Text by: Gleb King
In 1621, when the Pilgrim settlers of Plymouth Colony sat down with indigenous Wampanoag people to celebrate what was going to become Thanksgiving, they had no turkey on their tables. In those times turkey was a delicacy for wealthy men. In 1789, when George Washington declared a day of national thanksgiving, Americans were eating a lot of turkey but they still didn’t link the bird with the holiday. The historical thing happened in 1827, when Sarah Josepha Hale mentioned turkey in her novel Northwood – in a chapter about the celebration of Thanksgiving in New England. And she raised the turkey sales in the US every last Thursday of November since then.
A medium-fat poultry with a tender texture – it goes well with almost every style of wine except, say, fortifieds and sweet ones. But even there we may find some secret shortcuts!
The sommeliers are very thankful to Sarah Josepha Hale because roast turkey is a versatile dish and it’s easy to pair. A medium-fat poultry with a tender texture, it goes well with almost every style, except, say, fortifieds and sweets. But even there we may find some secret shortcuts. Acidic white? – Okay – it will cut through fat. Tannic red – hardly, because light meat may be overbeaten by tannins, but it will! Light red – perfect by all means. Bubbly sparkling? – Good, because acidic mousse will cleanse your palate of fat. Natural Pet-Nat? – Try and see, it will add some new-found aromas to the dish. Even the sweet Sauternes will be a discovery here. To cut the long story – here’s our list of uncommon wines for Thanksgiving turkey.
Price indication guide:
Around $20 – *
Around $100 – **
Around $500 – ***
Around $1000 – ****
More than $5000 – *****
Jean-Pierre Robinot “Les Annees Folles” 2022
L'Opéra des Vins Les Années Folles 2022 is a white pet-nat wine by legendary Jean-Pierre Robinot. It’s made from 60% Chenin Blanc and 40% Pineau d'Aunis from a vineyard in Jasnieres. The wine's juicy red fruit notes (think cherry, raspberry, or plum) bring a natural sweetness that enhances the meat’s savoriness without overpowering it. Turkey’s fatty profile is balanced by the wine's acidity, which cuts through and refreshes the palate.
Pierre Girardin Vosne-Romanee Aux Champs Perdrix 2020
We have several reasons to love Pierre Girardin’s Burgundy. Vosne-Romanée wines like this one often carry a bouquet of red and dark berries, floral notes (such as violet or rose), and subtle spices (clove, anise). They beautifully enhance the nuanced flavors of roast turkey, especially when prepared with a lightly spiced or herbed rub. Red fruit notes like cherry and raspberry, and hints of earthiness complement the savory richness of meat, especially if served with Thanksgiving sides like cranberry sauce, roasted root vegetables, or mushrooms.
Frederic Cossard Fleurie 2022
Beaujolais wines are the perfect pairing for Thanksgiving turkey. This wine, crafted from the Gamay grape, is known for its bright, fruit-forward profile, delicate structure, and soft tannins – all qualities that complement the flavors and texture of roast poultry without overwhelming it. Fleurie's softer structure allows the turkey’s texture and flavors to shine, making each bite feel lighter.
Aubert Wines Eastside Vineyard Chardonnay 2015
Price range **
Somebody may think that white wines have no rights to participate in the poultry orchestra. And they are terribly wrong! This is a rich, complex, and elegant choice that pairs with Thanksgiving roast turkey surprisingly well. Known for its balanced acidity, lush fruit profile, and subtle oak, this California Chardonnay can highlight the savory qualities of the meal and bring a touch of brightness to each bite.
Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2001
Price range ***
Yes, you got it right! Sauternes, a luscious, honeyed dessert wine from Bordeaux, is typically known for its rich sweetness, vibrant acidity, and complex layers of fruit and spice. Sauternes can complement the turkey and various side dishes beautifully. It pairs well especially when you want to bring out the sweeter, more complex elements of a meal. Sauternes has flavors of apricot, peach, citrus, and spices like ginger or clove which can enhance the herbs and spices often used to season turkey. These notes can also complement sweet Thanksgiving sides like yams, cranberry sauce, or even cornbread stuffing. Try it and you’ll love it!
Tarlant Argilite Amphorae 2014
Price range ***
Every somm knows that Champagne is universal, but this unique Champagne made in amphorae can make an even more fantastic and refreshing pairing than you may think. It has an especially vivid, mineral-driven profile due to the amphora aging, which provides a crisp, clean finish. The earthy mineral notes from the amphora aging process complement the more savory aspects of Thanksgiving dishes, especially if your turkey is seasoned with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009
Price range **
And finally, the queen of pleasures – the Billecart-Salmon Rose! This is a superb accompaniment for Thanksgiving – not only for turkey, but for the whole holiday spread. If you have this wine on the table – you are for sure have some thanks to give. It’s known for its elegance, delicate fruit, and fine structure that brings depth and freshness. The Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon has lively acidity and fine bubbles that cleanse the palate with every sip, balancing the richness of turkey meat and classic sides like stuffing and gravy. On the other hand – the thick and aromatic mousse is ready to complete any dessert you like. The perfection in its full versatility!
