It’s 48 hours until turkey day and you may be wondering ‘What should one drink with their Thanksgiving feast?’. With so many choices and palates to please the decision can be daunting. Not to worry. Whether your preference is for wine, beer, or liquor here’s what I recommend.
WINE
It’s often believed that Chardonnay is the perennial ‘go-to’ wine for Thanksgiving. However, a lot of domestic bottlings are very oak dominant which can overpower. My solution, Chablis. It’s still Chardonnay, just from France, and it’s against their rules to use oak, so regardless of the chablis you select, be assured that its sans oak.
Others are in the Pinot Noir camp for pairing with turkey. While it is one of my favorite food and wine marriages, my current fave is Chateauneuf du Pape. It can be a bit pricey so just stay in that general region of France and look for a cotes du rhone, similar grape varietals are used; Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre so be assured of a similar flavor, just a bit less robust.
Theo’s Picks:
Chablis — 2015 Domaine Laroche Saint Martin
Chardonnay — Mer Soleil Unoaked Chardonnay
Pinot Noir — Foxen Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley
Cotes du Rhone — Famille Perrin
BEER
Remember, Thanksgiving is an American holiday, so keep it local my friends. Choose a locally brewed crisp lager or pilsner. If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous go for a lightly-hopped IPA, it should bring out the herbs you’re using on your bird (you did an herb butter on your bird right?!).
Theo’s Picks:
Summit Brewing Company (MN) — Keller Pils
Victory Brewing Company (PA) — Home Grown
Bells Brewing Company (MI) — Two-Hearted Ale
LIQUOR
Keeping with the American theme, go with Whiskey. Lots of local distillers are popping up all over the country and are making amazing products. Right here in PA we’re got Dad’s Hat and Hewn just to name a couple. Looking for something interesting to do with that booze? Check out my (no longer a secret) boozy eggnog recipe, perfect for all your winter holidays!
May you and your family have a fantastic Thanksgiving.
Cheers!
Chef Theo is a Sommelier, Level 2 certified, by the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET). Contact Theo to create a special wine pairing menu for your holiday party:
215-913-9904 or cheftheo@zestchefs.com