5 Wine Pairings for Your Guests

Are you looking for the perfect bottle of wine to serve with your Thanksgiving meal? Here are some terrific wine pairings, based on your main course.

TURKEY

Shiraz - Because of all the different flavors on your Thanksgiving table, you should look for a balanced wine that will first and foremost complement your main dish — the turkey. A Shiraz can handle a number of flavors and is a fullbodied wine that will complement both white and dark turkey meats, as well as stuffing and other side dishes. Consider the 2003 Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz from Clare Valley, Australia; $26.

ROASTED DUCK

Riesling - The tropical fruits, citrus, apple and pear notes in Riesling make it a terrific complement to your turkey as well as roasted duck. Riesling will taste wonderful with almost any Thanksgiving dish, except perhaps cranberry sauce and sweet desserts. For something affordable, consider 2007 Napa Valley Riesling from Casa Nuestra Winery & Vineyards; $22.

HAM

Pinot Grigio - At times, families opt for honey-baked ham rather than turkey at Thanksgiving. With ham, you don't want a heavy wine that will drown out it's light, sweet flavor. And you don't want a tart wine that will contrast. Therefore, when shopping for a wine to pair with ham, look for a light, semi-sweet wine. Though both Pinot Noirs and Rieslings will match nicely, a Pinot Grigio may be your best bet. It is a white wine with a crisp citrus flavor. Wine Spectactor recommends 199 Pinot Grigio Grave del Friuli Reserve Selection from Bollini; $15. This inexpensive wine features the aroma of sliced apples and pears. It's a medium-bodied wine with a fruity finish.

VEGETARIAN

Gewurztraminer - Are you having Tofurky on Thanksgiving Day? For vegetarians who are enjoying mock tofu turkey and vegetarian gravy, you will need a wine to match. Gewurztraminers are a great choices but remember that they vary from extremely dry to extremely sweet. Lean toward the dry or off-dry Gewurztraminer for a vegetarian meal. The 1994 Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer from Ventana Vineyard, Monterey County ($12) features layered, complex flavors with peaches, apricots and a touch of spice. It will be a nice pairing with your vegetarian Thanksgiving meal.

WITH ANYTHING

Pinot Noir - Low-alcohol, light bodied Pinot Noirs are perfect for just about anything on your Thanksgiving menu. They are subtle and don't overpower food, allowing you to savor every morsel of your holiday meal. Do you want to splurge a little? Try 2005 Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir from Goldeneye; $75. For something a little cheaper, the 2007 Road 13 Pinot Noir from the Okanagan Valley ($24) is a fine choice.