The most American of dishes, a turkey can be a fun challenge when pairing wine! When selecting a wine for your Thanksgiving meal, consider how you are preparing the turkey. If you add some spice and flavorful stuffing, you have some complexity on your side. If you go the standard route, a nice Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling will work well, but don’t forget lighter reds such as Pinot Noir and Beaujolais. If you choose an aggressive stuffing, the possibilities are even greater as you can pair a wine to match the food—Merlot and Nebbiolo are some nice bets. Also, it would be a shame to discount some great dry rosés as they tend to be the perfect accompaniment to the bird! Here are some of our favorites this year.

• BIELER PÈRE & FILS AIX-ENPROVENCE ROSÉ

A wonderfully dry pink wine from Provence that is full of red fruits, bright acidity, and a long finish. 

• PALLADINO BARBERA D'ALBA SUPERIORE BRICCO DELLE OLIVE

This full bodied, yet beautifully bright Italian Barbera exudes black cherry fruit, nutmeg, and a bright acidity finished with a touch of leather and earth. 

• LUCIEN ALBRECHT PINOT BLANC

From Alsace, France, this wine is well structured with aromas of apricot, hazelnut, and a long, elegant finish. Also wonderful paired with oysters! 

• CASTLE ROCK WINERY PINOT NOIR

Perfect paired with turkey or ham, this is full of cherry, tea, and herbal spice tones with a smooth, silky texture. A great value in California Pinot Noir that is varietally correct! 

• SAN SIMEON VIOGNIER PASO ROBLES

Bright and luscious with ripe peach flavors and tropical notes. This structured and well-balanced wine shows a lengthy finish with a hint of spice.