The common belief is that a white wine should be served with the traditional Thanksgiving turkey.  And, with a white meat, a white wine would be the appropriate pairing. But, there is probably more on your plate than a piece of white-meat turkey.

Along with that serving of turkey, which may include dark meat, you’ll probably have a generous helping of a rich gravy along with stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and a bunch of other rich sides.  If this is the case, then a white wine will get lost among all those other big flavors. 

Some red wine options include:

• Beaujolais - Light, dry and fresh with fruity flavors. And you can serve it chilled.

• Pinot Noir - A light bodied red with flavors of cherry, raspberry and strawberry. In the French wine section at your store, this is called a red Burgundy. And this too can be served slightly chilled.

• Carignan - This red wine is a bit higher in tannins and acid, and has flavors of dark and black fruits, pepper, licorice, and spicy, savory aromas.

• Rhône Blends - Rhône wines focus on Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes, producing medium-bodied blends.

• Zinfandel - This medium bodied red wine can really work with a Thanksgiving meal. It has characteristics that include plummy, jammy flavors with spicy or peppery notes.

Avoid highly tannic red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah which can get lost in the presence of all the fruit, sugar, and salt on the Thanksgiving table.

But, as always, ensure that you drink what you like. That's most important. Enjoy your Thanksgiving. Cheers!