If you are planning a very traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with Turkey and all the assorted sides, You need to abandon the adage saying, "White meat, white wine..." This couldn't be worse advice considering all the hefty spices, gravies and sauces at Thanksgiving. In fact, because of that very fact, a red wine is the best pairing but not just any red wine. So without getting too complicated--and boring--I'll cut to the chase.
RULE #1. When thinking about pairing think more about the sauces and spices in your meal than the meat!
A host of red wines work well like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot. All of these varietals have a pretty broad range, except maybe the Zinfandel. However, I put Zinfandel on the list because it works well with cranberry sauce and heavy starches like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. And as far as bang for the buck, my go to is Zinfandel.
In order to make things even more festive at the table, I suggest you offer guests two wine options. Most people fall into one of three categories: I'm a red wine drinker... I'm a white wine drinker... I don't drink alcoholic beverage... NOTE--There are "non-alcoholic" wines out there but they are awful in my opinion. BUT--a good host will be sensitive to the teetotaler and have some kind of options ready.
As a rule of thumb, plan for at least a half bottle per person while at the table. That may seem like a lot but, there are only 4-- 5oz. pours or 5-- 4oz. pours in a 750ml bottle! So which two wines? Try offering one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Pinot Noir, perhaps both from American wineries in the spirit of the holiday. While there a many very nice $12 Pinot Noirs, stay away from the bottom of the barrel wines. If you are able, staying in the $15 - $20 price range offers a myriad of decent wines and an actual wine store should be able to steer you in the right direction. For what it's worth, Washington State is making some really good value Cabs at this price point. Oregon the same with Pinot Noirs. California of course offers just about everything. Don't spend money needlessly trying to impress your friends who more than likely have no idea fo what is a good wine and what is plonk. Want a very unscientific tip? Avoid wines with animals on the label... or a foot prints... (eg. Bare foot brand wines are plonk FWIW...)
A reliable axiom is-- when in doubt, sparkling wines tend to pair quite well with a broad spectrum of spices that can be hard to pair with other wines. Spanish CAVA's (eg. Freixenet is a reliable value--see below) and "MUMM's Brut Prestige" is always reliable at around #$20 or under.)
While wines at the dinner table are often the focal point, don't forget that you can create a special experience with wines before and after the meal. A nice bubbly is a great way to start the festivities, especially with assorted appetizers or finger food.
To finish things off, try a nice dessert wine, something sweet but light, for example a muscat or icewine, should help wash down the pie. Do this before the coffee.
Above all else- It is a time for special consideration of the King of all Creation who came to Earth to redeem all who put their trust in Him. Raise a glass to a Thanksgiving table complete with wine!
