Wine Pairing Tips for Thanksgiving
As the holidays approach, we eagerly anticipate the delights of Thanksgiving, from savory stuffing to decadent pumpkin pie. Here at Rubino Estates, we believe that no holiday feast is complete without wines that elevate the flavors of your favorite dishes. A well-chosen wine can bring out the best in every bite and make your celebration truly special. To help you create an unforgettable Thanksgiving spread, we've put together a few wine pairing ideas that will have your guests coming back for more.
Start the Celebration with Sparkling Wine
Why not kick off your Thanksgiving festivities with a bottle of sparkling wine? The effervescence and crisp acidity make it the perfect aperitif to set the tone for the meal ahead. Whether you're popping a classic Brut or a more decadent Sparkling Moscato, the bubbles make it a festive start to your holiday feast.
Pairing Wines with Herbs
At many Thanksgiving tables, herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme shine through in everything from the stuffing, to roasted vegetables, to the turkey itself. When selecting a wine, look for ones that complement these aromatic flavors. For lighter herbs such as thyme or tarragon, a dry, chilled rosé (like our Salute Rosé) is an excellent choice. For richer, woodsy herbs like rosemary and sage, go for a medium-bodied red, such as our Centanni Rosso blend from the Famiglia Collection or our Night Owl Barbera. These wines enhance the savory qualities of your dishes without overwhelming them.
Pairing Wines with Greens
Greens like brussels sprouts, green beans, or an autumn salad often bring a subtle bitterness to the table, which can be tricky to pair with wine. The solution? A high-acid white wine, like our Trebbiano. The crisp, neutral profile of this wine balances out the bitterness of the greens, offering a refreshing contrast to the earthy flavors. Our Fumé Blanc also offers a balanced and light complement to greens. If you’re serving a dish with balsamic glaze or roasted root vegetables, consider a red wine with juicy fruit notes, like our Salute Red, which pairs beautifully with roasted veggies and delicately sweet elements.
Pairing Wines with Mains
Thanksgiving’s main event usually centers around turkey or ham, both of which pair wonderfully with versatile wines. For a red that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of herb-roasted turkey or glazed ham, look no further than Sangiovese, like the new 2021 Landmark Sangiovese released this month. This red’s bright acidity and moderate tannins work perfectly with a variety of savory dishes. If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied Chardonnay or a medium-bodied Fumé Blanc offers a smooth complement to these classic proteins.
Pairing Wines with Dessert
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without dessert, and with pies like pumpkin, pecan, and apple gracing the table, there are so many delicious options to pair. Sparkling wine makes a great match, as its bright, fresh bubbles cut through the richness of the pie. For something a little sweeter, try our Sparkling Moscato or Infinitum red dessert wine. These wines have the right amount of sweetness to pair with your favorite holiday pies and bring a touch of indulgence to your celebration.
A Toast to the Holidays
At Rubino Estates, we're incredibly grateful for the support of our Famiglia, and we hope your Thanksgiving is filled with good food, great wine, and the warmth of loved ones. If you need the perfect wines for your holiday gathering, now’s the time to stock up! Our mixed case sale is the ideal way to grab a variety of wines at an unbeatable price. Choose from our Red Wine case or enjoy a selection of White and Rosé wines—perfect for every course of your festive meal.
Cheers to a season full of flavor, family, and fun!