When you put in all the time and effort it takes to create a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, you probably want to serve a wine that complements the flavors of the meal. But wine pairing can be intimidating and unless you’re an expert, you might not know where to start when selecting a bottle. Wine pros are sharing their knowledge for selecting the perfect wines to go with your holiday feast.
These are their tips for tasty and affordable wines for Thanksgiving dinner
- Pinot noir - This red is a crowd-pleaser that goes well with all kinds of dishes. Sommelier Doreen Winkler recommends pinot noir from the Loire Valley, noting that it tends to be light in body for a red, so it doesn’t compete with the rich food. John Gergeos, a certified sommelier and general manager at Caviar Russe in New York, suggests a pinot noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. You can find a really good bottle of pinot noir starting around $30, according to the pros.
- Gamay - This type of red also tends to be dry and lighter in body and gamay is also budget-friendly. Sommelier Georges Kalligeros says, “I would argue that gamay from Beaujolais in France is the best bang-for-your-buck choice for a light-on-your-feet red that will accompany the meal from start to finish.” He suggests choosing one in the $20 to $30 range and chilling it in the fridge for a bit before serving.
- Pinot gris - For those who prefer whites, pinot gris pairs well with turkey, as well as pecan or pumpkin pie, Kalligeros explains. He says this French version of pinot grigio is versatile and you can get a good one somewhere in the $20 to $30 range.
- Champagne - Popping a bottle of bubbly is a good option, too, according to these wine experts. In Kalligeros’ opinion, “Champagne pairs with everything,” including all your Thanksgiving favorites. If you want to splurge on bottles in the $70 to $100 range, he says your guests will enjoy the most elegant Thanksgiving they’ve ever had. The wine pro says another good option is “a bright Blanc de Blanc Champagne,” as an aperitif before the turkey.
Source: Huff Post