The Best Wines For Your Thanksgiving Meal

The count down is on, Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away! Ancona's has everything you need to make it memorable. We have included a few tips and staff picks to help you choose the best wines for your big meal. Don't have time to shop? Take advantage of our personal shopping service. Drop off your menu and we will put together a custom case of wine or beer to suit your needs. Please e-mail jackie@anconaswines.com for more details. 

When matching wine with the Thanksgiving meal look for something that pairs well with a wide range of flavors. Sparkling wines are great starters as they are festive, invigorating, and wonderful on their own or as a companions to hors d'oeuvres. 

Domaine Eugene Carrel et Fils Brut 
Laetitia Brut Cuvee
Langmann Schilcher Sekt Blauer Wildbacher Rose 
Mousse Fils Champagne 'Or Tradition

When looking for a white to pair with your Thanksgiving feast, balance is key. Try to avoid whites that are too light or too oaky. Gravitate toward wines that are refreshing, tangy, and fruity. If your palate favors a hint of sweetness, try a bottle of Chenin Blanc or Riesling.

2011 Roccolo Grassi Soave Superiore "La Broia"

2011 Westrey Chardonnay

2012 Domaine Saint Amant La Borry

2011 Strub Niersteiner Bruckchen Riesling Kabinet

If red wines are more your style, try Pinot Noir or Gamay. Their balanced acidity and generous fruit make these varietals especially food-friendly. If you prefer heartier reds, try Zinfandel or a Syrah/Grenache blend. These bold varietals have the complexity to stand up to savory Thanksgiving dishes and will not overpower the rest of the meal.

2012 Mckinlay Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

2011 Les Clos de Haute Combe Julienas

2010 Adelaida Cellars Zinfandel

2011 Domaine de la Chevalerie Bonn'Heure Bourgueil

And for the beer lovers out there we recommend picking up a bottle of Goose Island Lolita, a Belgian Style Wild Ale that is a brilliant blend of sweet and sour. Vicaris Tripel Gueuze is another solid choice for Thanksgiving, it is a richly sweet, almost honeyed Tripel made dry and crisp with a complex tannic character by perfectly balanced blending with Gueuze.

Don't forget about our Thanksgiving tasting events! On Thursday, November 21st we are hosting a Thanksgiving Wine & Food Pairing Seminar at our Ridgefield store. On Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th we are hosting Tom Turkey's 2-Day Tasting Extravaganza. Tastings will be stationed throughout our Ridgefield and Wilton locations allowing you to try a myriad of fine wine and craft beer perfect for your Thanksgiving feast and holiday gift giving.