Can Red Wine Truly Pair with Turkey Like White?

I hope not! I’ve got a case of Rosé of Malbec waiting for Thanksgiving! Honestly, I’d choose a light red over a bold buttery, heavily oaked Chardonnay any day... there’s far more to the equation than red vs. white.

Breaking Down the Old Wine-Pairing Rules

The old wine-pairing rules—white wine with chicken and fish, red wine with beef—seem to have been abolished in favor of the simple rule: Drink whatever wine you like with whatever food you choose.

Exploring the Best Wine Options for Turkey

It’s not widely known, but the best wine with turkey is actually Australian sparkling Shiraz. Sparkling wine also goes well with turkey, offering a delightful contrast.

If you are a fan of red wine, Pinot Noir and Syrah would also be good choices because they have light tannins. Many people enjoy lighter red wines like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Nouveau with turkey.

You can indeed serve red wine with turkey breast. While Cabernet can be a bit too tart and high in tannins, younger reds with a light flavor can work perfectly. Consider wines like Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache.

Understanding the Key to a Perfect Pairing

The key thing is that turkey has a very light flavor, and you don’t want to overwhelm it. Look for wines with a pretty light tannin profile. Here are a few options:

Lambrusco - it’s almost a rosé, frequently fruity and light. Gamay/Beaujolais - a very light red that goes well with most poultry. Grignolino - a soft tannin red, although it can be hard to come by, it’s worth it if you find it. Pinot Noir - I’d look for earthy Pinot Noirs, particularly from Bourgogne, Oregon, and New Zealand. Skip most Californian Pinots from Carneros and the Santa Lucia Highlands which tend to be too fruity. Grenache - this can be light on the fruit and go reasonably well with turkey. Try something like a Chateauneuf du Pape, which is a Grenache dominant blend with Syrah and Mourvèdre. Spanish and New World versions tend to be high on alcohol.

Personally, I love Grignolino, which is an excellent but somewhat obscure varietal. I recommend Heitz Cellars’ version.

Wine Tasting and Modern Art

Wine tasting is a little like the interpretation of modern art... it’s all about the bullshit. So, if a wine tastes good for you, then it is good. Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal, and feel free to experiment with different wine pairings!

Conclusion

No need to stick to the old rules. Red wine can work well with turkey, just look for the right tannin profile. Whether you opt for a light red or a sparkling Shiraz, your Thanksgiving feast will be memorable. Cheers!