Birds of a feather flock together
The typical holiday turkey is a mildly-flavoured food. This steers the wine drinker into certain very distinct directions. Keep the big, bold, richly flavoured wines in the wine rack for the next time you order in some spicy Indian or Thai. A turkey meal is the time for lighter-bodied, low-tannin wines to make their appearance.
If you prefer red wines, look for Light & Fruity and Smooth & Medium Taste Profiles. Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and Chianti are good choices. All of these lighter-tasting wines have less body, more fruit and won’t overpower the mild flavours of your turkey.
White wines are the classic turkey partner. In a white, you can go a bit more full-bodied than you would with a red. Lean toward Crisp & Light and Aromatic & Vibrant. Varietals to look for include Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris. Aromatic whites, with notes of fruit and flowers, are a great match for the more substantial foods that come with a holiday dinner.
Sparkling wines are also an excellent choice as they are typically very versatile and, as a bonus, add an extra celebratory note to your holiday event. Look to a Prosecco for the ideal match to your dinner.
Of course beer and cider have a place at the table as both pair well with the many different flavours of the many different courses. With a traditional roasted turkey, dark malts and amber ales are perfect choices, for different reasons. The browning during the malt beer brewing process complements the caramelization that takes place in the oven when the turkey is roasting. If you prefer a beer that contrasts instead of complements, amber ales are a good choice as they are strong enough to cut through the rich textures of sides like gravy and the starchiness of vegetables.
For cider, a medium-dry is a good all-round choice as it will be able to hold its own against all the tastes and textures of the trimmings.
All of these suggestions are just that—suggestions. Don’t rule out a favourite wine just because it’s a bit more full-bodied. Some of the side dishes you serve will probably be rich and buttery and a bolder wine will fit that bill perfectly. So use this guide as a starting point and have fun with your entertaining!