How do you Pair Wine with Thanksgiving?

Turkey roasting, fresh bread baking, and fruit pies in the oven evoke holiday memories. Couple these incredible aromas with the loud (at least in my family) sounds of the people you love gathering to give thanks. A Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most difficult wine-pairing meals because of the richness of the foods and the diverse flavors. Do you pair the wine with the savory dishes or the sweetness of the many side dishes? It is a conundrum, for sure.  Here are four tips when choosing the perfect wines for Thanksgiving.

1. For goodness sake, choose an American wine. It is an American holiday; why would you put a foreign wine on your table? Better yet, choose an Arizona wine. LDV Winery’s Grenache will make an appearance on our Thanksgiving table. The ripe berries and soft tannins make it the perfect match for the richness of the turkey and fixings. We call our Grenache the Pinot Noir of the desert because of the similar characteristics. A bold, fruit-forward Oregon Pinot Noir would also be a good choice. 
2. Since we live in the Southwest, our Thanksgiving dinner includes more spice than other regions. It is important to consider the spices used when choosing a wine. Surprisingly, fuller-bodied white wines can stand up nicely to Southwestern spices, buttery mashed potatoes, and gravy. Think of a toasty oaked Chardonnay from California or the LDV 2022 Rhyolite Viognier. The Viognier has crispness and acidity to cut through and complement the rich flavors.
3. Don’t shy away from a great sparkling wine with Thanksgiving. It fits with the celebratory nature of the holiday. A good choice is a California brut rose sparkling wine that complements the intense flavors. Or consider a Riesling or Gewurztraminer from Washington or Oregon. The acidity of wine can cut through the food’s richness, and the touch of spice in the wine pairs well with the dinner’s flavors. 
4. Avoid too sweet wines and lean toward the drier profile. Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade pies, not your wines.

Thanksgiving celebrates life, family, friends, and life’s bounty. It is a day to reflect on the incredible journey we are experiencing together. Take the time to reflect and raise a glass in a toast to a well-lived life and the journey ahead.