Welcome back, wine lovers!

In our first two blogs, we’ve uncorked the basics of choosing and serving wines for Thanksgiving. In Part 1, we explored approachable wine options to complement your holiday table. Then in Part 2, we learned how to serve wine like a pro, enhancing each pour with perfect temperatures and thoughtful presentation. Now, let’s take it a step further. In this final installment of our Thanksgiving Wine Series, we’ll dive into tasting notes for the popular varietals recommended in Part 1, and share a few fun sparkling wine cocktail recipes to add extra cheer to your celebration!

Tasting Notes for Popular Thanksgiving Varietals

Before we get to the cocktails, let’s talk about the wines you might serve. Thanksgiving is all about variety, so having a few classic options that everyone can enjoy with their favorite dishes is key. I suggest selecting at least two whites and two reds to compliment your feast!

Here’s a quick guide to the general characteristics you can expect from the popular varietals we suggested in Part 1:

• Prosecco is a light, crisp, and bubbly wine with refreshing flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus. Its bright acidity pairs beautifully with fatty and salty cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and pancetta, making it an excellent choice for a charcuterie board. Perfect for toasts and appetizers, Prosecco enhances your pre-dinner nibbles with its lively and approachable character.
• Sauvignon Blanc has two distinct styles: One is zesty and bright with lively notes of lime, grapefruit, green apple, and stone fruit.  The other embraces herbaceous qualities, such as lemongrass, green pepper, or even jalapeño! This makes it a perfect match for vegetable-forward dishes like green bean casserole and roasted Brussels sprouts yet also complements creamy sides like mashed potatoes while cleansing the palate between bites. A versatile choice, it’s a standout addition to any holiday table.
• Riesling stands out as a highly versatile white wine, crafted in styles ranging from dry to sweet, making it an ideal pairing for a wide variety of dishes—whether sweet, salty, or spicy. Its vibrant apple and apricot flavors, combined with refreshing acidity, cleanse the palate between bites. Riesling complements Thanksgiving classics like sweet potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and even pumpkin pie, making it a delightful addition to your holiday feast.
• Chardonnay is a wine that pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving dishes. An unoaked style brings crisp notes of apple and pear, while lightly oaked Chardonnay complements creamy sides like mashed potatoes or corn casserole. Its hints of vanilla and stone fruit enhance the subtle flavors of turkey, and its balanced richness pairs well with simply seasoned poultry, toasted nuts, or pastry crusts. Whether crisp or creamy, Chardonnay is a perfect match for your holiday table.
• Viognier shows lush and aromatic, with flavors of ripe peach, honeysuckle, and tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. Its richness and floral character pair beautifully with dishes like butternut squash soup, roasted turkey, and herb stuffing. Viognier's texture and ripe fruit flavors pair well with scallops, crab, or lobster should you find seafood on your holiday table.
• Pinot Noir is a classic, food-friendly red wine that pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving dinner. Its light body and flavors of cherry cola, cranberry, cedar, and subtle earthy undertones complement traditional dishes without overwhelming them. This versatile wine is an ideal match for white meat turkey, stuffing, and even cranberry sauce, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.
• Grenache offers a bright and approachable red wine experience with a lighter body, juicy flavors of strawberry and raspberry, and hints of white pepper, dried herbs, and floral notes. Its plush tannins and moderate acidity make it a perfect pairing for turkey and savory sides, offering a delightful balance to your Thanksgiving feast.
• Zinfandel delivers a fuller-bodied red with jammy dark fruit flavors, hints of dried fruit, and a touch of vanilla from oak aging. Its robust character is balanced by prominent spices like black pepper and cloves, making it a perfect match for bold Thanksgiving dishes such as glazed ham, roasted sweet potatoes, dark meat, and hearty gravy. This varietal’s rich, spicy profile beautifully enhances the warm fall spices on your holiday table.
• Port wine’s rich, sweet, and nutty profile makes it a perfect companion for Thanksgiving dishes and desserts. It pairs beautifully with dark chocolate or fruit-based desserts. Tawny Port, with its velvety flavors of dried fruit, caramel, and nuts, is especially delightful on its own as a dessert or alongside pumpkin or pecan pie topped with sweet whipped cream. A truly indulgent choice for the holiday table.

These are just starting points, of course. Remember, the beauty of wine is its diversity, and no two, of any one varietal, taste exactly the same! Put these notes out on your wine table so people can get a glimpse into what they are about to taste! (To help identify these and other flavors and aromas, be sure to download my free Wine Aroma and Flavor Chart or dive into the 7-S Technique in my free lesson to learn the roadmap for tasting and evaluating wines!)

Sparkling Wine Cocktails for Thanksgiving Cheer

Sparkling wines are a festive staple for any holiday, but adding a creative twist makes them even more special. Here are two easy and crowd-pleasing recipes:

The Thanksgiving Royale

A sophisticated spin on the classic Kir Royale, this cocktail is perfect for welcoming guests.
Ingredients:

• 4 oz Prosecco or Brut Sparkling Wine
• 1/2 oz Chambord (or raspberry liqueur)
• Fresh raspberries (optional fun garnish) Raspberries spin in the bottom of your glass propelled by the tiny bubbles!

Instructions:

1. Pour Chambord into a champagne flute.
2. Top with chilled sparkling wine. 
3. Garnish with a fresh raspberry if desired.

Autumn Poinsettia

A cranberry mimosa with a Thanksgiving twist!
Ingredients:

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
• Orange peel twist or fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberry juice and orange liqueur in a glass.
2. Top with Prosecco.
3. Garnish with an orange peel twist or a few cranberries.

These cocktails are simple, elegant, and sure to impress!

Bringing Confidence to Your Thanksgiving Wine Journey

As you sip, savor, and celebrate this Holiday Season, I hope these tips help you feel confident in your wine choices and presentation. Whether you’re swirling a velvety Pinot Noir, enjoying a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, or toasting with a festive Royale, the most important pairing is the love and laughter shared around the table.

If you missed our earlier blogs, I encourage you to revisit:

• Blog #1: The Beginner’s Guide: Choosing the “Right” Wines for Thanksgiving.
• Blog #2: The Beginner's Guide: Serve Wine Like a Pro This Holiday Season.

Remember to download your Wine Aroma and Flavor Chart and/or claim your FREE lesson Wine Sensory and the 7-S Technique from my Wine Tasting 101 course . These resources will not only elevate your Thanksgiving celebration but will also enrich your wine journey for years to come.

A Final Toast With Gratitude

This Thanksgiving, let’s raise a glass not just to delicious food and fine wine but also to the connections and memories we create. As we savor the joys of the season, let’s also take a moment to think of those less fortunate and carry a spirit of generosity in our hearts. A kind word, a helping hand, or a shared meal can make a magical difference.

Let’s create beautiful moments to share with the people you love most and by the kindness you pour into our world.

Wishing you a holiday full of joy, gratitude, and memorable moments. Cheers to you and your loved ones!

With gratitude,
Your Wine Country Wine Coach, Tami

Ciao for now!