If you've ever had to plan a Thanksgiving menu, then you know how much work and thought goes into it. Aside from the turkey, sides, and desserts, though, a Thanksgiving table is simply incomplete without the perfect Thanksgiving wine. Still, even for the most knowledgeable chefs, selecting the right bottle of vino for your perfectly cooked meal can be stressful. That's why we've narrowed down some of the best Thanksgiving wines to pair with everything from your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes to your best pies.
Our Top Picks
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Great for Gifting
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico
Not sure where to begin? To take the guess work out of shopping, we've organized the best Thanksgiving wines according to their varietal. Start by going with your personal preferences, whether it's red, white, or rosé. Here, you'll find pinot noir, chardonnay, and sparkling wines that are perfect for serving with your fall appetizers. Then, look for expert recommendations. We got advice from the manager at Tulsa Hills Wine Cellar, Andrea Gardner, and Amy Tesconi, director of marketing and public relations for Sonoma County Winegrowers. With their tips for buying wine, you're guaranteed to find a bottle (or two) that everyone will love.
Best of all, you don't need to shell out a ton of money when it comes to Thanksgiving wines. There are plenty of affordable options, including a few that are under $15. Though if you want to splurge, we have a few of those as well. It is the holidays, after all! Shop our favorite bottles here.
1
Great for Gifting
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico
1
Great for Gifting
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico
If you're bringing a bottle to a celebration and not sure what to get, try a red blend that is sure to please most palates. This medium-bodied blend has notes of cherry and tobacco, which pair well with red meat, mushrooms, and certain cheeses.
This approachable white wine comes from the central coast of California and has a lovely balance. It has bright citrus notes and brilliant aromatics and is perfect for serving with pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres.
No celebration is complete without a toast, especially after acknowledging what you're thankful for this year. Go with a classic brut Champagne that is an absolute fan favorite and crowd-pleaser.
With a gentle fizz and aromatic sweetness, Moscato is a classic dessert wine that pairs particularly well with fruit desserts. It also tends to have a lower alcohol content than other wines, so it can help the crowd wind down.
"Sparkling wine provides such a sense of celebration to the day," Tesconi says. California sparkling varieties, like this Roederer Estate Brut, pair well with appetizers including salami, raw veggies, and hummus.
Pinot Noir is a classic pairing for Thanksgiving, Tesconi says. Pour a glass of this rich and smooth red wine with your turkey dinner. Notes of bright cherry, dried herbs, and hints of vanilla are found in this Böen Pinot Noir.
Looking to impress your guests? Try a sparkling red Lambrusco wine. It has plenty of bright acidity that pairs well with richer foods like a big Thanksgiving feast.
For a taste of American tradition, try Schramsberg's Blanc de Noirs: It was the first wine of its kind to be produced for commercial sale in the US. It has a delightful fizz that's great for your Thanksgiving starters.
California is known for being a hotspot of Pinot Noir production, including this variety from Melville Winery, which has 120 acres of organically-grown grapes. It pairs well with just about any Thanksgiving side.
"Just because cooler weather makes us want to cozy up next to the fire with a rich red wine, that doesn't mean we have to send white wines into hibernation," Gardner says. Instead, a buttery white wine has "enough body to play against a heavy meal and brings rich flavors like vanilla, butter, and caramel."