The age-old question – should you serve red or white wine with turkey? This debate emerges every year as Thanksgiving approaches. Both red and white wines can beautifully complement turkey, so how do you decide which is best? In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you make the perfect wine pairing.
An Overview of Red and White Wine Pairings
Overall, lighter-bodied red and crisp, acidic white wines tend to pair best with turkey’s delicate white meat. However, the preparation method sides and individual preferences also play key roles.
White wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc have bright acidity that cuts through the richness. Their citrus and stone fruit flavors contrast turkey’s subtler flavors nicely.
Meanwhile, smooth, fruit-forward reds like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, and light Merlot offer flavors that complement turkey. Their medium bodies and lower tannins balance the meat without overpowering.
So both varietals can make fantastic pairings – it just depends on the specifics of your Thanksgiving spread!
The Case for White Wine
White wines are usually considered easier pairings with turkey and other white meats Their crisp acidity and fruity aromas contrast the subtle turkey flavors instead of competing
Popular white wine options include:
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Chardonnay – Buttery, oaked Chardonnays complement roasted turkey well. The creaminess helps moisten drier white meat. French White Burgundies are classics.
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Riesling – Bright, zippy Rieslings keep the palate refreshed through multiple rich sides. Their apple and citrus notes pair broadly.
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Pinot Grigio – The citrusy acidity and lemon-lime flavors contrast turkey nicely. Pinot Grigio is a crowd-pleasing pick.
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Sauvignon Blanc – Herbaceousness and acidity in Sauvignon Blanc cut through fat and oils well. Grassy New Zealand styles work beautifully.
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Sparkling Wines – Bubbles act as fantastic palate cleansers between bites. Dry Champagne or Prosecco are slam dunk options.
Overall, lean towards crisp, vibrant whites with medium bodies. Avoid big, oaky Chardonnays that may overpower turkey.
The Case for Red Wine
While whites may seem like no-brainer turkey pairings, don’t overlook reds! Light, smooth reds can make amazing matches too. Choosing the right red wine style is key:
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Pinot Noir – Elegant, earthy Pinot Noir is a classic with turkey. Its red berry flavors and silky texture complement white meat.
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Beaujolais – Made from the Gamay grape, its light body and berry aromas pair beautifully with poultry. An underrated match!
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Chianti Classico – Bright cherry flavors and lively acidity in Chianti Classico cut through fat and oils. Sangiovese has a light-medium body.
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Red Blends – Grenache-Syrah blends combine light bodies with some richness from Syrah. They bridge white and red strengths.
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Lighter Cabernets & Merlots – Well-aged, restrained Bordeaux reds can work with turkey. Tannins must be resolved though.
The key is choosing reds with minimal tannins and lighter bodies. Big Cabernets will overshadow the turkey.
Important Factors in Pairing Wine with Turkey
Beyond just color, consider these components when selecting your Thanksgiving wine:
Turkey Cooking Method
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Roasted/Baked Turkey – Works with both whites and reds. Crisp whites offset roasted flavors while light reds complement.
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Fried Turkey – Bold, fruity whites like Chardonnay can handle fried turkey’s crunchy crust.
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Grilled Turkey – Charred, smoky flavors love smoky reds like Pinot Noir. Whites fall short with grilled turkey.
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Smoked Turkey – Smoky reds also complement smoked turkey beautifully. Whites tend to clash with smoke.
Stuffing & Sides
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Fruit-Based Stuffings – Fruit stuffings with apples or cranberries love Pinot Noir. Herb stuffings match crisp whites.
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Rich Sides – Buttery potatoes, creamed veggies and mac & cheese all do well with oaked, buttery Chardonnay or creamy Pinot Grigio.
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Tangy Sides – Cranberry sauce, pickles and vinaigrette salads need a bright, super acidic white like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.
Other Proteins Served
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Ham – For salty ham, bright, acidic whites like Sauvignon Blanc cut through the saltiness well.
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Lamb or Beef – Heartier red meats call for medium-bodied reds like Merlot, Grenache or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Desserts
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Pumpkin Pie – Light, cherry-y Pinot Noir or Gamay complement pumpkin pie’s spices nicely.
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Pecan Pie – Sweeter oaked Chardonnay matches pecan pie’s richness.
Guest Wine Preferences
Consider personal tastes too! Providing both red and white will please most guests’ preferences.
Recommendations for Turkey Wine Pairings
My personal go-to is an elegant Red Burgundy Pinot Noir. The cherry-berry flavors, earthiness, and silky texture pair so nicely with turkey.
However, vibrant, acidic whites like Sauvignon Blanc are very safe choices. For fried or smoked turkey, I’d pick a buttery California Chardonnay – the oakiness balances intense flavors.
Overall, both a light-bodied red or full white wine will complement turkey wonderfully. The optimal wine can be tailored to your preparation method, sides, and menu. With the perfect wine match, your Thanksgiving meal will be taken to extraordinary levels! Here’s to wonderful food, family, giving thanks, and making unforgettable memories. Cheers!
The Perfect Wine Pairing
Finding the perfect wine to pair with your turkey dinner can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. In general, if you plan to serve a sweeter dish, such as cranberry sauce, a dry or off-dry wine is best.
A fruity or spicy wine will complement a savory dish, like stuffing or mashed potatoes. Lastly, for a smoky or spicy turkey dish, look for a wine with a higher sugar content to balance these flavors.
Best Wine and Turkey Pairings
When it comes to enjoying a turkey dinner, whether on Thanksgiving or any other day of the year, the perfect wine pairing can take your meal from good to great. It may be a bit overwhelming when trying to select the right bottle, but worry not!
In this blog post, the Hillside Turkey Farms team will discuss the best red, white, and rosé wines to complement your turkey dinner. So, whether you’re a traditionalist who prefers a full-bodied red wine or you enjoy a lighter, fruitier taste, we’re here to help you find the perfect wine pairing for your turkey meal:
Red wines are a staple for Thanksgiving dinner, especially if you enjoy a heartier meal. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel are all excellent choices as they pair well with the rich flavors of turkey and gravy. If you prefer a more bold wine, choose a Cabernet Sauvignon—it has a strong taste, making it perfect for red meats.
On the other hand, Pinot Noir is a bit lighter, with notes of earth, berries, and spice, so it’s a great wine for those who prefer a subtler taste. Lastly, Zinfandel is a versatile wine with fruity and spicy notes, perfect for those who enjoy a spicier turkey dish.
White wines are typically lighter and crisp, pairing well with a variety of dishes. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling are excellent choices to accompany your turkey dinner. Sauvignon Blanc is a light and citrusy wine that compliments turkey well, as it doesn’t overpower the dish’s flavor.
Chardonnay is a more robust white wine featuring notes of vanilla and butter. If you prefer your wine a bit sweeter, Riesling is an ideal pick—it features fruity and floral aromas with a balanced sweetness perfect for turkey stuffing.
If you’re looking for something different and fun, try a rosé wine! Rosé wines are trendy right now, with light and fruity notes making them great for your Thanksgiving or holiday meal. The best rosé wines to accompany your turkey dinner are those with a bit of sweetness and a light, refreshing flavor.
Look for a rosé with a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes for a richer flavor. Another good option is a rosé made with Pinot Noir grapes, which has subtle notes of cherry and strawberry.
What Wine Should You Serve With Turkey?
FAQ
Does turkey go better with white or red wine?
Great wine matches with turkey include relatively full-bodied white wines or medium-bodied reds with low-to-medium tannin levels and high acidity.Nov 4, 2024
Does red or white wine go with Thanksgiving dinner?
For Thanksgiving, white wines like Chardonnay or Riesling and red wines like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel are popular choices, as they tend to pair well with turkey and traditional sides. Presentation: Bring the wine in a nice bag or wrap it attractively if you want to add a thoughtful touch.
Do you serve red or white wine with roast turkey?
Finding the perfect wine to pair with turkey, alongside all the other side dishes and sauces, might seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Richer whites and lighter reds are ideal for complementing turkey’s succulent flavour.
Can you drink Pinot Grigio with turkey?
Pinot Grigio is a light and dry white wine and will not enhance the flavour of your Turkey very well.Aug 7, 2023
How do you choose a wine for a turkey dinner?
As a Certified Specialist of Wine, curating balanced and exciting food and wine pairings is part of the joy of mealtimes. Picking a wine for your turkey dinner can be pretty straightforward if you stick to choosing it based on the color, but when you start considering the nuances it can quickly become overwhelming.
Red vs White wine: Which is healthier?
The difference between red and white wine is the colour of the grapes which are used. To make white wine, grapes are pressed and skin, seeds and stems are removed before fermentation. However, to make red wine, the crushed red grapes are fermented with seeds, skin and stems. As a result, red wine is rich in plant compounds that are present in those skins such as tannins and resveratrol. Overall, red wine has slight edge over white because it has higher amounts of vitamins and minerals. Red wine helps in reducing heart disease risk, increase good HDL cholesterol and helps with diabetes. Red wine helps with cancer and eases joint pain.
What wine goes well with Thanksgiving turkey?
“The abundant red fruit and savory qualities of the Mayacamas 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon pair exceptionally with a classic Thanksgiving turkey and will elevate the main course,” he tells The Spruce Eats.
What wine goes well with cold roast turkey leftovers?
For cold roast turkey leftovers, food and wine expert Fiona Beckett wrote in a previous Decanter article that she’d opt for ‘a riper, more robustly fruity Pinot Noir from, say, California, Oregon or New Zealand’. Younger reds can work, too.
What wine should I drink if I eat turkey meat?
That said, dark turkey meat or turkey slathered in gravy has a weightier profile that can tolerate a bit more tannin. For optimal balance, stick to wines with low to medium tannins, like sangiovese, barbera, malbec, and pinot noir.
Which wine is best for Turkey?
That’s good news if one of your fellow diners only drinks rosé, or white, red or orange. Pinot Noir often delivers wines of bright red fruit and refreshing acidity, albeit with varying levels of structure, and can be a great red wine choice for turkey. It’s still possible to find ‘value’ options in Pinot Noir’s Burgundy heartland.