The Perfect Pour for Holiday Gatherings

We have the turkey, the ham, the trimmings and the sweets: what’s missing from the holiday spread? The perfect bottle of wine. Ashley Kientzle, beverage director of Ray’s Restaurants, has some recommendations for pairings that enhance holiday meals and festivities.

“I feel like everyone goes to the old faithful chardonnay and pinot noir,” says Kientzle. “They contrast with the rich components of a Thanksgiving ham dinner but also pairs nicely with the earthy, herbal notes of the sides and the turkey.”

When selecting a wine, Kientzle recommends steering clear of heavy cabernets as they can overwhelm the rich flavors of the meal. Her personal choice for red wine is a beaujolais because of its ability to pair with holiday entrées and its approachability to entry-level red wine drinkers. 

“A beaujolais is similar to pinot noir, but you can usually find a higher-quality one for a lower price than a pinot noir,” says Kientzle.

For white wine, Kientzle recommends an albariño, a Spanish white wine with characteristics similar to a riesling that pairs well with many appetizers. A dry riesling is also a solid choice to combine with classic holiday sweets like pumpkin and apple pie.

Wine can also pair with other holiday get-togethers. For watching football, Kientzle suggests a bubbly prosecco to complement the spiciness of the Buffalo wings. For relaxing by a fire, she recommends a smoky zinfandel to set the mood.

“It sounds counterproductive because of the smokiness, but when you pair, you want to pair almost the same thing because they bring out the best in each other,” says Kientzle.

After a day of cooking for a crowd or holiday shopping, you might be ready to unwind. For that occasion, Kientzle gives a nod to the pinot noir. “A light-bodied American pinot noir is perfect for that occasion when you can have one or two glasses while writing your grocery list or thinking about your family coming in.”

When she celebrates, Kientzle will be pouring a slightly different pairing with her holiday meals: a sparkling brut rosé. “It goes with all the components of the day,” she says. “It also goes with brunch dishes and has some acidity without being overpowering.”