How to Pair Wine With December Classics Like Roast Turkey and Gingerbread

Holiday meals in December often feature comforting classics like roast turkey and spiced gingerbread. Choosing the right wine can elevate these dishes, balancing flavors and creating memorable pairings. Here’s how to select bottles that complement the season’s most beloved foods.

Roast Turkey: Balancing Richness and Subtlety

Roast turkey is mild in flavor but often served with rich sides like stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. White wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices, offering acidity to cut through the richness while enhancing the bird’s delicate flavor. For red wine lovers, Pinot Noir is a reliable option. Its lighter body and bright fruit notes won’t overwhelm turkey, and it pairs beautifully with cranberry-based sides.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy Meets Crisp

Creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy call for wines that refresh the palate. A sparkling wine or Champagne provides effervescence that contrasts the richness. Alternatively, a dry Riesling offers acidity and subtle sweetness, balancing the salty, buttery flavors.

Stuffing and Seasonal Herbs: Earthy Harmony

Stuffing often features sage, thyme, and other earthy herbs. A Chenin Blanc or Gewürztraminer complements these herbal notes with aromatic complexity. For red wine, a Grenache works well, offering spice and fruit that highlight the savory stuffing.

Gingerbread: Spiced Sweetness Meets Warm Wines

Gingerbread’s molasses and spice profile pairs best with wines that echo its warmth. A sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or Tokaji enhances the ginger and cinnamon while balancing sweetness. For a less sweet option, Port or Madeira provides nutty, caramelized notes that harmonize with gingerbread’s depth.

Cranberry Sauce: Tart Meets Bright

Cranberry sauce’s tartness can clash with overly tannic wines. A Zinfandel or Rosé offers fruit-forward flavors that complement cranberries without competing. These wines also bridge the gap between savory turkey and sweet sides.

Raising a Glass to December Traditions

Pairing wine with holiday classics is about balance—matching acidity with richness, sweetness with spice, and fruit with tartness. From the elegance of Chardonnay with turkey to the cozy sweetness of Port with gingerbread, the right wine enhances both food and festivity. This December, let your wine choices reflect the season’s warmth, creating a table that celebrates tradition with a touch of sophistication.