10 Exceptional Thanksgiving Food and Wine Pairings

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Source: 10 Exceptional Thanksgiving Food and Wine Pairings

This year, don't spend countless hours deliberating over what should go into your Thanksgiving food spread only to overlook what you'll be drinking; after all, the wines served can make or break your turkey day feast. For the ultimate holiday food and wine pairing guide, we consulted wine expert Eugenio Jardim, who offered his favorite accompaniments for every classic dish, from mashed potatoes and gravy to pumpkin pie. Want to be sure this year's your best Thanksgiving ever? Then keep reading for some of Eugenio's suggestions.

  • Our Expert: Jardiniere Wine Director Eugenio Jardim: Meet Eugenio Jardim, the wine director at acclaimed San Francisco restaurant Jardiniere. The Brazilian-born wine consultant - who was just named Sunset magazine's 2010 Sommelier of the Year! - has a knack for eclectic wine pairings and a passion for grapes that's truly infectious.

  • Butternut Squash Soup and Sparkling Rosé: Jardim is an advocate of pink bubbly with butternut squash soup. "Like in a perfect marriage, they bring the best out of each other," he says. "The sour rose petals and raspberry notes in the wine brighten the dense quality of the soup, while the soft texture of the soup enhances the fruitiness and elegance of the wine."

Eugenio's picks:

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  • Herb-Roasted Turkey and Cru Beaujolais: Unsure of whether to pair your big bird with red or white? Jardim recommends red - specifically, Cru Beaujolais. "Very few dishes in the world 'cry out for Beaujolais' like the classic Thanksgiving turkey," Eugenio says; he recommends those imported by Kermit Lynch. But if you can't find it, look for a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir from California.

    Eugenio's picks:


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