The Best Wine to Serve with Turkey at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to feast on a delicious spread of food, and the centerpiece of the meal is often a succulent roasted turkey. Selecting the perfect wine to complement the flavors of the main course is essential. Turkey pairs wonderfully with a wide selection of both red and white wines. Let’s explore a range of wines suited for every budget. And find the best wines to serve with turkey and to enhance your Thanksgiving feast.

Best Wine to Serve with Turkey

1. Pinot Grigio

When it comes to pairing wine with Thanksgiving turkey, Pinot Grigio is often considered a safe bet.

Pinot Grigio is known for its crisp acidity and light-bodied nature

It offers a refreshing pairing option that won’t break the bank.

Look for reliable producers like Santa Margherita or Barefoot to enjoy the bright fruit flavors that harmonize with turkey’s mildness.

See below for some of the best Pinot Grigios to serve with your Thanksgiving turkey.

• Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (Delle Venezie, Italy): Is considered one of the world’s most iconic Pinot Grigios. Known for its bright, zesty acidity, and citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Excellent choice to accompany roasted turkey. Its refreshing and balanced profile enhances the bird’s flavor and accentuates the seasonings.

• Jermann Pinot Grigio (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy): An elegant Pinot Grigio with a more complex profile. Offers a creamy texture and notes of ripe pear, apple, and white peach. Subtle floral and mineral undertones. This wine is a great option for those who prefer a more nuanced pairing. Layered flavors complement the turkey without overwhelming it.

• King Estate Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley, Oregon): Produced by one of Oregon’s most renowned wineries. King Estate Pinot Gris offers bright acidity and complex flavors of pineapple, melon, and citrus, along with a hint of honey. Refreshing profile. Attractive mineral character. Excellent pairing for Thanksgiving turkey. It will highlight the bird’s natural savory qualities while adding a touch of sweetness.

• Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige, Italy): A clean and crisp wine that exudes notes of green apple, lime, and mineral with a subtle almond note. Lively acidity and bright fruit flavors. A refreshing and balanced pairing. It will help cut through the buttery richness of side dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing, boosting the flavors of the entire meal.

• Acrobat Pinot Gris (Oregon, USA): Another great example of Willamette Valley’s ability to produce world-class Pinot Grigios. Crisp, clean palate of citrus and stone fruit flavors. Underpinned by a distinct minerality that adds depth to the overall profile. Refreshing acidity and delicate structure. An excellent match for roasted turkey. It will help keep flavors clean and balanced throughout the meal.

When it comes to pairing wine with Thanksgiving turkey, Pinot Grigio is an excellent choice that offers versatility and balance to enhance the flavors of the meal.

2. Chardonnay

With its rich texture and notes of ripe apple, pear, and vanilla, Chardonnay is a classic wine to serve with turkey.

Opt for examples from California or Burgundy to experience a balanced and elegant profile that complements the meal.

Some of the best Chardonnays to serve with your Thanksgiving turkey include:

• Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay (Napa Valley, California): A rich and full-bodied wine. Exudes flavors of vanilla, butter, and ripe tropical fruit with a creamy texture. Excellent choice for those who enjoy a buttery profile, It adds depth and richness to the meal without overwhelming the turkey.

• Domaine Laroche Chablis Saint Martin (Chablis, France): For those who prefer a more delicate and mineral-driven Chardonnay. Made by one of the most revered producers in the region. It showcases flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and wet stone with a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the meal.

• Talley Vineyards Estate Chardonnay (Arroyo Grande Valley, California): Another great option for those who enjoy a more restrained Chardonnay. Layers of flavors that range from citrus blossom and white peach to hints of toasted oak and vanilla. A mineral finish that reflects the wine’s cool-climate terroir. Its balanced profile makes it an excellent pairing with turkey.

• Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay (Napa Valley, California): A well-balanced wine with bright acidity, flavors of peach, apricot, and apple, and a touch of vanilla oak. This wine is a great option for those who enjoy a fruit-forward profile.

• Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast, California): Exemplifies the elegance and complexity of California Chardonnay. Flavors of lemon zest, white peach, and honeydew melon with a subtle touch of oak. A bright minerality that leads to a lasting finish. This well-balanced wine can appeal to both fans of a buttery or crisp style of Chardonnay.

3. Pinot Noir

Renowned for its ability to match with a variety of dishes, Pinot Noir is one of the best wines to serve with turkey and your traditional Thanksgiving menu.

The wine’s lighter body, bright acidity, and red fruit flavors make it a harmonious match for turkey.

Its versatility, medium body, and balanced acidity make it an excellent choice to complement the flavors of roasted turkey.

Let’s explore some of the best Pinot Noir wines to serve with turkey to elevate your Thanksgiving feast.

• Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon): Produced by one of Oregon’s most esteemed wine estates. Showcases the region’s signature earthiness, vibrant red fruit flavors, and silky texture. This elegant wine pairs beautifully with roasted turkey. Its subtle tannins and bright acidity harmonize with the bird’s flavors.

• Louis Jadot Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules (Burgundy, France): From the heart of Burgundy. A refined Pinot Noir that exudes complexity and elegance. Layers of red and dark fruit, earthy undertones, and subtle spiciness. This wine brings out the best in roasted turkey.

• Flowers Vineyard & Winery Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, California): Bright cherry and raspberry notes. Hints of baking spices. And a touch of minerality. This wine complements the flavors of turkey without overpowering them. Its lively acidity and supple tannins make it a pleasure to drink throughout the meal.

• Archery Summit Dundee Hills Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon): Dark fruit flavors, velvety texture, and subtle oak influence. This wine offers a seamless pairing with turkey. Its smooth tannins and well-integrated acidity highlight the savory qualities of the meat while adding layers of complexity to the overall dining experience.

• Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County, California): A remarkable expression from the Sanford & Benedict vineyard in Santa Barbara County. With its vibrant red fruit, earthy undertones, and a touch of forest floor, this wine offers a well-rounded and elegant pairing for turkey. It enhances both the bird’s flavors and the accompanying side dishes.

When it comes to finding the perfect accompaniment for your Thanksgiving turkey, few wines can match the versatility and elegance of Pinot Noir.

From Oregon’s Willamette Valley to the hallowed vineyards of Burgundy and the diverse terroirs of California, there is a Pinot Noir to suit every palate.

Whether you choose the earthy complexity of Domaine Drouhin or the refined elegance of Louis Jadot, each of these Pinot Noirs brings something special to enhance your turkey feast.

The Best Wine to Serve with Turkey

Finding the best wine to serve with turkey at Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

No matter your budget, there are numerous options available to enhance your dining experience.

From affordable Pinot Grigio to mid-range Chardonnay, and splurge-worthy Pinot Noirs, there’s a wine to match every taste and price range.

So, this Thanksgiving, raise a glass and toast to a wonderful meal and delightful company with a well-paired wine that elevates the flavors of your turkey feast.

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.