Cheers to Thanksgiving! Your Guide to Pairing Sides with the Perfect Wine
Thanksgiving is coming up fast and it's time to start planning your feast. While many focus on the turkey, the sides can play just as important a role in the meal. And what better way to enhance those savory flavors than with the perfect wine? In this guide, we'll take a playful approach to wine pairing and show you how to elevate your Thanksgiving dishes to the next level.
Classics with a Twist
Let's start with the classic Thanksgiving dishes: mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. These traditional sides are rich and flavorful, with a variety of textures that need some finesse when it comes to pairing with wine. A full-bodied Chardonnay pairs well with mashed potatoes and buttery stuffing. On the other hand, a tart and fruity Pinot Noir can bring out the sweetness of cranberry sauce.
The Sweet Stuff
Sweet potato casserole, glazed carrots, and brown sugar-coated brussels sprouts can be a challenge to pair with wine. But with the right bottle, you can make those sweet flavors pop. For sweet potatoes, try a Riesling or a spicy Shiraz. The honeyed notes of the wine will complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Glazed carrots go well with a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. The bright acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the glaze. As for the brussels sprouts, a smooth, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon can help balance the bitterness and bring out the earthy flavor of the vegetable.
Heavy Hitters
For heartier side dishes like roasted root vegetables and green bean casserole, you'll want a bold and robust wine that can stand up to those bold flavors. A peppery and complex Zinfandel complements the richness of the vegetables and adds some heat to the dish. If you're looking for a white wine option, a buttery and oaky Chardonnay can enhance the creaminess of the casserole and provide a smooth finish.
Wild Cards
Every family has their own unique Thanksgiving dishes, and sometimes they can be a bit tricky to pair with wine. Candied yams, cornbread stuffing, and creamed spinach are just a few examples of dishes that may require some experimentation to find the right bottle. For candied yams, a crisp and sweet Riesling will help balance out the candy coating and bring some fresh fruit notes to the dish. Cornbread stuffing can benefit from a slightly acidic and medium-bodied Merlot.
The red fruit flavors in the wine can bring some heat to the stuffing and help to cut through the richness of the cornbread. Creamed spinach may seem like a difficult dish to pair with wine, but a delicate and floral Gewürztraminer can help to highlight the creamy texture of the dish while also complementing the subtle flavors of the spinach.
Pairing Thanksgiving sides with wine can be a fun and playful way to elevate your meal. By considering the flavors and textures of each dish, you can find the perfect bottle to make your meal complete. Whether you prefer white wine or red, sweet or dry, there's a wine out there to complement every Thanksgiving side. So, raise your glass and cheers to a delicious holiday meal!
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