You can pair a complex white Burgundy with turkey, a grand Rioja Gran Reserva, or a smooth, bright Pinot Noir from one of several key growing regions.
The holidays are a time for indulging in delicious food and drink Two centerpiece meats at many holiday meals are ham and turkey But what wines pair best with these hearty proteins? Follow this guide for foolproof wine selections to complement your holiday ham and turkey,
White Wine Options
Riesling
Riesling is one of the most versatile food wines. Its bright acidity and range of sweetness levels, from bone dry to lusciously sweet, make it an excellent choice for both ham and turkey. Dry Rieslings have racy acidity to cut through the fattiness of ham. Sweeter styles complement the saltiness of cured hams. For turkey, dry Rieslings match nicely with roasted white meat while sweeter versions pair with gravies and cranberry sauce.
Gewürztraminer
The heady aromas of lychee and roses make Gewürztraminer a sensational match for ham’s rich, salty flavors. Dry styles work with baked ham while off-dry Gewürztraminers complement glazed or honey-baked hams. Gewürztraminer is also a friend to turkey, interacting favorably with gravy, stuffing and sweet potatoes.
Pinot Grigio
With its medium body, bright acidity, and notes of citrus and green apple, Pinot Grigio is a safe choice for both ham and turkey. It has the acidity to balance ham’s richness but not the overt fruity flavors that clash with cured meat. It also complements turkey without overpowering the delicate white meat.
Moscato
For those who prefer something sweet, Moscato is a delightful option with ham or turkey. The perfumed stone and tropical fruit notes play off the savory meats beautifully, while the signature sweetness pairs perfectly with glazes and sauces. Just beware Moscato’s low alcohol content.
Red Wine Options
Pinot Noir
With its medium body vibrant acidity and red fruit flavors, Pinot Noir works beautifully with holiday meats. The variety’s earthiness complements cured ham while its delicate nature doesn’t overpower turkey. Lean towards lighter, fruit-forward styles over oaky versions.
Beaujolais
For ham, try a BeaujolaisVillages or Cru Beaujolais like Fleurie or Brouilly. These light, fruity reds have enough weight and structure to match ham but won’t overwhelm. Their flavors of strawberry, cranberry, and red apple also provide an interesting counterpoint.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel has enough richness and ripe berry flavors to stand up to cured ham. For turkey, stick with a lighter style Zin from California or Primitivo from Italy. The spicy, peppery notes complement traditional Thanksgiving seasonings.
Sparkling Options
No holiday table is complete without bubbly! Dry sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco have palate-cleansing acidity and infinitesimal bubbles that make your mouth water, perfectly priming you for each morsel of ham or turkey. Just beware sweeter styles that may clash with savory meats.
Tips for Picking the Right Wines
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Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Grigio are foolproof white wine choices for both ham and turkey
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Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, and Zinfandel provide pleasing red options for holiday meats
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Sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco are festive with their freshness and effervescence
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Pick dry wines with ham and dry to off-dry with turkey
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Sweeter wines work better with glazed or honey-baked hams
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Choose fruit-forward, low tannin reds not high alcohol or oaky styles
With this guidance, you can confidently select wines to enhance your holiday ham and turkey this year. Experiment with different varietals and styles to discover your perfect combinations. The right wine will bring out the best in your holiday centerpieces.
Rioja with roast turkey
Longuère also suggested Rioja Gran Reserva wines at least 10 years old.
He said that these wines come out after being in the bottle for a while and are often a good deal in the world of fine wine.
Wine writer Olly Smith is also a fan. He wrote last year, “Christmas Day is a slam-dunk for a high-end Rioja Gran Reserva and a turkey with all the trimmings.”
Is red or white wine better for a turkey dinner?
An expert Decanter panel named white Burgundy as the best pairing with turkey in 2011.
This beat Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Bordeaux blends, Pinot Noir and Californian Zinfandel in a tasting.
Longuère said it should be possible to find a wine in every colour that fits the bill, however. That’s good news if one of your fellow diners only drinks rosé, or white, red or orange.
What Wine Goes With Ham? Thumbs Up Wine Food Pairing
FAQ
What kind of wine goes with ham and turkey?
Do you serve white or red wine with turkey?
Do you serve red or white wine with ham?
What wine pairs best with Thanksgiving dinner?
What wine goes with ham?
Ham narrows the focus a little bit more. I love Riesling and Gewürztraminer with ham, and those would typically pair well with the sides, too. On the red side, I’d continue to stick with soft and fruity examples of Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Grenache. And don’t forget the bubbly, which goes with just about everything.
What wine goes best with Turkey?
How the turkey is prepared can affect the kind of wine that will go best with it. For example, smoked turkey pairs well with Riesling, while pinot noir or chardonnay are wines that are ideal for oven-roasted turkey. You could even choose to baste your turkey with wine, and if you do, that same wine could be enjoyed during the meal.
What wine goes well with turkey & oyster stuffing?
Barron also recommends the Légende R Bordeaux Blanc, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, paired with oven-roasted turkey and oyster stuffing: “The high minerality and slight salinity dance very nicely with the salt in the oysters and the herbaceousness of the stuffing.
What wine is best for Thanksgiving?
We asked a handful of experts to recommend their go-to wines for turkey-centric meals, and they did not disappoint—from bright, zippy Columbia Valley Riesling to an Israeli red blend, these are the top wines to stock for your Thanksgiving gathering. Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
What wine goes well with a Burgundy wine?
Pinot Noir from bolder Burgundy crus, such as Gevrey-Chambertin or Pommard, should work exceptionally well. If you can stretch to the Grand Cru of Chambertin then you’re in for a treat, but there are also plenty of less expensive options out there. Try looking towards Fixin or Santenay, for example.