Thanksgiving Wine & Food Pairings – Six Great Wines For The Season

For most Americans, Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most memorable meals of the year.  Taking center stage is the turkey, but equally as important are the wine pairings.  With a melange of dishes and flavors, like mashed potato, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, roasted autumnal vegetables, ham, and turkey, choosing a wine can become a complicated task. This year, pair your Thanksgiving feast with wines from France.  French wines were specifically created to be served with food.

Thanksgiving is looking a little different this year due to COVID-19, so we think it’s the perfect year to start a new tradition with French wines. You may be celebrating virtually or hosting a small dinner, be sure to give thanks with a bit of French flair to your Thanksgiving menu. The right notes of fruits, tannins and acids in these wines will complement the meal delectably and earn you high accolades from your guests.

Pierre Tailleur de Vins 2016 Blanquette de Limoux Brut Nature – SRP: $21

This sparkling wine is 90% Mauzac and 10% Chenin Blanc. With less than 3 grams of sugar per liter, this Blanquette de Limoux Brut Nature is succulent and aromatic. Fill your guests’ glasses with this sparkling wine as soon as they enter the home, it will immediately put them in a festive mood.  The perfect start to any dinner celebration.

Ferraton Pere & Fils Cotes du Rhone Samorens Blanc 2018 – SRP: $16

A blend of 60% Grenache Blanc and 40% Clairette. Notes of white fruit, creamy, balanced, fresh, crisp and limestone minerality on the finish. The crispness, minerality, and depth of this wine make it wonderful with a variety of dishes.  A perfect wine for appetizers, like cheese, crudites and dips.

Domaine de Bila-Haut 2017 Occultum Lapidem Cotes du Roussillon – SRP: $45

Mostly Grenache Blanc and Vermentino. From a single vineyard ‘Occultum Lapidem’, this is a great alternative to a Chardonnay. Notes of honey right off the bat with a whiff of wet stones, peach, and citrus finish. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to turkey and mashed potatoes for your guests that prefer white wine.

Pierre Tailleur de Vins 2018 Pinot Noir Cite de Carcassonne IGP  – SRP: $15

A juicy, velvety, and fruit-forward Pinot Noir. An approachable and gentle style, which would pair well with turkey and ham.  This Pinot Noir is a splendid choice for those guests that prefer a light red wine that has pronounced fruit and acidity.

Domaine de Bila-Haut 2018 L’esquerda Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde – SRP: $30

90% Syrah, 8% Grenache, and a touch of Carignan. Reminiscent of a Rhône Syrah with notes of black fruit, baking spices, hints of violet, and a smoky mineral finish. Pairs well with hearty dishes like mac & cheese, mushroom risotto, or roasted autumn vegetables.

Ferraton Pere & Fils Crozes-Hermitage 2016 Calendes – SRP: $34

100% Syrah. A terrific expression of Northern Rhône Syrah. Notes of red fruit, blackcurrant, and raspberry, with violet undertones. Ample and generous on the palate with a subtly spicy finish. This Crozes-Hermitage is perfect for your guests that prefer a big, bold, full-bodied wine. Serve alongside heartier meat dishes or richer meats like roasted beef.

Thanksgiving Day may be all about the Turkey, but your guests will truly appreciate and give thanks to a well thought out wine selection.  As you finalize your Thanksgiving Day menu, consider these six wines to complement your meal. The holidays can be stressful but picking the perfect wines should not be.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!