Thanksgiving Food and Wine Roadmap
November 13, 2024
By April Zawada
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and I cannot wait to soak up the magic of the season. It’s time to slow down, enjoy time with family and friends with holiday music, food and of course, wine!
Traditional Thanksgiving cuisine is custom-made for Oregon wines. In fact, I’m not sure there is a better suited day of the year for this food and wine pairing! Here are some of my favorite varietals and how I serve them to my family and friends throughout the course of the day.
Welcome Wine – Rosé of Pinot Noir
This is a stand-alone wine that is my aperitif when guests arrive. Its light and fruity flavors will awaken the palate, and it is perfectly suited for afternoon sipping. It will also transition beautifully when appetizers are served. Our 2023 Rosé has a deep pink hue and a little extra structure and flavor making it a great choice for fall and winter.
Start of Dinner – Sparkling Wine
Make sure this is made in the traditional style for maximum quality. Serve this at the table before the meal. Toasts optional (but highly encouraged)! Its acidity and effervescence will cleanse and refresh the palate before the beginning of the meal. The Willamette Valley is quickly becoming one of the best areas for producing exceptional sparkling wine! Our extra-brut Methode Traditionelle Sparkling wine is in bottle and is one not to be missed.
Main Course
Pinot Noir
This is Pinot noir’s moment to shine. I serve it throughout the dinner. Its light body, bright acidity and red fruit flavors compliment roasted turkey and many Thanksgiving sides. Pinot noir is extremely versatile and pairs well with poultry, pork, or lean beef such as filet mignon. The Willamette Valley IS Pinot Noir country! Our Estate Pinot noir or one of the single clone Pinot’s such as the 2022 Andrew Block is a favorite of our family’s Thanksgiving.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay will complement the creamy and rich elements on the Thanksgiving table such as mashed potatoes and gravy. Cool to moderate climate growing regions like the Willamette Valley produce next generation Chardonnay with light and crisp flavor. I serve our 2022 Clone 95 Chardonnay, which has crisp, fruit driven flavors with a hint of oak to add additional structure.
Chenin Blanc
This is a white wine with high acidity, honeyed fruit notes and is versatile for both savory and slightly sweet dishes on the Thanksgiving table. Our 2023 Violet Vines Chenin Blanc was aged in Austrian oak making it a great choice for a Thanksgiving (and winter) white wine. I look forward to serving this for the first time this year!
After Dinner – Port-Style Dessert Wine
Port-Style Dessert Wine is a must for an elegant end to a special meal. For my Thanksgiving meal, I serve it at the end of the meal on its own while guests are still seated and then enjoy pumpkin pie a little while later with coffee. Violet Vines offers two amazing port-style dessert wines. I serve the 2019 Grenache Port-Style Dessert Wine for this occasion. It offers a lighter and vibrant style that is well suited to a poultry meal.
This holiday season, take the time to breathe in the sweet smells, savor the festive flavors of the season, and cherish the moments with the ones you love.
Wishing you a bountiful and relaxing Thanksgiving!
![1200x800 Roadmap 1200x800 Roadmap](https://violetvines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1200x800-Roadmap-1024x683.jpg)