It’s probably not a surprise that more wine is sold for Thanksgiving Day dinner than any other meal of the year. With so many choices, how do you choose? Serving wine at Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a challenge.

First and foremost, serve something you enjoy. Keep in mind that lighter, less complex, versatile wines pair best with the traditional turkey day feast. Ask your local wine shop for a white and red wine selection with high acidity and low tannins.

Here are a few varietals that pair well with traditional dishes:

Chardonnay tends to be a favorite white wine in our region. A heavy, buttery chardonnay may be too much for Thanksgiving. If you’re a chardonnay lover, try one that is un-oaked for a lighter, crisper taste.

Riesling’s abundant acidity makes for a great palate cleansing white wine to serve. The acidity will help cut through the higher fat content of traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

Rosé is gaining popularity as a Thanksgiving wine. It’s tart, dry and cleansing. Roses are richer than white wine, but not as heavy as a red making it a great alternative.

Pinot noir has long been a turkey day favorite. It’s lighter in body and softer on the palate than Cabernet. It has great acidity and bright red fruit with earthy undertones that work well with turkey and all the usual sides. To maximize pinot noir’s bright character, try serving this light bodied wine a bit cooler than other reds. 30 minutes in the refrigerator or 5 minutes in an ice bucket will do the trick.

If you tend to like bigger red wines, try a red Zinfandel. Zinfandels are bright, smooth, earthy and a little spicy. Do your best to find a bottle with 15% or less alcohol by volume (ABV). Higher alcohol content in wines can overpower lighter dishes.

Eat, drink and be thankful this holiday season!

Cheers!
Chrissy Liescheidt

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have” Hebrews 13:16 ESV

Vintner’s Hill is located at: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. #107. To speak to a Vintner’s Hill wine expert, please call: 980-207-4242. Follow us on Facebook for events & specials.