Thanksgiving is coming…. What do I serve?

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, give thanks and enjoy a feast that often features a diverse mix of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a bottle to share, an amazing kosher wine can add something special to the table. Choosing the right wine for each part of the meal can elevate the experience and highlight the flavors of traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

Here’s a guide to help you pick wines that pair beautifully with each course on the Thanksgiving menu.

Sparkling wine to start the celebration
A sparkling wine is a festive way to begin any holiday meal, and options like prosecco or cava work wonderfully. These wines are light, refreshing and full of tiny bubbles that enhance the palate. Sparkling wines tend to be slightly acidic, which means they can pair well with a variety of appetizers, such as olives, smoked fish and lighter salads. You may notice I don’t recommend Champagne; Champagne has higher acidity and often a more intense, yeasty profile, which typically does not complement most Thanksgiving flavors. Foods with savory spices, rich gravies or earthy vegetables can make Champagne’s acidity stand out a little too sharply, which is why prosecco, with its softer, fruitier profile, or cava, which has a subtler yeastiness, are easier pairings for the traditional Thanksgiving spread.

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Whites for a versatile pairing
White wines are a great choice for Thanksgiving because they’re versatile and work with a wide array of flavors. Two popular options are sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, each bringing something unique to the table. Sauvignon blanc is known for its bright acidity and herbaceous notes, which can enhance vegetable dishes like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. For those who prefer a fuller-bodied white, a lightly oaked chardonnay is a great option. The gentle oak brings out subtle flavors of vanilla and toast, which pair well with turkey, gravy and roasted root vegetables. Chardonnay’s slight creaminess can complement heartier sides, and it has enough body to stand up to the rich flavors of Thanksgiving without overwhelming them.

Rosé as a middle ground
If you’re looking for a wine that can please a crowd, a kosher rosé offers a lovely middle ground. Rosé wines are typically light, with fresh, fruity notes that appeal to a variety of palates. They’re versatile and can complement both white and red meats, making them perfect for a Thanksgiving meal where turkey takes center stage. Rosé also pairs well with cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and other side dishes, adding a refreshing lift to the richness of the meal.

Light to medium-bodied reds for the main course
For the main course, many Thanksgiving hosts choose red wine, and light-to-medium-bodied options like pinot noir and merlot are ideal. Pinot noir is often recommended for its subtle, earthy flavors, which pair well with turkey, gravy and stuffing. Pinot’s bright acidity balances the meal without overpowering it, and the earthy undertones can bring out the flavors in mushroom or herb-based dishes.

Merlot is another great choice; my friend Bob would probably disagree. I will convert him to be a merlot lover someday! Merlot has soft tannins and notes of plum and dark berries, which makes merlot easy to drink and pairs well with both turkey and richer side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted squash.

Full-bodied reds for bolder flavors
If you want something with more intensity, a full-bodied red like cabernet sauvignon or syrah can add depth to the meal. These wines work best if your Thanksgiving spread includes bolder flavors like dark meat, duck or heavily seasoned stuffing. Cabernet sauvignon can have firm tannins and dark fruit notes that pair well with grilled or roasted turkey. Syrah, with its spicy and smoky undertones, is another excellent option if you’re serving rich sides like sweet potatoes with cinnamon or gravy with herbs.

Sweet wines for dessert
Thanksgiving dessert often includes pies and other sweets that call for a wine with a touch of sweetness. Moscato, late harvest riesling or port are excellent choices. Moscato is light, floral and slightly fizzy, which makes it perfect with apple pie. Late harvest riesling, on the other hand, is rich and honeyed, with a fuller body that pairs beautifully with pumpkin or pecan pie. Port with its rich, sweet and full-bodied profile makes it an ideal companion to the flavors of Thanksgiving’s classic desserts. All of the wines offer a sweet ending to the meal without overwhelming the dessert’s flavors.

It’s easy to create a wine experience that complements the rich flavors and warmth of Thanksgiving, enhancing every dish on your table and making the holiday gathering even more memorable. Enjoy the opportunity to blend tradition with taste, sharing the perfect wines with friends and family in gratitude and celebration. PJC

Uriel Marcovitz is a former restaurateur in Pittsburgh. He studies wine with the Court of Master Sommelier and holds advanced-level sommelier status.