Which Beaujolais to serve for Thanksgiving?

Why Beaujolais Is Perfect for Thanksgiving?

Beaujolais wines, crafted from the Gamay grape, are celebrated for their lively acidity, low tannins, and vibrant red fruit notes.
These qualities make them especially well-suited to Thanksgiving’s diverse menu.
Here’s why Beaujolais works:

• Bright fruit flavors: Notes of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry resonate with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce.
• Soft tannins: Unlike heavier red wines, Beaujolais doesn’t overpower the mild flavor of turkey or clash with its texture.
• Refreshing acidity: This helps cut through rich sides like stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery sweet potato casserole.

Whether your table is traditional or features modern twists, Beaujolais offers a wine for every dish.

The Top Beaujolais Wines for Thanksgiving

1. Beaujolais Nouveau: Fresh and Festive

Released annually on the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau is a celebration in a bottle. Its youthful, fruity profile makes it an approachable wine for Thanksgiving.

Flavor Profile: Bursting with red berries (strawberry, raspberry), with a light, juicy character.

Perfect Pairings:

• Appetizers: Cheese platters with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, cured meats, or cranberry chutney.
• Lighter dishes: Salads with vinaigrette, roasted carrots, or honey-glazed ham.
• Desserts: Its bright fruitiness makes it a surprising companion for berry pies or fruit tarts.

2. Beaujolais-Villages: Balanced and Versatile

For a step up in quality, Beaujolais-Villages offers more depth and complexity while retaining the vibrant character of the region. These wines are versatile, pairing well with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes.

Flavor Profile: Ripe cherries, raspberries, with hints of spice and herbs.

Perfect Pairings:

• Turkey: Especially dark meat, where the fruit flavors complement the savory richness.
• Herb-forward stuffing: Sage, thyme, and rosemary in stuffing harmonize with the earthy undertones of Beaujolais-Villages.
• Roasted vegetables: Think Brussels sprouts, squash, or root vegetables caramelized to perfection.

3. Cru Beaujolais: Elegant and Sophisticated

For those looking to elevate their Thanksgiving wine game, Cru Beaujolais offers ten distinct appellations, each with unique characteristics. These wines are more structured and can even rival fine Pinot Noir in complexity.

Morgon: Rich and Structured

Flavor Profile: Black cherry, plum, and hints of earthy minerality.

Perfect Pairings:

• Turkey with gravy: Its body holds up well to rich sauces.
• Mushroom dishes: Creamy mushroom gravy or roasted wild mushrooms bring out Morgon’s earthy side.

Fleurie: Floral and Delicate

Flavor Profile: Bright red fruits like raspberry and strawberry, with a soft, silky texture.

Perfect Pairings:

• White turkey meat: Light and lean, Fleurie complements without overpowering.
• Cranberry sauce: The wine’s fruitiness echoes the tangy sweetness.

Moulin-à-Vent: Full-Bodied and Age-Worthy

Flavor Profile: Concentrated dark fruits with a touch of spice and floral notes.

Perfect Pairings:

• Spiced dishes: Stuffing with sausage or spiced sweet potatoes.
• Robust turkey preparations: Smoked or herb-crusted turkey.

Chiroubles: Light and Aromatic

Flavor Profile: Red fruit-forward with a refreshing, airy quality.

Perfect Pairings:

• Green bean casserole: Its lightness contrasts beautifully with creamy dishes.
• Herb-heavy sides: Dill, parsley, or tarragon shine with Chiroubles.

The Art of Pairing Beaujolais with Thanksgiving Staples

Thanksgiving meals are often a medley of contrasting flavors and textures, making wine pairing a challenge.

Here’s how to pair Beaujolais with key dishes:

Turkey

• White meat: Fleurie or Chiroubles, for their delicate, fruity profiles.
• Dark meat: Morgon or Moulin-à-Vent, which offer more structure and depth.

Stuffing

• Traditional herb stuffing: Beaujolais-Villages, as the herbs echo the wine’s subtle earthy notes.
• Sausage or chestnut stuffing: Moulin-à-Vent adds complexity to rich, savory flavors.

Cranberry Sauce

• Pair with Beaujolais Nouveau or Fleurie, whose berry notes mirror the tangy-sweet character of the dish.

Vegetarian Dishes

• Roasted squash or pumpkin: Fleurie or Chiroubles balance the sweetness with fresh acidity.
• Mushroom-based dishes: Morgon or Brouilly, for their earthiness.

Desserts

• Berry pies or tarts: Beaujolais Nouveau’s light, fruity profile complements berry desserts.
• Chocolate or nut-based desserts: Try a more robust Cru like Moulin-à-Vent.

How to Serve Beaujolais on Thanksgiving?

• Temperature: Serve slightly chilled (55–60°F or 13–15°C). Chilling enhances freshness and brings out fruity notes.
• Glassware: A standard red wine glass works best to concentrate aromas.
• Pouring tips: Open Cru Beaujolais 30 minutes before serving to allow the wine to breathe.