When it comes to Thanksgiving wine pairings, many people automatically reach for red wine. But here at Keller Estate, we're passionate advocates for Chardonnay with turkey, and once you understand why, you might never go back.
Why Chardonnay and Turkey Are Made for Each Other
The Weight Match
Turkey is a relatively lean, delicate protein, especially the prized breast meat. Chardonnay's medium body mirrors this perfectly, neither overwhelming the subtle flavors nor getting lost beneath them. Our cool-climate Petaluma Gap fruit provides just the right weight and texture.
Acidity as the Secret Weapon
Thanksgiving dinner is famously rich: butter-laden mashed potatoes, cream-based casseroles, and gravy over everything. Chardonnay's natural acidity cuts through this richness, cleansing your palate between bites and preventing flavor fatigue. It's like a reset button for your taste buds.
Complementary Flavors
Think about your Thanksgiving plate: roasted turkey with golden, caramelized skin, sage and thyme stuffing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce. Chardonnay's flavor profile entices with notes of baked apple, toasted nuts, subtle vanilla, and citrus, to complement, rather than compete, with these diverse flavors.
Versatility Across the Spread
Here's the real magic: Thanksgiving isn't just about the turkey. Your table is loaded with competing flavors from sweet and savory, to tart and earthy. Chardonnay's balanced nature and fruit-forward character allow it to harmonize with everything from green bean casserole to pumpkin pie.
Our Two Chardonnays, Your Choice
Both of our Chardonnays bring these essential pairing qualities to your table, but with distinctly different personalities:
Oro de Plata Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel, preserving the wine's vibrant, bright acidity and pure fruit expression. This is your go-to if you love the crisp, clean side of Chardonnay as it dances across your palate with citrus and green apple notes, cutting beautifully through rich gravy and butter while highlighting the herbs in your stuffing. It's especially brilliant with white meat and lighter Thanksgiving sides.
La Cruz Chardonnay is barrel fermented, creating a creamier, more textured wine with oak influence that adds layers of vanilla, toast, and baking spice. This style embraces the richness of your Thanksgiving feast while being luxurious enough to stand up to dark meat while matching the buttery quality of your mashed potatoes. What's more, the oak notes echo the caramelization on roasted turkey skin. My mouth is watering!
We love them both, which is why we often open both bottles at our own Thanksgiving celebrations. Your guests can choose their preference, or better yet, experience how each wine evolves with different dishes on the plate.
The Bottom Line
This Thanksgiving, trust the winemakers: Chardonnay and turkey is a classic pairing for good reason. The wine's acidity, weight, and flavor profile create harmony with every element of your holiday meal.
Whether you choose one bottle or both, we're honored to be part of your celebration.
From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving from Keller Estate.
Ready to add Keller Estate Chardonnay to your Thanksgiving table? Visit our tasting room or order online for on time delivery or pickup before the holiday.
