Let’s talk turkey… the natural inclination is to pair turkey (and other poultry dishes) with white wine. But did you know that there are many red varietals that can work beautifully with your turkey and all the trimmings feast?

Before you head to the wine store to stock up for the holiday, take a look at our favorite red wine choices for your Thanksgiving meal!

Pinot Noir:

If you like red wine, the natural choice is Pinot Noir. Intensely flavored, complex, with incredible longevity—it’s a wine meant to pair with food, and it won’t overshadow your meal. Sensuous, with an enticing, sometimes earthy perfume and soft, silky, yet structured texture.
One of our favorites: Flowers Pinot Noir

Merlot:

The easiest drinking red there is, Merlot is soft, ripe, elegant, and a great starter wine for newer red wine drinkers. French for “The Little Blackbird,” the Merlot grape became known in Bordeaux for its ability to add softness and luscious fruit when combined with the region’s favorite grape, Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s ability to not overpower is what makes it so great with food.
One of our favorites: Rodney Strong Merlot


Zinfandel:

Classic Zinfandels have fruit-driven aromas and often include flavors of berries, black pepper, and spice, sometimes even with a hint of chocolate or citrus. While some zinfandels, are quite bold and spicy there are others that are more fruity and subtle. Those are the ones that you’ll want to select for your Thanksgiving table.
One of our favorites: Rombauer Zinfandel

Cabernet:

A bit heavier, but still a good red choice, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most complex, layered wines around. Typically full-bodied, with dark fruit flavors and savory tastes from black pepper to bell pepper, there’s a Cabernet Sauvignon for everyone.
One of our favorites: California Wine Project Cabernet

In the end, Thanksgiving is about counting your blessings, while sharing food—and wine—with the people you love. Visit any Wine Country Store or Wine and Whiskey Country Store and let one of our Wine Pros help you pick out the perfect wine for a truly memorable Thanksgiving…Cheers!