Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and let’s be honest—some seriously delicious food. Whether you’re hosting your first feast or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s one way to elevate your Thanksgiving meal to unforgettable status: pairing each course with the perfect sparkling wine. Let’s pop the bubbly and get cooking!

Step 1: Plan Your Menu 🦃

Your Thanksgiving spread is likely a delicious medley of flavors: savory, sweet, creamy, and spicy. To ensure your sparkling wine pairings shine, start by identifying key dishes:

• Appetizers: Cheese boards, charcuterie, and light bites.
• Main Course: The turkey, stuffing, and all the sides.
• Dessert: Pies, cakes, and any sweet indulgences.

Sparkling Wine Pairing Tips 🍾

The right sparkling wine brings out the best in every dish. From bright and zesty to rich and bold, here’s how to pair your favorites:

1. Appetizers & Starters: Go Light with Brut or Extra Brut

Kick off the celebration with a clean, crisp Brut or Extra Brut. These dry sparkling wines are refreshing and versatile, perfect for balancing the saltiness of cheese, meats, and nuts.

Pair With:

• Creamy brie or goat cheese
• Prosciutto-wrapped melon
• Mixed nuts and olives

Why It Works: The bubbles and acidity cut through creamy textures while enhancing salty notes, keeping your palate refreshed and ready for the main course.

2. The Main Event: Turkey, Sides & Rosé Sparkling

Rosé sparkling wine is your Thanksgiving MVP. With bright fruit flavors and a touch of acidity, it complements the richness of turkey, gravy, and buttery sides without overpowering them.

Pair With:

• Herb-roasted turkey with cranberry sauce
• Savory stuffing
• Sweet potato casserole

Why It Works: The fruity notes in rosé balance out the savory and sweet elements on your plate, while its acidity cleanses your palate between bites.

3. Hearty Sides: Cava or Prosecco for Bold Flavors

When sides like mac and cheese or green bean casserole hit the table, bring out a sparkling wine with body and depth like Cava or Prosecco. Their fuller profiles can stand up to rich, cheesy dishes.

Pair With:

• Mac and cheese with sharp cheddar
• Green bean casserole with fried onions
• Garlic mashed potatoes

Why It Works: The soft bubbles and fruity notes enhance bold flavors without being too heavy, offering a balanced sip with every bite.

4. Dessert: Demi-Sec for a Sweet Finish

End the meal on a high note with a semi-sweet Demi-Sec sparkling wine. Its delicate sweetness pairs wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving desserts.

Pair With:

• Pumpkin pie with whipped cream
• Pecan pie
• Apple crumble

Why It Works: The gentle sweetness enhances desserts without overwhelming them, making each bite taste even more indulgent.

Thanksgiving Pro Tip: The All-in-One Crowd Pleaser

If you want one sparkling wine to carry you from appetizers to dessert, a Blanc de Blancs is a fantastic choice. Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, it’s crisp, elegant, and versatile enough for the entire meal.

This Thanksgiving, let sparkling wine add a touch of magic to every bite. 🥂 From the first toast to the final slice of pie, these pairings will make your dinner shine.

Cheers to a sparkling Thanksgiving! 

Sue