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Festive Thanksgiving Wines: 2019's Best Picks

As Thanksgiving draws near, the search for the perfect festive wines takes center stage. With a wide array of options to choose from, navigating the world of festive wine selections can be both challenging and exciting.

The combination of flavors, scents, and textures in a wine has the power to transform a meal into a memorable experience, sparking joy for all who partake. This year's selection of top festive wines is set to delight your taste buds and elevate the holiday spirit.

Stay tuned to uncover these hidden gems that will surely impress your discerning palate.

Sparkling Rosé Wine Recommendations

ros wine suggestions provided

When it comes to Thanksgiving celebrations, Sparkling Rosé wines are the perfect choice to add a touch of elegance and flavor to your festivities. These wines offer a delightful mix of aromas and tastes that complement the autumn season beautifully.

From the refreshing Lambrusco Rosé with hints of pink grapefruit and watermelon to the fruity Cava Rosé with forest berry notes, there is a wide range to choose from. The Italian Metodo Classico stands out with cherry aromas and fine bubbles, while the Bugey Cerdon Rosé charms with scents of peony and forest berries.

For a unique option, consider the Tasmanian Rosé with its intriguing blend of bitter-sweet red fruits and subtle smoky undertones. These Sparkling Rosé wines will surely enhance your Thanksgiving feast with their vibrant and sophisticated characteristics.

Medium-Bodied Reds for Thanksgiving

Looking for the perfect medium-bodied red wines to complement your Thanksgiving feast? These versatile options offer a delightful mix of fruity and spicy notes that pair beautifully with autumn dishes. Here are five excellent picks to enhance your holiday gathering:

  • Carignan: This wine boasts cherry fruit flavors with hints of spiced tobacco, creating a rich and inviting profile.
  • Zinfandel: With notes of cranberry sauce and subtle white pepper, Zinfandel adds a touch of fruitiness and spice to your meal.
  • Garnacha: Hailing from Spain, Garnacha offers sweet red fruit and citrus notes that add a refreshing twist to your Thanksgiving spread.
  • Pinot Noir: A classic choice for Thanksgiving, Pinot Noir is known for its elegant and versatile character that complements a variety of dishes.
  • Blaufränkisch: This wine features rich black fruit flavors and a food-friendly acidity, making it a great companion for your holiday table.

These medium-bodied red wines strike the perfect balance between fruitiness and spice, making them ideal additions to your Thanksgiving celebration.

Beaujolais Wine Selections

beaujolais red wine variety

When considering wines for Thanksgiving, Beaujolais wines are a standout choice due to their vibrant fruit flavors and high quality.

For example, Yohan Lardy Moulin A Vent 2015 offers floral and berry-driven notes, while Mencía showcases dark fruit similar to Malbec with the complexity of Pinot Noir.

Losada 2016 Bierzo is known for its exceptional value and quality, and La Vizcaina El Rapolao Tinto 2016 impresses with its complex flavors.

Beaujolais Cru wines, renowned for their superior quality and rich fruit characteristics, are a classic and dependable option for Thanksgiving meals.

With a variety of options to suit different tastes, Beaujolais wines are a versatile and popular choice for festive gatherings.

Special Occasion Wines to Impress

When looking to enhance your holiday gatherings with exceptional wines, exploring special occasion wines can bring a touch of sophistication and luxury to the festive ambiance. Here are five special wines that are perfect for those memorable occasions:

  • Sercial Madeira: This wine offers delightful notes of toasted walnut and burnt caramel.
  • Pedro Ximenez: Originating from southern Spain, this wine entices with flavors of fig and nutty coffee.
  • Vin Jaune: A unique choice with flavors of linseed oil, pear, and preserved lemon.
  • Tokaji Aszú: A sweet Hungarian wine known for its distinctiveness.
  • Thanksgiving Wine Sales: In 2017, wine sales for Thanksgiving in the US alone reached $837 million, underscoring the importance of this celebratory event.

These special occasion wines are sure to impress your guests and elevate your holiday celebrations with their unique flavors and characteristics.

Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Tips

perfect wine for thanksgiving

When planning your Thanksgiving menu, consider the perfect wine pairings to enhance the festive experience. Opt for medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir and Zinfandel to complement the flavors of turkey and roasted vegetables.

For a touch of celebration, serve sparkling rosé wines like Lambrusco Rosé or Cava Rosé, which pair beautifully with fall dishes. Special occasion wines such as Sercial Madeira or Vin Jaune can add a unique twist to your holiday gatherings, making them truly memorable.

Beaujolais wines, with their fruity and versatile profile, are always a classic choice for Thanksgiving dinners. By selecting the right wines, you can elevate the dining experience and create lasting memories around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Pair Sparkling Rosé With Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes?

Sparkling rosé is a great option to pair with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Its refreshing acidity and fruity flavors can complement the turkey and all the sides. Many varieties have hints of pink grapefruit and berries that can enhance the festive flavors of the meal.

Are Medium-Bodied Red Wines Suitable for Vegetarian Thanksgiving Meals?

Medium-bodied red wines are a great choice for vegetarian Thanksgiving meals. They offer a nice balance of flavors and acidity that can enhance various dishes like roasted vegetables, mushroom-based entrees, and nutty stuffing. Consider versatile options such as Pinot Noir or Garnacha to complement your meal perfectly.

What Makes Beaujolais Wines Stand Out for Thanksgiving Dinners?

Beaujolais wines are a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving dinners because of their fruity and rich flavors that pair perfectly with traditional holiday dishes. Whether you opt for a light and floral Beaujolais Nouveau or a more robust Beaujolais Cru, these wines are sure to be a hit with your guests. Their versatility makes them a classic and crowd-pleasing option for any Thanksgiving feast.

How Do Special Occasion Wines Enhance the Festive Atmosphere?

Special occasion wines bring a touch of luxury and sophistication to gatherings, enhancing the celebratory ambiance with their unique flavors and sensory experiences. They are perfect for creating memorable moments and adding a special touch to any festive atmosphere.

Why Are Thanksgiving Wine Sales in the US so Significant Compared to Other Holidays?

Thanksgiving wine sales in the US see a significant boost during the holiday season when families come together to enjoy festive meals. The emphasis on food and celebration prompts consumers to look for high-quality wines that can elevate their dining experience, leading to increased sales. This increase in demand is driven by the desire to enhance the Thanksgiving gathering with the perfect wine selection, adding a touch of sophistication and enjoyment to the festivities.

Conclusion

When selecting wines for your Thanksgiving gathering, consider opting for medium-bodied reds like Carignan or Zinfandel to pair perfectly with the turkey and all its accompaniments.

It's worth noting that 85% of Americans feel that wine enhances the flavors of their holiday feasts, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

Impress your guests and elevate your dining experience with these exceptional wine choices to make your Thanksgiving truly memorable.

Here's to a delicious and enjoyable holiday filled with great wine and good company! Cheers!