The big winter holidays are fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about what dishes you’re going to serve at your Thanksgiving soiree ́ — or what wine you’re going to bring with you as a gift to your gracious hosts.
Turkey is a staple entrée for autumnal American celebrations. And when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to match your accompanying wines to the preparations of this infamous and iconic bird. Here we’ve put together a list of ideal wine pairings to help get you started.
How to pair wine with turkey
While turkey is known for its bold and gamey flavors, a lot of that is actually thanks to the seasons you incorporate into the brine or the rub. Turkey itself is not a strong meat, and it can be easy to overwhelm the taste of the bird if you go for a more vivid wine.
In general, we recommend viticultural matches that are strong enough to stand up to the fattiness of the darker meat, but light enough that they won’t bulldoze the delicate flavors in the lighter cuts. Full bodied whites, reds with lower tannin content, and dry rosés tend to do the trick.
Here are a few specific recommendations from our collection at Argaux.
Best red wine for turkey
- 2018 Château des Antonins AOC Bordeaux Supérieur La Réserve du Couvent – $60
The aptly named Supérieur is a blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot, expressing the best of both varietals through its strong and spicy palate. This young wine is reminiscent of a savory fruit tart and pairs perfectly with the gamier notes of turkey leg or thigh.
- 2018 Chateau de Montfrin ‘A Mon Seul Desir’ Rhone Blend – $26
Our one and only desire for the table these next few wintry months. Another beautiful blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, this soft but spicy and herbaceous wine is best sipped alongside African-inspired dishes, such as this Moroccan-Spiced Turkey.
- 2020 Cargaux Syrah – $45
You could probably replace most of your Thanksgiving meal with this refined, cold-climate Syrah and no one would notice. Dark meat and cranberry on the tongue make this the ideal match for wintertime turkey recipes, or perhaps the perfect bev to have in hand while prepping your bird and dancing around the kitchen to Young Pilgrim by The Shins.
- 2020 Cargaux Pinot Noir – $45
Arguably a tribute to Persephone herself, ancient goddess of the underworld: this Pinot reflects some of the quintessential flavors of the season, with pomegranate in the nose and clove, elderberry, orange peel and clove on the palate. An autumnal staple to grace your cornucopia and keep you company as the leaves continue to fall.
Best white wine for turkey
- 2019 Francois Mikulski Meursault ‘Les Poruzots’ Premier Cru – $173
Made from old-growth vines, this beautiful wine is a callback to warmer weather with stone fruits and yellow and green citrus bringing a juicy, summertime experience to your table. Energetic yet elegant, this Chard pairs respectfully with white meat, or any turkey prepared with a little bit of zest.
- 2020 Cherrier Frères Sancerre Blanc – $28
A refreshing, floral beverage with surprising minerality that is a delicious compliment to a full turkey dinner, or a Black Friday scraps-and-cranberry-sauce sandwich.
- 2020 Weingut Griesbauerhof Alto Adige Pinot Grigio – $28
The best Pinot Grigio we’ve seen in a long time. Zesty, pungent, and wildly deep for a traditionally delicate white wine, this Pinot is powerful enough to stand up to fatty, gamey meats and spicier preparations.
- 2020 Raul Perez Atalier Rias Baixas ‘A Cruz das Animas’ Albarino – $33
The Crossroads of Souls offers a near spiritual experience with every sip, and encourages a contemplative reflection upon the care and energy that goes into turning grapes into wine. Feast consciously this November with a fresh turkey salad and a glass of this Albarino in your hand.
Best rosé wine for turkey
- 2020 Purity Wine Co “The Estates” Pet Nat – $26
Dessert in a bottle, and a sensory experience that is both saccharine and utterly energizing. If you’re inviting this natural Pet Nat to the table, consider barbecuing your turkey this November for an elevated Thanksgiving celebration.
- 2020 Storm Watch Hill Vineyard Grenache Rosé – $28
Another summery throwback with melon, cherry, and orange at the forefront of its tasting profile. A perfect pair for poultry, you can get creative with your turkey prep or stick to more traditional recipes, and this versatile vino will be there for you all the way.
Best sparkling wine for turkey
- NV Doyard Vendemiaire 1er Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut – $60
It’s effervescent! A sophisticated but uplifting libation for your Thanksgiving toast, or any other offering of gratitude you might give over a dry-rubbed bird. Star anise, ginger, and almond on the tongue give a sharp edge to this Champagne’s creamy texture, and begs that it be paired with this recipe for Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs.
- NV REVI Cavaliere Nero Extra Brut Rosé – $58
This bottle of dry pink bubbles was made for the purpose of being a delightful accompaniment at dinner — and it delivers. Fruit-forward flavors and a bright and delightful texture let it match and uplift even heavier, fattier dishes at your table.
What Argaux can do to help
Argaux is known for its collection of small-batch wines, as well as its great viticultural content. We’ve already put together a guide to getting prepped for Thanksgiving, which includes many of the same bottles listed above.
