Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings together a medley of flavors – from savory roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes to herb-infused stuffing and tangy cranberry sauce. With so many diverse flavors on the table, choosing wines and spirits that enhance each dish can transform your meal into an unforgettable dining experience. Here’s a guide to pairing wines and spirits with Thanksgiving favorites, including top selections from VARA that will add a distinctive touch to your holiday.
Tips for pairings
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- Balance acidity with richness: With rich, creamy dishes, opt for wines with good acidity to cut through heaviness and refresh the palate. This makes dishes feel lighter and enhances flavors.
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- Match intensity: For bold, flavorful dishes, choose wines with equal body and depth. A powerful red pairs well with roasted or grilled flavors, while a lighter, fruit-forward wine complements subtle sides.
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- Consider sweetness & spice: Sweet elements like cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie call for wines that either complement with similar fruity notes or balance with contrasting acidity. Meanwhile, spiced spirits and brandies are perfect for ending the meal on a warm, cozy note.
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- Versatility is key: With a variety of flavors on the Thanksgiving table, versatile wines like sparkling wines or medium-bodied reds offer flexibility and pair with multiple dishes at once.
Thanksgiving pairing suggestions
Start with sparkling: New Mexico Sparkling Brut 2023
Kick off the festivities with our New Mexico Sparkling Brut 2023. Crafted using Méthode Champenoise, this vintage blend of Chenin Blanc, Listán Prieto, and Pinot Meunier offers refreshing acidity and vibrant bubbles. Sparkling wine is an ideal pairing for appetizers like cheese boards, deviled eggs, or creamy dips, as well as for lighter first courses like salads. Its acidity and effervescence also cleanse the palate, preparing you for the meal to come.
For the main course: Tempranillo Gold Label 2020
Our Tempranillo Gold Label 2020 is a Thanksgiving star. With its deep, earthy flavors, hints of black cherry, and a touch of spice, this medium-bodied red pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, mushroom dishes, and root vegetables. Its smooth tannins and balanced acidity stand up to richer dishes like gravy-laden stuffing and hearty casseroles. For a unique pairing, try it with smoked turkey or a mushroom-stuffed acorn squash – it’s a match made in fall heaven.
A bright white: Albariño 2021
For those who prefer white wines, Albariño 2021 is a fantastic choice. Crisp and aromatic, this Albariño has bright notes of citrus and stone fruit, which pair beautifully with lighter fare such as roasted vegetables, herb stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes. Its acidity balances richer dishes without overwhelming delicate flavors, making it an ideal option if you’re serving a mix of poultry and vegetarian dishes.
A versatile red: El Viajero 2022
VARA’s El Viajero 2022 red blend offers the flexibility to pair with almost everything on the Thanksgiving table. This Spanish-style red combines depth and fruit-forward notes that enhance the flavors of both sweet and savory dishes. It’s excellent alongside cranberry sauce, stuffing, and even roasted squash. This crowd-pleaser can be enjoyed by red wine lovers and casual drinkers alike, making it a great choice for larger gatherings.
To finish: spirits for after dinner
After the meal, it’s time to unwind and savor something a little more luxurious. VARA’s spirits provide the perfect ending, pairing beautifully with dessert or enjoyed as a standalone nightcap.
Sangre del Sol Brandy
Our Sangre del Sol Brandy is smooth, warming, and perfect for winding down after a feast. With its deep amber hue and notes of caramel, dried fruit, and spice, it’s a wonderful companion for pecan pie, chocolate desserts, or a classic pumpkin pie.
Noche Negra Dark Rum
For a twist, consider Noche Negra Dark Rum. This dark, moody rum, aged in sherry casks, offers complex flavors of molasses, dark fruit, and a hint of honey. It’s delicious with chocolate desserts or holiday spiced cakes and pairs beautifully with a slice of pumpkin or apple pie.
Final thoughts
Thanksgiving is all about sharing and celebrating, and the right wines and spirits can bring harmony to even the most diverse dishes. Whether you’re starting with bubbles, indulging in hearty reds, or capping off the night with a luxurious brandy, VARA wines and spirits add a uniquely celebratory flair to this special holiday. Cheers to a Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company, and unforgettable flavors!
