Spicy Wines for Thanksgiving
Spicy wines bring warmth to your palate, much like your favorite seasonings. They can have profiles with peppery notes reminiscent of black and white pepper or sweet baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that warm the soul.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a bold red wine with a spicy profile. Its flavors include black pepper, clove, and cinnamon, alongside ripe fruit notes like blackberry and raspberry.
How do you pair Zinfandel for Thanksgiving?
Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with rich dishes, such as roasted turkey and hearty stuffing, making it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving dining. It also works well with roasted vegetables and ham. Surprisingly, Zinfandel can pair nicely with pumpkin pie, especially if it’s spiced.
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Syrah
Syrah shines with its bold black pepper character for a classic spicy wine..
How do you pair Syrah for Thanksgiving?
Syrah complements turkey and savory stuffing, especially if sausage or nuts are included. The wine’s fruity acidity works well with cranberry sauce, while its earthiness enhances roasted root vegetables. If you’re serving ham, Syrah’s smoky notes are a perfect match, and they can balance the sweetness of pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner offers a delightful white pepper spiciness. Grüner Veltliner pairs well with Thanksgiving dishes due to its crisp acidity and subtle fruit notes.
How do you pair Grüner Veltliner for Thanksgiving?
It complements roasted turkey and savory gravies, enhances herb-filled stuffing, balances rich vegetable dishes, and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of cranberry sauce. For dessert, it provides a refreshing contrast to pumpkin pie.
Gewürztraminer
Let’s not forget Gewürztraminer, bursting with ginger and floral notes—its name means ‘spicy’ in German!
How to pair Gewürztraminer for Thanksgiving?
Its floral and fruity notes complement roasted turkey and herbs balancing fruit-based stuffing and rich, sweet gravies. The wine also pairs nicely with roasted sweet vegetables and creamy cheeses like brie or gouda. Additionally, it elevates desserts such as apple pie or pumpkin cheesecake. Serving Gewürztraminer slightly chilled at 45-50°F maximizes its refreshing qualities.
The magic happens thanks to grape varieties and clever winemaking. Compounds like rotundone and 4-vinylguaiacol give these wines unique flavor profiles, enhanced by aging that introduces more spices. The key is to find flavors that harmonize and create an enjoyable dining experience.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration!
