Wine Pairing for Thanksgiving and Other Holiday Meals

      I know this post is coming a week late but if your Thanksgiving was anything like mine, you’re still working on that leftover turkey. And if not, the holidays are upon us. So whether you’re serving turkey or some other festive bird, we’re all bound to be doing some entertaining!

      The Whole Foods website is a great source for wine knowledge, especially when it comes to food pairing and entertaining. Just check out their wine section under store departments http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/department/wine. They published this excellent guide for pairing wines with typical holiday dishes.

      If you didn’t find your holiday dish on this pairing guide, or if your preferences differ, here are some overall guidelines for pairing wine with food:

1. Try to match the intensity of the wine to the strongest flavors on the plate. For example if you’re serving a chicken with a more intense, robust sauce, you might want to pair it with a more robust wine, even a red.
2. Balance similar elements in wine and food, like smoked foods with oaky wines.  Pairings like acidic wine with acidic food will create a harmonizing effect rather than intensifying the acidity.
3. Keep in mind that some flavor elements in your food will change your perception of a wine, and vice-versa, BUT that doesn’t mean you should ignore your own preferences or those of your guests.  Everyone is different, so your favorite wine – whatever the meal – is never the wrong choice.

      Finally, if you're looking to serve something a little more festive than just wine, here's a recipe I found for Apple Cider Holiday Sangria!

1 standard (750 ml) bottle of pinot grigio

2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider

1 cup club soda

1/2 cup ginger brandy

3 honey crisp apples, chopped

3 pears, chopped

Combine and refrigerate for about an hour before serving. I like to wait to add the club soda until right before serving so it doesn't go flat.

  





Happy Holidays and Happy Entertaining!