What Wine Goes with Turkey? Here Are 11 to Try This Thanksgiving

C’mon, you knew our good friend sauvy B would make the guest list. Aside from being a crowd-pleaser (which definitely counts for something), this French white is super crisp and acidic, but with just enough body to stand up to a gorgeously burnished turkey.

Try: Clos Henri Petit Clos Sauvignon Blanc 2020

If you’re not a fan of that whole “buttery” and “oaked” Chardonnay thing, give Chablis a whirl. Once written off as a grocery store dud, the right bottle of this light- to medium-bodied, bone-dry white is pretty much the opposite: It’s zesty and mineral, with notes of limestone, citrus and green apple to balance the richness of turkey.

Try: Domaine des Genèves 2020 Chablis

Do the Spanish celebrate Thanksgiving? No…but they have an incredible wine for it. Floral, fruity, salty and a little spicy, albariño is practically made to pair with turkey (not to mention all those autumnal veggies and herbs). It’s another crisp, mouthwateringly acidic choice that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Try: Fefinanes 2021 Albariño

You’re going to need something to cut through all that gravy, and a mouth-puckering dry Riesling will do. The key? Look for the word “Trocken” (which means “dry”) on the label. What to expect? Aromas of Honeycrisp apple and pear, and flavors like lemonade and lime. Yum.

Try: Forge Cellars Classique Dry Riesling

Light but warm is the best way to describe this red wine, so you can bet it’s a Thanksgiving no-brainer. Red fruit notes, like cranberry, complement both the turkey and the jiggling jewel of cranberry “sauce” sitting at the table. Serve it with a slight chill and the crowd will go wild.

Try: Meinklang Pinot Noir

With its light body, low tannins and medium acidity, Beaujolais (a type of gamay wine) will prove to your pickiest guests that yes, you can pair a bottle of red with poultry. Skip the Nouveau varieties for something with a bit more heft, like a Beaujolais-Villages. The herby, tart fruit flavors will make your entire feast come to life.

Try: Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages

Rather than a single grape, red Côtes du Rhone is usually a blend of a few types grown in a specific region in France. It has soft tannins and subtle spiciness that’s both easy to like and easy to pair with food, and a medium body that will please even that one uncle who claims to only enjoy “big” wines. Smoked turkey on the menu? Look no further.

Try: Chateau de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhone Les Deux Albions 2019

Red blends tend to be less pricy than single-varietal vinos, so they're a solid choice for any hostess who's going to be buying multiple bottles for the holidays. They're also typically easy to drink, thanks to their lower acidity, fruit-forward flavor and modest tannins. (That also means they won't overpower the subtle deliciousness of the turkey.)

Try: Van Ardi Red Blend

Lambrusco can get a bad rap for being sweet, but this sparkling red wine is traditionally very dry. It’s usually light- to medium-bodied with plenty of acidity, making it a surprisingly fitting pairing for Thanksgiving turkey. It doesn’t hurt that the bubbles feel celebratory, either.

Try: Monte Delle Vigne Lambrusco Emilia I.G.P.

Bubbles go with everything—and it’s a party, isn’t it? We’re not kidding: The carbonation cuts through rich, fatty foods and cleanses your palate, so it really does pair with most foods. Plus, if you choose a label that says “Brut,” “Extra Brut” or “Brut Nature,” you’ll end up with a wine that’s pleasantly dry and acidic. (And if you have Champagne taste on a boxed wine budget, go for a budget-friendly cava instead.) This would be a particularly fitting choice if the turkey is being deep-fried.

Try: Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs 2018

Orange wine is a catchall description for white wines made in the style of red wines—that is, the juice is fermented with the skins for a brief period before being removed. This gives them more body and tannins than a white wine, which can be an interesting addition to your Turkey Day spread.

Try: Field Recordings Skins