Whether your Thanksgiving table will be a traditional feast or a modern table of favorites, and if you choose to serve just one type of wine or a collection of different varieties, Rosé should be on your Thanksgiving table, and here is why.
Why Rosé pairs well with the Thanksgiving Table
- The light to medium body of rosé complements the range of different dishes on the Thanksgiving table.
- The red fruit flavors highlight the cranberry flavors and spices such as clove, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Refreshing acidity in the wine cleanses the palate
- The wines are generally low in tannins and therefore don’t overwhelm the flavors in the food.
- The fruity and savory characteristics in rosé balance the sweet notes found inside dishes like yams.
- Rosé is a crowd-pleaser for its easy-drinking qualities.
- They are affordable wines, usually ranging in price from $15-30.
My Tasting and Pairing Notes
Disclosure: The wines were provided to me as samples. All opinions are my own.
2019 Louis Jadot Rosé Còteaux Bourguignons, Burgundy
12.5% abv | ~$16.00 (sample) | 100% Gamay
Pale salmon in color with medium body and acidity. On the palate, dry with floral and red currant notes. An easy sipping wine with good structure. This rosé would make a nice apéritif or paired with light appetizers or simple green beans.
2019 AIX Rosé, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
13% abv | ~ $20.00 (sample) | 60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 20% Syrah
Pale salmon in color with a medium body and acidity. On the palate, dry with flavors of watermelon, stone fruit, and dried herbs. Nicely balance. This rosé would pair nicely with warm spinach and artichoke dip, white turkey meat, mashed potatoes, and herbed cornbread stuffing.
2019 The Seeker Rosé , Vin De France
13% abv | ~$17.00 (sample) | 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Cinsault
Medium(-) pink in color with medium body and medium(+) acidity. On the palate, dry with fresh red fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and red currant. This wine has the flexibility to carry my entire Thanksgiving menu (minus the pumpkin pie). The medium weight with the fruit-forward characteristics makes for a diverse wine for food pairings.
2019 Château d’ Aqueria Tavel Rosé, Rhône
14.26% abv | ~$19.00 (sample) | 45% Grenache Noir & Blanc, 21% Clairette, 15% Cinsault, 8% Mourvèdre, 6% Syrah, 5% Bourboulenc
Deep pink salmon in color with medium(+) body and medium acidity. On the palate, dry with flavors of watermelon, orange zest, wild strawberries, and dried herbs. This is another rosé that could easily pair with my entire Thanksgiving menu (minus the pumpkin pie.)
On My 2020 Thanksgiving Menu
French Rosé Wines
Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip – from “Comfort Foods,” Ina Garten
Brined and Smoked Turkey and Gravy – from Milton’s Restaurant
Herbed Cornbread Stuffing – recipe here
Mashed Potatoes
Red Cabbage Blackberry Caraway Slaw – recipe here
Simple Green Beans with extra virgin olive oil
Cranberry Sauce with Port – recipe here
Herbed Cornbread Stuffing
Red Cabbage Blackberry Caraway Slaw
Cranberry Sauce with Port Wine
I remember your cabbage and blackberry slaw! I did make it, so delicious. You’ll have to share how it works with the various rosé you’re opening. Happy Thanksgiving Jane!