A Guide to the Best Wines for Thanksgiving
A Guide to the Best Wines for Thanksgiving
‘Tis The Season for Thanksgiving Wine Pairings
As we focus on giving thanks for family, friends, abundant opportunities, and the support from our community over the last year, we felt it was only fitting to share some of our favorite Thanksgiving wine pairings and tips for choosing a wine to serve with your meal. A toast to 2021!
Wondering what type of wine to pick up at Jolene Family Winery? Here’s the rundown on our favorite grape varietals and blends to pair with those classic Thanksgiving Dishes. Get ready for the tastiest Turkey Day yet!
Crisp Whites & Lighter-Bodied Wines with Lighter Dishes
A wine should add to the dish, not overpower it, which is why lighter dishes like green beans, salads, or seasonal fruit deserve a lighter-bodied wine like our Pinot Grigio.
2020 Pinot Grigio
Notes of mature rose petals, lychee fruit, ultra-ripe peach, and a hint of white pomegranate all unfold in this dryer-style Italian white grape variety. An easy sipping Pinot Grigio with an extra-long lingering finish.
Our 2020 Pinot Grigio is a delicious and light white that pairs beautifully with many thanksgiving dishes. It invigorates the palate between bites, and it also offers a pop of flavor & citrus that pairs well with turkey and green beans.
For the broader palate and more viscous wine lover.
FAMILY WHITE
The richness of this wine is a blend built around Chardonnay to give that nice round rich palate weight. Family White is clean and balanced with rich flavors that pair well with turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes. This wine also balances a citrusy dessert like apple pie.
While we tend to think of "rosé all day" as the mantra of warmer months, there's no reason to stop drinking the pink-hued beverage once temperatures drop. Our Merlot Rosé is a food-friendly wine that pairs with a variety of dishes year-round. And there's no reason to leave it behind on the most food-friendly holiday of all, Thanksgiving.
2018 Merlot Rosé
The light ruby color is pleasing to the eye and the flavors of blueberry and bing cherry are pleasing to the palate.
Pair our Merlot Rosé with ham, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato pie.
Jolene Family Winery Reds with Bolder Dishes
With big, bold dishes, aim to pair with a wine equally big and bold. Roasted Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, and Stuffing are examples of dishes ready for a bolder red like our Cab Franc or Family Red.
2019 CABERNET FRANC
Crushed blueberry, raspberry, and slight cracked pepper. This wine is dry with a nice round oak finish.
Looking for that perfect across-the-table red wine? Our Bronze Medal Winner, Cabernet Franc enhances the flavors of most traditional Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, and even candied yams.
FAMILY RED
This is Jolene’s flagship Bordeaux style red. This blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is smooth and seamless, yet mature and evolved.
Our Family Red is well suited for a panoply of rich Thanksgiving dishes. The smooth but round nature of our Family Red balances well with roast beef, turkey, and cranberry sauce.
It wouldn’t be a complete Thanksgiving meal without dessert
DUGGAN’S PRESS
Finish off your feast with our delicious Duggan’s Press. Our Bronze Medal Winner, Duggan’s Press, is our port-style wine that pairs perfectly with those sweeter Thanksgiving dishes. Fruit forward with notes of blackberry, stone fruit, and a hint of vanilla. Pair this with deep chocolate recipes and berry pies. A sweeter red that can also be served chilled.
Not seeing your favorite Jolene Family Winery wine listed here?
When all else fails, drink what you love.
We have several other wines available in our tasting room. No matter what wine you choose for your Thanksgiving table, remember to enjoy the holiday and be thankful that wine is there to get you through! Cheers!
