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Pairing wine with turkey
One of the most common questions around the holidays is "Which wine goes best with turkey?" We have a few thoughts on the subject.
Choosing a wine to enjoy with turkey has never been easy, with so many quality wines and varietals available. The task becomes even more difficult as we mix bold and spicy new dishes with more traditional holidays meals.
The easiest way to answer this question is to ask yourself, "What wine do I prefer?" This is always a fail-safe option, since turkey can be prepared in so many different ways and accompanied by different sauces, dressings and side dishes. Another consideration is the fact that different people like different wines, with or without their turkey. Someone who enjoys a sweet rosé wine with their meal is not going to ask for a crisp dry Chardonnay or a rich deep Cabernet Sauvignon with their turkey. However, there are a few wines that can enhance your turkey dinner.
Red wine
Red wine typically stands up better to dark, meat-based gravies, usually served at the holidays, and alternative fare such as duck and game. The protein in the meat softens the tannins, creating a more balanced flavor.
Light fruity reds seem particularly attuned to turkey. Young reds of all types tend to have a layer of berry flavors, which offsets the heavier elements of a turkey dinner. Stay away from big Cabernet Sauvignons, and stick with lighter reds, like Pinot Noirs, fruitier Merlots and Shiraz.
Every year in November, Beaujolais Nouveau ("new Beaujolais") is the first wine to be harvested in the Beaujolais region of France. Made from the Gamay grape, this wine is fresh, fruity, light-bodied and has hints of cherry and plums with peppery finish. It complements holiday fare well, and as it can be enjoyed slightly chilled, it can be enjoyed by those who favor a white wine.
For those who like their red wines hearty and full of flavor, a Syrah/Shiraz can balance even the most flavorful and spicy holiday fare. The Syrah grape, originally from the Middle East, produces an aromatic wine tasting of blackberries and has decidedly peppery notes that many find delicious.
White wine
Almost any good white can be served with turkey, except of course, sweet dessert wine. Dry European whites have a clean palate and cleansing quality about them. Riesling, White Burgundy and most of the modern Italian whites would shine alongside a traditional holiday turkey dinner. If you're feeling experimental, go ahead and give some domestic white wines a try here as well. Light and crisp Chardonnays, along with most Sauvignon Blancs, will also work.
Sparkling wine
Yes, sparkling wine is great with food. The acidity and bubbles cut through the richness of most meals and cleanse your palate. There are some powerful, yet affordable, brut Champagnes that have sufficient weight and structure to stand up to a rich meal.
Pour this wine throughout the meal or finish with it as a delicious aperitif. Too many people leave this bubbly wine to New Year's Eve, where the flavors are lost to numb taste buds during a night of partying. Instead, pour a glass for your family and friends as a fitting end to a most delicious meal.
Dessert wine
Then there's dessert. With dessert favorites like pumpkin and apple pies, eating them with wine is easier than it might seem. Well-chilled late harvest Rieslings, Gewuürztraminer and Semillons, as well as Ice Wines, are great accompaniments to typical sweet, baked indulgences.
So basically we've written an excuse to break open a few different bottles of wine and place them on the table – adding to the pleasure of an already good day. So, why not make it even better?
Whatever wine you decide on, don't worry about the choice. As long as you are in the company of friends and family, with some good food and some great wine, people will enjoy themselves.
