When it comes to the holiday season, the turkey is the star of the show – and rightfully so! However, do you know what could transform your juicy, moist turkey into something extraordinary? The perfect wine pairing!
Choosing the right wine sounds as simple as dropping into your local liquor store and grabbing one off the shelf, however, this isn’t the case.
From undertones, ingredients, and flavors, there are a lot of different aspects about a particular wine to keep in mind when choosing the perfect turkey pairing.
However, don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we will be exploring the best wine to pair with your turkey. Instead of deflating your turkey flavors, these wines will help elevate them!
Let’s get straight into it!
Which Wine Pairs With Turkey: Red Or White?
Either red or white wine can make a lovely accompaniment to your turkey dinner. Although, since turkey has a low-fat profile, choosing a red or white wine that can amplify these flavors is beneficial.
Anything that overpowers the flavors of the turkey will likely create an underwhelming dining experience.
Regarding turkey pairings, full- to medium-bodied red wines containing high acidity and low tannic activity are the best.
What Wine To Pair With Your Turkey?
Since white meat contains a low-fat content, it can dry out quickly if not cooked properly.
For the perfect addition to your meal, you’ll want a red wine that is light-to-medium-bodied or a full-bodied white wine, containing high acidity and subtle tannins.
That being said, you shouldn’t feel intimidated to try different flavors. The juicy and succulent flavors of turkey match perfectly with several grape varieties, including Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and many more.
Below, you will find a detailed account regarding each wine pairing.
Pinot Noir
When it comes to red wine pairings and turkey, Pinot Noir is the real deal! It contains earthy, bright acidic flavors that are not only incredibly versatile but pair perfectly with tender meat.
In addition to working with your turkey dinners, it also makes the perfect pairing for other courses, too.
The earthy expressions found in Pinot Noir are contrived from the Old World regions, famous for soil, forest, and mushroom undertones.
If you prefer to have your red with a more fruit focus, then you should opt for a New World Pinot Noir from either Australia or Oregon.
Viognier
While Viognier may not be as popular as Chardonnay, it still makes a wonderful addition to your turkey meal.
The wine itself contains juicy tones of florals, honeyed, and peachy overtones, perfect when paired with tender, moist poultry meat.
Viognier can be found all over the world, however, you’ll find the best expressions located in South Africa, California, and France.
Chardonnay
When it comes to iconic wine pairings, you can’t go wrong with turkey and Chardonnay.
The wine itself is crispy, containing juicy flavors from stone fruits, citruses, and tropicals. Plus, there are mineral undertones, too, which elevate the turkey flavors.
Here, you can pair both Old and New World expressions with your turkey dinner. This could include bold and lush tropical fruit flavors or citrus-driven flavors with a distinct minerality.
Whatever you choose, just know that Chardonnay makes a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Best White Wine Pairings
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc – Viognier
Tasting Hints
Flavors of apples, orange blossoms, melons, and apples on the tongue is followed by racy acidity, creamy textures, and tastes of tropical and stone fruits,
Bold and crispy, this flavorful blend opens the nose to honeysuckle, orange blossom, peaches, melons, and apples, with undertones of jasmine and grapefruit.
The wine itself is medium-bodied containing a bright palate that is both mouthwatering and showcases the pineapple, apricot, guava, and nectarine flavors perfectly.
Here, the tangy acidity stimulates the palate, while the soft hints of ginger, pears, and tangerines, deliver a clean but long aftertaste.
Biodiversity Advocates
As of 1978, Pine Ridge Vineyards have been producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap District.
Its name comes from the ridge of pines, where the vineyard is located. Pine Ridge Vineyards owns different estate vineyards across four appellations over Oakville, Napa Valley, Carneros, Rutherford, and Howell Mountain.
In addition to this, this winery is Napa Green certified, meaning that it ensures the crafting and biodiversity of its wines are expressive of the area.
Sonoma-Cutrer The Cutrer Chardonnay
Tasting Hints
Here, comforting notes of apples, peaches, and pie crust are enhanced with hints of nuts and baking spices. Moreover, a creaminess to the wine provides a mouthwatering experience – with a pleasant and rounded oak aftertaste.
Medium-bodied and rounded, this Chardonnay features vibrant aromas of pears, apples, apricots, peaches, vanilla spice, and nuts.
You’re left with a palat