Which Wine with Turkey is a question that comes up often, and especially for the Thanksgiving holiday.
By answering one simple question, we can suggest a good wine for you.
Do you and your guests usually prefer red wines, dry whites or, possibly, wines with a little sweetness?
The answer to that question is the most important factor in deciding what wine to have. Based on your answer, we suggest that you select one of the following types of wine.
— If you normally prefer red wines, consider a Pinot Noir to go with your Turkey. It will have a bit fuller flavor than white wine choices you might make but will match quite well with the meal. Pinot Noir has very little tannin so it will not overwhelm the taste of the meal. There are many good brands of Pinot Noir from California, Burgundy (France) and also some from Oregon. Find a known name brand in your price range and enjoy the meal. Serve Pinot Noir very lightly chilled (what could be called ‘cellar temperature). Putting the Pinot Noir in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving it will bring out the fruit and will take away the ‘bite’ that alcohol can give when served at room temperature.
— If you normally prefer dry white wines, then Chardonnay would be the natural choice for a match with Turkey. If you like dry white wines, then just select a nice Chardonnay in your price range and enjoy. It is hard to go wrong in your selection.
— If you usually like wine with a little sweetness, such as White Zinfandel or many of the German wines. Vouvray is a reasonably priced wine from the Loire River region in France. Do not let the fact that this is a French wine intimidate you. Just understand that a Vouvray will have a nice fruit taste with just a whisper of sweetness.
Every year in November, Beaujolais Nouveau is the first wine to be harvested in the Beaujolais region of France. Made from the Gamay grape, this wine is fresh, fruity, light-bodied and has hints of cherry and plums with peppery finish. It complements holiday fare well, and as it can be enjoyed slightly chilled, it may also be enjoyed by those who favor white wine.
There are, of course, many other wine choices you can make that will go with Turkey and the traditional meal. Dry white wine options could include a nice Pinot Gris , a White Burgundy from France (they are made with Chardonnay) or a Viognier.
Work within these tried and true suggestions and save your time and energy on the rest of the meal as well as enjoying the time with your family and guests.
Visit the Liquor Barn in Long Lake, Minnesota for your Holiday beverage needs. We have a large selection of all wines, spirits and beer. Check out our Specials Page
