It's a question that comes up often during the holidays. But
if you think about it, the answer can be as simple as - what do you like?
On
Turkey Day, there's a good match
for every taste - whether you
or your family and guests prefer white, red, or rosé...
Sommelier
says: Paring wine with turkey
If
you and your guests prefer dry white
wines, dry and oakey Chardonnay is the favorite choice with turkey depending
on the particular tastes of your family and guests. Sauvignon Blanc or
a White Burgundy are also good all-around choices that pair well with everything
from mashed turnips to turkey stuffing.
If
your guests prefer their wines on the sweet side, White Zinfandel is the
all-purpose favorite to go with most of your turkey feast.
Or,
head for the German wine aisle at your favorite wine shop to pick out a light
but slightly spicy Gewurztraminer that's
always a good match for the holiday bird. A slightly sweeter Riesling will
also pair well with any dish at a Thanksgiving or holiday table. If the label
says 'Kabinett', the wine is made from the earliest harvest. That means the Riesling
will be a dryer wine. A Spätlese is a bit sweeter, but still retains the
dryness of the wine and is usually a favorite in American homes. An Auslese
will be even sweeter and makes a better match for the dessert than the turkey.
If red
wines are normally your favorite, Pinot Noir is the perfect red
wine for holiday feasting. More robust than white wine, Pinot Noir has very little
tannin and will likely blend well with the entire holiday meal. Serve it slightly
chilled.
Finally
if sparkling wines are your favorite, may we suggest another white wine that's
sure to put family and guests in a holiday mood. How about your favorite champagne?