Thanksgiving Pairing Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for all you foodies out there. From decadent desserts to your family’s famous mashed potatoes recipe, Thanksgiving is something we all look forward to around here. But when it comes to wine, there is a right and wrong way to drink on November 23rd. That’s why we have composed a wine pairing guide to make sure you’re getting the best out of your Thanksgiving drinks and dishes.

Fruit Pies and White Wines: Pie is a staple item at most tables on Thanksgiving. Whether it’s apple, cherry, or apricot, fruit pies are something most of us love adding to our plate. When it comes to pairing your pie with wine, we recommend matching fruit pies with an aromatic lighter-bodied white wine. Our 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is known for its fruit forward crisp taste. The flavors of fresh melon, baked apple crumble, and nectarines pair exceptionally well with most fruit pies out there.

Cranberry and Merlot: Cranberry sauce and turkey have always paired wonderfully with one another. But when you add a glass of Merlot into the mix you’ll find that you’ve got yourself a holy Thanksgiving trifecta. The red raspberry and cherry flavors of our 2014 Merlot compliment the sweet tarty taste of cranberry sauce providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Turkey and Pinot Noir: Turkey can be tricky when it comes to pairing wine. This is because there is more than one way to cook a turkey. Some people prefer their turkey on the spicier side, while others take a more southern approach by deep frying their bird. For the sake of simplicity, we are looking at the classic, straightforward turkey roast. We have found that oaky and fruity Pinot Noirs tend to compliment the flavor of both white and dark turkey meat. Pinot also tends to pair well with cream based dishes like mashed potatoes or a casserole.

Sweet Potatoes and Zinfandel: If you tell us you don’t like sweet potatoes you’re either lying or you’re wrong. Sweet potatoes are objectively one of the best parts of the meal, especially when they’re prepared with marshmallows. If you’re on a diet this Thanksgiving, we’re sorry. If you’re not and you’re looking for something to pair with this heavenly dish, we recommend the jammy taste of Zinfandels. Our 2014 Tre Leoni Red Wine blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and other grapes. When combined with sweet potatoes this is a match made in heaven.

With Thanksgiving only a few days away we hope this pairing guide helps you prepare for the day a little bit better. We also hope you are able to enjoy your time with your family and loved ones. Thank you for continuing to love and support us here at Whitehall Lane. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!