How to Pair Wine with Fall Flavors?

Four wine tips for pairing with fall flavors and Thanksgiving.

  1. Consider Flavor Profile. Foods shift with the weather and so might your wine. If you are putting a Southwestern spin on the meal, consider the spices when choosing the wine. Fuller-bodied white wines (Barrel Oaked Viognier) can complement spices, stews, sauces, and gravy.
  2. Bubbles. Do not shy away from sparkling wines like a California Brut Rosé that pair nicely with the intense flavors. Or consider dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer wines from Washington or Oregon. The acidity balances rich flavor profiles.
  3. Bold Flavors. Foods tend to shift toward richer and bolder flavors. Choose a wine with higher tannin structure to cut through the fattier proteins and richer flavors such as Petite Sirah.
  4. Thanksgiving is an American Holiday, Choose an American Wine! Better yet choose Arizona wines. Try Grenache or Pinot Noir. The ripe berries and soft tannins make it a perfect match for the rich, complex flavors on the typical Thanksgiving spread.
Check out Peggy Fiandaca, LDV Owner/General Manager discussing LDV Winery’s wine pairing tips in this short video.