Thanksgiving’s Wine BFFs: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

It is a perennial story this time of year: “What are the best Thanksgiving wines?” In most cases, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the top picks among food writers. Among the many options, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir consistently rise to the top of the list, and for good reason. These two varietals not only offer delightful flavor profiles but also complement a wide range of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. To help you navigate your wine selections, we asked our La Crema Winemaker to explain why these wine varietals pair perfectly with Thanksgiving.

Versatile Chardonnay

La Crema Monterey and Russian River Chardonnay

One of the primary reasons Chardonnays are at the top of a Thanksgiving wine list is the flexibility inherent in America’s most popular white wine grape. Chardonnay flavor profiles can range from fruit-forward with bright acidity, to big, rich and opulent. In either case, it’s the right white for the job.

Our winemaker recommends choosing a more delicate Chardonnay, like our Monterey Chardonnay, if you prefer white meat and lighter fare.  If darker meat is your preference, consider a richer style.  The lush mouth-feel, spice and caramel notes of our Russian River Chardonnay can hold up to the more intense flavors of the wing and leg meat while offering a complimentary taste spectrum to dishes like sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.

Pleasing Pinot

La Crema Monterey and Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

“The great thing about Pinot Noir is that it pleases a lot of palates,” our Winemaker remarks. “And it doesn’t overwhelm typical Thanksgiving food.” She adds that Pinot’s inherent earthiness and notes of plums, cherries, and spice notes like vanilla and nutmeg are a natural pairing with cranberries, dark meat turkey, stuffing and root vegetables.

Like Chardonnay, find a Pinot Noir that matches what you plan on eating. A darker, more concentrated Pinot Noir, like our Monterey will hold up to deeper flavors, while our Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, more elegant with hints of tea leaves and blueberries, is a good option for pairing with the variety of flavors of delicious side dishes that a Thanksgiving feast delivers.

Beyond the Classics 

As much as we love Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Thanksgiving is also a perfect occasion to explore other options. A crisp, refreshing Pinot Noir Rosé can add a festive touch to your gathering. With its bright acidity and lively finish, it cuts through the richness of turkey and works beautifully as an aperitif. Pair it with a cheese platter as guests arrive, sparking conversations before the main event kicks off. And speaking of sparking, don’t forget to include some sparkling wines! 

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Thanksgiving Wines 

When selecting your wines for the holiday, consider the flavors of your meal and the preferences of your guests. Here are a few tips: 

• Match Weight and Flavor: Lighter dishes call for crisper, more acidic wines, while richer dishes pair well with full-bodied options. 
• Don’t Overthink It: Choose wines that you enjoy! The best wine is one that makes you happy, so trust your palate. 
• Offer Variety: A selection of wines gives guests the freedom to explore different pairings throughout the meal. 

Cheers to a Memorable Thanksgiving 

For more detailed insights, be sure to check out our Thanksgiving Turkey and Wine Pairing Guide. This guide highlights the best ways to pair your Thanksgiving turkey with La Crema wines, ensuring your meal is perfectly balanced. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with warm tidings, laughter, and good wine! 

Anything else?

Most of us here at La Crema never need a reason to break open a Pinot Noir Rosé. If you haven’t already polished it off, the brightness and crisp finish of the wine — like a lighter Chardonnay — can help cut through the richness of Thanksgiving turkey, or it can serve as a preamble to the main feast, to enjoy over cheese and conversation.