So it’s Thanksgiving and you want to enjoy a drink or two in order to better tolerate the mandatory family gatherings, but you also want to stay classy and not ruin your pallet for all the amazing food you are going to be eating. We’ve got your perfect solution: wines! Try a few of these awesome pairings and we guarantee you will enjoy some amazing flavors, impress friends and family with your vast knowledge of fine wines, and best of all, look great with a wine glass in your hand!
Pinot Noir
Red wines are great for this time of year, and nothing goes with the bold flavors of turkey and stuffing like Pinot Noir. This dark wine is especially well-paired with mushroom-based dishes and darker beef gravies. Crack this open to wash down dinner!
Shiraz
This spicy, grape-infused wine pairs wonderfully with stuffing and other zesty, flavorful Thanksgiving dishes. Try a glass right before dinner or while enjoying your favorite sides.
Riesling
Although white wines are a tad out of season, a good Riesling will pair wonderfully with sweet potato casserole or a tart cranberry dish. It’s just refreshing enough to wash down hearty, spicy, or salty Thanksgiving food, but is rife with flavors of apricot, apple and honey that make the complex layers in your meal pop.
Sparkling Wine
Some may say it isn’t as traditionally classy, but this light, cold, carbonated beverage will quench your thirst and make you happy, and the fruity flavor will compliment any dish.
Port
A good port is perfect for dessert, and goes wonderfully with any pie, especially pecan or pumpkin. The spiced, cidery warmth makes for an amazing combination, and takes the edge of both the overwhelming sweetness of the desert and the bitter bite of alcohol.
Just be careful not to pair too many wines with other wines, lest you end up loosing your proverbial lunch! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!