Best Wines for Thanksgiving

There’s a lot to love about Thanksgiving—the delectable, mouth-watering food; the intimate time shared with family; and the joy of a few days off are all aspects that make this holiday such a fantastic time. However, such a big holiday means a lot planning—which for some people means a lot of stress. You probably already have a rough idea of what you’re doing for food, but don’t forget that the most important complement to tasty food is a winsome wine.

Pinot Noir

Pinot noir is a beloved red wine for Thanksgiving, and for great reason. The wine’s subtle earthy undertones and fruity features will pair well with just about every dish you have on your table. If you’re going to pick just one bottle of red, then pinot noir is definitely the way to go. The high acidity cuts through the rich flavors without overpowering them, and the wine’s light-bodied nature pairs well with those lighter dishes.

Beaujolais Nouveau

Although it’s not one of the most well-known wines for Thanksgiving, Beaujolais actually offers a lot of lovely flavor pairings for your meal. Made from Gamay grapes, the wine is comparable to pinot noir, but it has an even wider range of complements. Its lighter body pairs well with salads, roasted squash, cranberries, and marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes.

Zinfandel

Another popular option for Thanksgiving meals is the full-bodied zinfandel. Although it’s definitely more intense than pinot noir or Beaujolais, this red still has quite the balancing effect on most of your Thanksgiving staples. The low tannins help moisten a dry turkey (we don’t want to admit it, but most of our turkeys come out pretty dry), so you’ll want to pick up a bottle before you head to the in-laws’ house. Not to mention, its lovely secondary flavors of clove, cinnamon, and vanilla complement a lot of dishes you find in the fall.