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Thanksgiving Dinner Pairings

Traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Newfoundland and Labrador offers a feast of flavours, from savoury roasted turkey to rich stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet cranberry sauce. Finding the right wine to pair with these diverse dishes can really elevate your meal and delight your family and friends.

Published on
October 6, 2024

To take some of the guesswork out of choosing wines to accompany your dinner, we have highlighted some ideal wine pairings to complement your Thanksgiving spread.

Pinot Noir is a popular choice for Thanksgiving. This light to medium-bodied red wine has bright acidity and soft tannins that harmonize well with turkey, stuffing, and earthy side dishes like roasted vegetables or mushrooms. Its red fruit notes, such as cranberry and cherry, mirror the flavours of traditional cranberry sauce.

For those who prefer a white wine, Chardonnay is an excellent option. A full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, and butter-laden side dishes. Its richness can match the weight of the meal without overwhelming the more delicate flavours on the plate.

Whether dry or off-dry, Reisling offers refreshing acidity and a touch of sweetness that pairs well with savoury and sweet elements alike. Its notes of apple, pear, and stone fruit balance the saltiness of turkey and stuffing while complementing the sweetness of dishes like glazed carrots or traditional Newfoundland Figgy Duff.

A glass of bubbly is perfect for your Thanksgiving table as they are festive and food friendly. Sparkling wines, such as Champagne or Prosecco, have bright acidity and bubbles that cleanse the palate between bites, making them versatile enough to pair with everything from appetizers to dessert.

For those who prefer a bolder red wine, Zinfandel offers a punch of ripe fruit flavours with a hint of spice. Its robust body can stand up to rich dishes like sausage stuffing or roasted meats, while its fruity character plays nicely with sweeter elements like cranberry sauce or roasted sweet potatoes.

Choosing wines that complement the diverse flavours at Thanksgiving dinner will create a memorable meal for everyone at the table. Cheers to good food, wine and great hospitality!