Top 12 Best Wines for Thanksgiving to Savor

As the leaves turn and the air chills, Thanksgiving approaches - a time of warmth, gratitude, and sumptuous feasts. Amidst the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, a well-chosen bottle of wine can elevate your meal from memorable to extraordinary. But with the cornucopia of flavors on the table, selecting the perfect wine can be as daunting as preparing the feast itself. Fear not, for we’ve curated a list of the 12 top wine picks that harmonize with Thanksgiving's rich tapestry of tastes, along with tips to ensure your choice complements the bounty of your table. Whether you’re in search of a bold red to stand up to savory flavors, a crisp white to cleanse the palate, or a sparkling wine to add a touch of festivity, our guide will navigate you through the vineyards to the perfect Thanksgiving pour.

12 Best Thanksgiving Wines

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, and what better way to complement the festive feast than with a selection of wines that cater to every palate? Dive into our picks of 12 best wines to enjoy this Thanksgiving:

Best Red Wine for Thanksgiving

• Rebellious Pinot Noir 2021 ($20): This wine is a daring California blend that defies expectations, merging the zesty flavors of dark Bing cherry, raspberry preserves, and allspice with an unexpectedly lush texture and a lengthy finish.

• Thacher Cinsault 2021 ($45):  Crafted by winemaker Sherman Thacher, this wine focuses on lighter reds. The use of whole-cluster fermentation imparts a distinctive white-pepper note from the stems. Its moderate acidity and lack of tannins create a smooth, refreshingly crisp finish, perfect for those who enjoy a lighter touch in their red wine.

• Chinon Les Terrasses 2020 ($24): This wine from the Loire Valley of France is both lively and precise. It has a refreshing tartness with a palate of complex aromas and flavors of fresh red fruits and herbs, along with a satisfying tannic structure.

• Paraschos Merlot 2015 ($28): Hailing from the cool climate of Friuli in Northern Italy, this Merlot is leaner and more red-fruited than those from warmer regions like California. It's a natural wine made with organic grapes, no sulfur additions, and no new oak, offering a pure expression of the varietal.

• Cooper Hill Pinot Noir 2020 ($22): Representing excellent value, this Oregon Pinot Noir is both structured and approachable. It's complex with floral notes, and the flavors of red fruit and balsam are intriguingly both savory and sweet.

Best White Wine for Thanksgiving

• Noble Vines 242 Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ($13): From California's central coast, this Sauvignon Blanc strikes a lovely balance with bright citrus notes and vibrant aromatics, making it an ideal match for pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres.

• Soalheiro Alvarinho 2021 ($22): It beams with a bright, lemon-yellow color that heralds its fresh and elegant aroma, a signature of the Alvarinho variety's aromatic complexity. On the palate, it delivers an intense dance of tropical flavors and distinctive mineral notes, creating a harmonious balance with the crisp acidity and moderate alcohol content.

• Finger Lakes Dry Riesling 2018 ($20): This Riesling from New York's Finger Lakes is distinctive with earthy, stony flavors and a unique pebbly texture that may divide opinions but is undeniably delicious.

• Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo 2022 ($26): From the warm southern region of Italy, this white wine defies expectations with its cool, stony clarity. This white wine unveils a rich and powerfully aromatic profile, with a nose that is a lavish bouquet of apricot, apple, and peach fruits. On the palate, it's full-bodied yet impeccably balanced, its substantial character enlivened by a refreshing thread of minerality.

• Domaine Chante Cigale 2020 ($52):  A luxurious Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc with notes of crisp white pear and grapefruit, complemented by sweet spice and anise, this wine is a refreshing counterpart to a meal, especially one featuring a white wine-brined turkey.

Best Rosé Wine for Thanksgiving

Finca Wolffer Rosé Wine 2022 ($18): Rosé isn't just for summer, as this light and refreshing option from Finca Wolffer proves. It's versatile enough to be enjoyed at a Friendsgiving or as a cheerful addition to the Thanksgiving table.

Best Sparkling Wine for Thanksgiving

La Marca Prosecco ($16): Prosecco is always a festive choice, and La Marca's offering is no exception. It pairs delightfully with a range of foods, from mild cheeses to sweet desserts like pecan pie, making it a versatile choice for any Thanksgiving celebration.
Each wine has been selected for its unique characteristics and compatibility with the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving, ensuring that there's a perfect match for every course and preference.

Tips for Choosing the Best Wine for Thanksgiving

Selecting the perfect wine for Thanksgiving can be as crucial as the turkey on the table. It's about pairing with a variety of flavors, considering the preferences of your guests, and enhancing the overall dining experience. When browsing the wine aisles, consider the following:

• Balance is Key: With a meal that includes a variety of flavors from sweet cranberry sauce to savory stuffing, choose wines that are well-balanced in acidity and sweetness.
• Versatility Wins: Opt for wines that are versatile and can complement a wide range of dishes. Medium-bodied wines with good acidity, like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, tend to be safe bets.
• Consider the Crowd: Think about your guests' preferences. Are they adventurous wine drinkers or do they prefer more traditional varietals? It's often wise to have a variety of options.
• Play with Pairings: Consider pairing different wines with different courses. A lighter wine can accompany the appetizers, while a more robust wine could be reserved for the main course.
• Remember the Dessert: Your dessert wine should be sweeter than the dessert itself. Port, Sauternes, or a late-harvest Riesling can be delightful choices.

By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to choose wines that will complement your Thanksgiving dinner and impress your guests.

Conclusion

With our list of 12 top picks and essential choosing tips, you're now ready to select the best wine for Thanksgiving dinner, one that will harmonize with your menu and enchant your guests. Whether your table is dressed with the traditional turkey or adorned with contemporary cuisine, the perfect wine will enhance every bite, and deepen the spirit of thankfulness.