Turkey is a flavorful meat that pairs easily and wonderfully with a wide variety of wines. Depending on how you prepare your turkey and what flavors you add, you can choose from a range of wines to complement your meal. Here are some wine pairing suggestions for turkey:
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Chardonnay: A full-bodied Chardonnay, such as those from Burgundy or California, is a classic pairing for turkey. It complements a variety of flavors and textures, ranging from crunchy greens to soft and sweet potatoes.
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Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is a versatile red wine that pairs well with turkey. It has a fruity flavor profile that complements the savory flavors of the turkey, and its light to medium body and low tannins make it a good match for the low-fat content of the meat.
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Riesling: A dry, German Riesling is an outstanding choice for a Thanksgiving wine and turkey pairing. The wine pairs especially well with smoked turkey and spicier, herbier flavors. However, a dry Riesling also pairs splendidly with sweeter items such as sweet potatoes.
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Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a red wine variety that pairs exceptionally well with turkey. Its fruit profile and body pairs well with both dark and light turkey cuts. The drink is the perfect choice of wine if you would like to go for a red with more oomph than Pinot Noir. It is best when paired with heavier meals and dishes.
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Beaujolais (Gamay): Beaujolais is a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with turkey. It has a fruity flavor profile that complements the savory flavors of the turkey, and its low tannins make it a good match for the low-fat content of the meat.
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Champagne: Champagne is a bubbly wine that pairs well with turkey. It is a great choice for a celebratory meal with family and friends, and its effervescence helps to cleanse the palate between bites.
Remember that turkey is not a powerful meat, so your wine matches should ideally be either a full-bodied white wine or a medium-bodied red, with low or medium tannin and relatively high acidity. Fruit-forward wines tend to go well with turkey and the various sides often served with turkey.
