From complex sparkling wines to terroir-driven reds, there is a French wine out there to complement any seasonal dish!
With the holiday season well underway and Thanksgiving just a couple of days away, we are all rushing around arranging decorations, presents, guest lists and so many other things which are integral to the festivities. Of course, I haven’t forgotten the menu planning, and that is where I am here to help. I encourage you to take a breath, sit down and use this article to help you round off your menu with excellent French wine pairings that will leave your family and friends convinced you have a professional sommelier hiding in the basement!
As much as I do sometimes miss the US, especially during the holidays, I truly believe that being an American living in France has added a whole new dimension to my festive period. Living here has given me the inspiration to experiment with different wine and food pairings, taking my menu to a whole new level while, of course, keeping loyal to traditional elements. This year I have very exciting new wines to choose from: the trendy new orange wines, Castelbarry’s extensive repertoire and the classic French favorites from the distinguished Bourgogne, Bordeaux and Champagne regions.
In this article, I will be giving you my top picks from French wine pairings for classic seasonal dishes to help make you holiday menus a stand-out success. I’ll also include a little wine education and short history behind each region to impress your party guests with the stories behind the delicious wines they are sipping on. As not all wines are available in every country, I am including pairings with appellations and others that are producer specific.
From French appetizers with wine to pairings to french main courses, I hope you find some inspiration.
Roast Turkey: Alsace
La Ménade Orange Pinot Gris +Gewurztraminer from Domaine Sylvie Spielmann
I know what you’re thinking… “No way am I going to risk the centerpiece of my Thanksgiving menu with an orange wine!” I can assure you, this is no risk, but, if it was, then it would surely be one to pay off big-time. This wine is not just a random pick, it comes from acclaimed winemaker, Sylvie Spielmann. On the palate, it presents complex aromas of plums, light fruits and spices. La Ménade boasts an exceptional balance between fat and delicate tannins, making it “Gourmand”. When paired with the classically prepared roast turkey, the butter, sage and other spices will combine to create a truly unique taste experience.
Mashed Potatoes: White Burgundy
I start salivating when just thinking about the simple deliciousness of creamy mashed potatoes. A high-quality Chardonnay will pair perfectly with this classic side dish, without overwhelming it with too strong flavors, so I suggest you try a white Burgundy from the Côte de Beaune with the notes of butter, toast, honey and stone fruits notes most typically found in a Meursault. The palate of a Meursault wine is rich and cheerful with a freshness that retains a silky balance. If you want to try something a bit less well-known, try one of my current favorites – a Bourgogne white from Pernand-Vergelesses, located on the western side of the Hill of Corton. Pernand-Vergelesses will bring a brighter side while remaining faithful to the classic style of white wines from Burgundy.
Cranberry Sauce: Red Burgundy
I recommend choosing a Pinot Noir from a ripe year like 2020. The vibrant expression of this wine, showing aromas of wild strawberries and blackberries, presents a medicinal and refreshing palate which pairs perfectly with cranberry sauce. Explore some lesser-known appellations like Savigny-lès-Beaune. My new favorite producer in the village is Domaine Philippe et Arnaud DUBREUIL. The red wines from 2020 are fruit forward due to their youth, supple with balanced tannic structure and aromas of red and black fruits. In 2020, Arnaud chose not to destem the grapes. Stems in the ferment also absorb color, which is why whole-bunch fermented Pinot Noir tends to be paler and more translucent.
Green Bean Casserole: Loire Valley Chenin Blanc
Homemade casserole with farmer’s market green beans and almonds is one of my all-time favorite Thanksgiving dishes and when choosing what to pair it with, look no further than Vouvray, Touraine-Amboise and Montlouis whites from Loire Valley. It is commonly accepted that the best Loire whites are produced from Chenin Blanc grapes. Fresh and fruity, these grapes produce delicious wines which go perfectly with cooked vegetable dishes or salads. There are slightly more oaked versions of Chenin Blanc which also pair beautifully with cream-based casserole recipes.
Cheese or Cream of Mushroom Soup: NV Champagne
No holiday meal would be complete with a bottle of bubbly on the table. And the finest bubbly available? Champagne, of course. If you are serving cheese or cream based dishes, bring out a bottle of crisp, Non-Vintage extra brut Champagne. The creaminess of the cheese with play well with the wine’s dry nature. Extra brut means that it has between 0-6g of sugar per litre, making it the driest available which shows off the champagne’s intrinsic varietal notes.
Pumpkin Pie: Aged Sauternes
Sauternes used to be an extremely important wine pairing in France but too often nowadays they are overlooked or, some might say, completely forgotten. A classic tradition in previous generations, they haven’t been able to find prominence in today’s market. Last year, my father in law brought a 1986 Sauternes to pair with the Thanksgiving dinner I prepared. I think my food was pretty good, but the Sauternes completely stole the show! Its complex flavor profile changed by the minute and rounded off the meal perfectly, accompanied by a sweet pumpkin pie.
Sauternes is a French sweet wine, from the region of the same name, in the Graves section in Bordeaux. Sauternes wine is made from Sémillon, sauvignon blanc, and muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis also known as noble rot.
Slow Cooked Ham: Libre au vent 2016 Montpeyroux Languedoc AOC
This dry, bold red from Castelbarry’s collection is an excellent companion for meat dishes, especially slow cooked ham. The oaky notes compliment the saltiness of the ham, even more so if you add a honey glaze to the meat.
Shellfish Platter: Le Tarral Blanc 2021 Languedoc AOC
This fresh and floral white will offer delicate honey tones and pairs perfectly with seafood, without any harsh notes that would cover the flavors of the shellfish.
Baked Poultry: L’ayal 2018 Montpeyroux Languedoc AOC
This rich, and intense in flavor, ruby red has the scent of strawberries and other berries, leaving a well-balanced and mineral taste on the palate, mixing excellently with the more fatty baked poultry or game dishes.
If you are an avid reader of my blog, you won’t be surprised that I am bringing special focus to wines from Castelbarry. I strongly believe that their efforts for the environment and local community in the Languedoc can only be described as hugely inspiring. Not to mention how good the wines themselves taste! This festive season I would encourage you to not necessarily choose only the most classic wines from the largest vineyards, but to explore different options, especially those with a history and background in sustainability. Follow this link to read more about each of these wines and the story of Montpeyroux (you can also purchase directly from their website): Montpeyroux Castelbarry
Whether you have a jam-packed schedule and a seemingly revolving door of family and friends this holiday season, or are taking a bit of a breather and having a more laidback time, I hope you take a moment to enjoy the simple things in life with the people you love. And, almost equally as importantly, pair your meals with some fantastic French wines!
Bon appétit et bonnes fêtes!
If you enjoyed this article and found it interesting/useful, please comment below and share. Also don’t be shy about tagging me in your photos of holiday food and wine pairings! For more pairings check out my French cheese and wine pairings guide.
sign up to the newsletter if you want to receive regular updates.
Very thoughtful and helpful article for french wine lovers. As a former wine distributor I had an exposure to wines few people enjoy. I discovered a broad spectrum of wines from all across the world and now consider french wines as a benchmark of quality and taste. Well done!