How to Pair Wine With Thanksgiving Foods

Every year my wine club debates, which is the best wine to serve with turkey on Thanksgiving. It has become the traditional never-ending debate. It is white or red, is it sweet or dry, etc. The right wine can make a meal very memorial. The wrong wine can clash or overpower your wonderful meal. However, there is no right or wrong choice of wine to company your Thanksgiving dinner. Actually, I believe it is up to the individual and their tastes.

The Thanksgiving dinner is special; therefore, one that requires several types of wine served throughout the meal. A good choice would be to start with a sparkling wine to accompany the appetizers. Follow a good pinot grigio or pinot noir to be enjoyed with the turkey. Finish with an Orange Muscat or German ice wine with dessert. Here are a few guidelines to help in your choice.

For Appetizers and savory foods: Sparkling wines and champagnes are great. My choice is a nice is a nice California sparking wine like Bargetto Winery's Brut Sparkling wine.

For Turkey: Crisp whites or spicy medium-bodied reds, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah or Pino Noir. However, I suggest trying a nice Gewürztraminer such as from Chateau Julian in California (as I said - it is an individual's choice). For Rich creamy foods: Full bodied whites or reds. My choice is easy, a Cabernet Sauvignon such as a California Château Julian Estate Cabernet.

For Acidic foods and salads: High acid white or red wines, such as Zinfandels or Chianti are equally good with acidic foods.

Finally for desserts-sweet wines that adds to the sweetness of the dessert. Such wines like Muscat, Port, and Sauternes match well with the sweetness of the dessert. My favorite is Bargetto's Port or Orange Muscat. Beware that a port has a stronger taste and goes great with desserts with chocolate, fruit/creamy desserts and strong cheeses.

Another choice: Rose's are a great new option when you can't decide between a red and white. Rose's can be either sweet or dry. Dishes with cream sauce, shellfish, sole/Halibut, salmon/tuna, poultry, mild cheese, and cream based dips or vegetables.