As things start to return to normal for this holiday season, many people are excited to return to their Thanksgiving traditions. It has been a long year, and soon family and friends will be gathering around tables full of delicious food to give thanks and celebrate being alive. Whether your celebration will include a traditional Thanksgiving feast or you’re planning to keep things fresh and trendy with wild game, alternative turkey cooking methods, or even meatless options, Saratoga Wine and Spirits has you covered. Here is your definitive, hand-picked guide to choosing the best wine and spirits for your celebration, whether you'll be hosting or bringing it as a gift.
Maybe you’re a traditionalist: your turkey is roasted all day, potatoes are hand mashed, gravy covers everything on your plate, and you finish the night with pumpkin pie. If this sounds like how you celebrate, you can’t go wrong with a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. These slightly acidic but mild wines will cut through some of the fat and sweetness of a traditional turkey dinner without overpowering any of the flavors. We recommend: Les Belons Sauvignon Blanc- $13.99, Kettmeir Pinot Grigio- $21.99
Hey Google, what’s a fun, alternative way to cook a turkey? If you’re into experimenting with bold new cooking methods and flavors, you’re probably wondering if you need to adjust your perceptions of what your ideal wine pairing is. The answer is yes! For a fried turkey, go with something a little off-dry like a Riesling or something with a fruity nose like a rosé wine. For a smoked turkey, up the flavor of your wine a little! We actually suggest a Zinfandel, which you may know as a red wine, but remember, we’re doing untraditional! We recommend: Von Reben Mosel Riesling- $14.99, Pagos de Tahola Tempranillo Rosado- $14.99, Black Saint Peter Old Vine Zinfandel- $12.99
If you’re opting for a vegetarian or vegan thanksgiving dinner, you’ll want a milder wine to pair with your grain and vegetable-based meals. We’d suggest a Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir. We recommend: Bonterra Estate Collection Organic Chardonnay- $12.99
Maybe turkey isn’t your style, so you’re opting for a prime rib dinner. Choose a dark red, perhaps a Cabernet or a Malbec. We recommend: Routestock Cabernet- $26.99, Alambrado Malbec- $13.99
Who cares about the turkey? You’re here for the pumpkin pie! Pumpkin pie will pair well with whites. Choose a Riesling or a Muscat; white wines from grapes harvested later in the fall which hold on to a little more sugar. We recommend: Domain Girard Le Fleuron Muscadet- $16.99
Do you start your Thanksgiving festivities in the morning or carry them long into the night? Pair the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a mimosa, made with equal parts Champagne and orange juice. If you’re feeling adventurous and want an after-dinner drink, try a spiced cranberry toddy, made with bourbon and served hot. This simple but delicious cocktail is made by simmering cranberry juice with cinnamon sticks, anise, cloves, peppercorns, honey, and an orange over medium high heat for 10 minutes, straining, and then serving with bourbon at a ratio of 1 ½ ounces to 2 ounces. We recommend: Gruet Blanc de Noir Champagne- $16.99, Woodinville Bourbon- $38.99
Whatever your Thanksgiving looks like, let Saratoga Wine and Spirits be a part of it. Come shop in store at 556 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs NY or find us on Doordash and have your wine and spirits delivered!
From all of us at Saratoga Wine and Spirits, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
