November 25, 2020
The menu for Thanksgiving dinner looks a little different from house to house, but the basics tend to remain… turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc. So, if everyone’s Thanksgiving dinner tastes a little different, how do you know which wines to pair? We have some tips that may help.
Seasonal Superstars: Chambourcin and Chardonel
These two varietals are incredibly food-friendly and are a good match for most fall favorites. They go great with mushrooms, garlic, butter and other staple flavors of Thanksgiving dishes. Side note: if your family serves ham instead of turkey, pair it with a delicious glass of Chambourcin.
Delicious Details: Norton and Vignoles
Norton, the official state grape, makes big and bold red wines which can sometimes overpower mild flavors. However, Norton is also known for having the baking-spice flavors that are so prevalent in recipes for Thanksgiving, that it can make a really nice complement to your feast. While Chardonel is a great go-to dry white wine, all the flavors of fruit, sugar and salt (think candied yams) might be better matched with a sweeter, fruit forward wine such as Vignoles.
Don’t Underestimate a Great Rosé
Rosé wines can be sweet, dry, and everything in between which means you can find the perfect one to please the palates in attendance at your festive feast.
Sweet Treats Want Sweet Wines
A Late Harvest dessert wine or sweet white wine are a great addition to your menu as they pair so well with Thanksgiving favorites such as pumpkin and pecan pie. Treat yourself and fellow feasters to a truly delicious pairing to round out your meal.
This Thanksgiving invite Missouri wines to the table with some or all of these delicious pairings.