lighter appetizers or dishes and can also balance out the richness of a heavier, creamy dish. All exhibit zesty flavors like lemon, lime, or grapefruit and can be quite herbaceous as well. These wines also highlight herbal flavors and will be exceptional alongside any dish loaded with fresh herbs.
Notes For Your Wine Shop
- You’ll want a Sauvignon Blanc from Loire Valley or New Zealand, a Vermentino from Sardinia, or an Albariño from Rias Biaxas to experience true varietal characteristics respectively.
- Avoid sweet wines and ask for a wine with little to no residual sugar.
My Picks
Capichera, Lintóri Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C.G. 2018 ($18) – Aromas of exotic fruit, pineapple, green apple, and exotic herbs. Bright and well-integrated acidity with notes of citrus and minerals on the palate.
Granbazán, Etiqueta Verde, Rias Baixas D.O. 2018 ($11) – Aromas and flavors of green apples, grass, citrus, tropical fruits, and white flowers. Mouthwatering, crisp acidity with salinity on the finished. Elegant and well-balanced.
Stonefish, Sauvignon Blanc, Margaret River 2018 ($15) – Fresh, lively palate with a clean finish. Aromas of tropical fruits and lemongrass.
Mix It Up With A Roussanne
While a Chardonnay produced with a slight touch of oak would work just as beautifully with Thanksgiving dinner, a Roussanne just feels more special. This rare, elegant white wine is typically found in Southern France and the Southern Rhône Valley, where it is often blended with Marsanne and Viognier. Roussanne typically exhibits notes of marzipan, honeysuckle, apricot, brioche, chamomile and perhaps Meyer lemon. There is a luscious quality to Roussanne that make it an ideal wine to serve alongside an aromatic stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted turkey.
Notes for Your Wine Shop
- Try to seek out a varietal wine that is 100% Roussanne.
- If that’s not accessible, opt for a Roussanne/Marsanne blend.
- If selecting a Roussanne produced in the U.S., be sure to ask about the level of oak influence on the wine. American producers tend to heavily oak the wine, in which case you’ll likely be getting more vanilla flavors and a rich, buttery wine. Personally, not my favorite style, but you do you.
My Picks
Clos des Centenaires, Costiers de Nimes, Rhône, France ($18) – 90% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne. Notes of delicate citrus blossoms, citrus, and slightly toasty. Lively on the palate with a touch of minerality.
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Roussanne 2017 ($40) – 100% Roussanne. Vibrant and fresh with aromas of pear, ginger, and sweet spices. Concentrated and expressive on the palate with notes of honey, minerals, and a juicy acidity.
Something Red, Fruity, and Lightly Chilled
A meal that revolves around turkey makes this the perfect occasion to pour those less serious, more fun, fruit forward red wines. Gamay is the first variety that comes to mind for me in this category. As a low tannin, medium to low body, high acidity, fruit forward red wine, Gamay will keep the palate lively and fresh alongside hearty stuffing, potato gratin, and turkey smothered in gravy. Gamay’s notes of black current, raspberry and violets fit the Thanksgiving flavor profile nicely. Plus, Gamay tends to have a lower alcohol content, so bottoms up!
Notes For Your Wine Shop
- Beaujolais, France is known for Gamay, though not all villages necessarily produce a fresh and fruit forward style. Ask for guidance if needed.
- Beaujolais Nouveau is produced with carbonic maceration, meaning the berries are fermented whole, giving the wine fruitier characteristics. If Beaujolais Nouveau is not available, ask for another medium to light bodied red wine produced with carbonic maceration.
My Picks
Scribe Nouveau of Pinot Noir 2019 ($32) – 100% carbonic maceration Pinot Noir. Light, juicy, and very fresh with notes of raspberry, green tea, and wild strawberry.
André Vonnier, Brouilly, Beaujolais – Notes of jammy plum, strawberry, and red currants. Meant to be enjoyed young.
Pinot Noir – A Thanksgiving Staple
Classically hailed as a wine for food, the aromas, flavors, and structure of Pinot Noir were seemingly created for Thanksgiving. Therefore, Pinot Noir is a must have on my best wines for Thanksgiving list. Light to medium bodied with lower tannins and medium to high acidity, Pinot Noir pairs with just about anything. The wine’s typical aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, mushroom, clove, and hibiscus pair exceptionally well with Thanksgiving’s savory flavors.
Notes for Your Wine Shop
- Pinot Noir from France can be more delicate and elegant with hibiscus, rose petal, and potting soil aromas.
- California Pinot Noir will exhibit more notes of cherry, raspberry, allspice, black tea, and vanilla.
- Pinot Noir from Oregon will have more earthy depth and aromas of forest floor, mushroom, etc.
My Picks
Louis Jadot, Gevrey-Chambertin, Cote de Nuits, France 2014 ($69) – Juicy red fruits, floral aromatics of hibiscus and rose petals. Complex, layered, and elegant.
Sokol Blosser, Dundee Hills Estate Pinot Noir 2013 ($55) – Delicate yet well-structured. Notes of cherry, blueberry, and an earthy, spicy complexity.
Patz & Hall, Hawk Hill Vineyard 2015 ($70) – Every Pinot Noir I’ve ever had from Patz & Hall has been exquisite, but the Hawk Hill Vineyard is my all-time favorite. This is a ballpark price range, as I don’t think this specific wine is currently available. Definitely a wow wine for me. Well-integrated, balanced acidity and refined tannins. Notes of dark cherries, baking spices, and earth. You really can’t go wrong with any Patz & Hall Pinot Noir.
Counoise – Thanksgiving In A Glass
Though traditionally used as a blending grape in the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this low-yield, high quality grape makes for intriguing single-varietal wines. I am always shocked that Counoise is often missing from the best wines for Thanksgiving guides popping up this time of year. The fruity and spicy flavors coupled with mouthwatering acidity make this an ideal wine to enjoy alongside Thanksgiving dinner. Expect notes of plum, cranberry, different types of pepper, spice, and anise with a vibrant acidity and medium length finish.
Notes For Your Wine Shop
- Counoise as a single varietal wine is commonly found in California’s Central Coast. Personally, I have not tasted a varietal Counoise wine from France yet, so if you track one down that you love please let me know!
- If you can’t find a single varietal Counoise, see if the wine shop has a Counoise dominant blend.
My Picks
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery, Counoise 2016 ($40) – 100% Counoise. Notes of tart red plums, wild strawberries, cranberries, anise, and pepper. Vibrant and fresh, best enjoyed young.
Groundwork, Counoise 2018 ($18) – 100% carbonic maceration and 100% Counoise. Aromas and flavors of rhubarb, violets, white pepper, and dried cranberries.
Grenache – Definitely a Best Wine for Thanksgiving
With notes of strawberry, plum, dried herbs, leather, and orange zest, Grenache is another red wine ideal for the flavors of Thanksgiving. The fruit characteristics will be enhanced by Thanksgiving’s savory flavors, while the dried herbs will shine alongside the spices in each dish. Grenache is typically medium to full bodied with medium tannins and medium acidity, making it a perfect wine to serve alongside the main courses of your Thanksgiving meal. The intense flavors of Grenache make it a great match for roasted turkey and the many oven-roasted vegetables typical of the holiday.
Notes For Your Wine Shop
- Do your best to seek out a single varietal Grenache. Again, there are many great examples coming out of California’s Central Coast.
- If you’re unable to find a single varietal, opt for a GSM blend that is Grenache dominant.
- Cannonau from Sardinia is a great alternative to a California Grenache if you can get your hands on one.
My Picks
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery, Grenache, 2016 ($45) – Bursting with flavors of strawberry, spice, orange peel, and just a touch of dried herbs. A juicy, hearty Grenache that keeps you coming back for more.
Donkey & Goat, Grenache Noir, 2018 ($30) – Expressive with notes of red plum, stewed raspberries, green tea, pink peppercorns, and spicy tannins.
Zinfandel For Something A Bit Bolder
This fruit forward, bold red wine, which originated in Croatia and is now grown prominently throughout California, is ideal for Thanksgiving if you or your guests prefer a bolder red wine. Flavors and aromas typically include blackberry, tobacco, ripe strawberry, and sometimes dried herbs. Zinfandel is a medium to full bodied red wine with medium tannins known for bold fruit flavors and exotic spice notes. The spiciness of Zinfandel is perfect alongside a sausage stuffing, an herby potato dish, and turkey smothered in gravy and cranberry relish.
Notes For Your Wine Shop
- Personally, my favorite Zinfandels come from Paso Robles or the Rockpile AVA in Sonoma County, so keep an eye out for wines from these areas.
- If you can find a Zinfandel that came from a vineyard with limestone soil, grab it! Limestone does something so special to the fruit notes and acidity of Zinfandel.
My Pick
Rockpile Vineyards, Zinfandel ($60 – $72) – I’ve loved every single Rockpile Zinfandel I’ve tasted. Bold, fruit forward with the right amount of spice and impressive depth. These are luscious wines perfect for the opulent Thanksgiving occasion.
Something Special to Round Out the Night
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without dessert! And dessert wouldn’t be complete without something special to sip alongside your pie, carrot cake, or crème brûlée. This is the perfect time to open a bottle of Sauternes, a unique botrytis wine, a tawny port, or a bottle of Moscato D’Asti.
Notes For Your Wine Shop
- If you’re not sure what you like in a dessert wine, talk to the wine shop associate about other wines you like and what you’ll be having for dessert. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
My Pick
De Bortoli, Noble One, Botrytis Semillon, 2016 ($25) – Concentrated and luscious on the palate with notes of honeyed stone fruits, citrus, and vanilla bean. The right amount of sweetness, a touch spice, and bright acidity.
And that’s all she wrote! I hope my guidelines for choosing the best wines for Thanksgiving help bring joy to your holiday table. Remember to have fun selecting the wines you’ll serve and that excitement will carry over to your guests, making for great conversation and opportunities to create memories over special bottles with the ones you love. I hope you have a very happy and wine-filled Thanksgiving!
