Not Sure What Wine Goes with Mac and Cheese and Sweet Potato Pie? Award-Winning Sommelier Shares Expert Pairings for Your Upcoming Family Gathering
As the season of family gatherings, gratitude, and indulgent meals begins, choosing the perfect wine to complement soul food favorites like mac and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens pie can feel challenging. Award-winning sommelier Tahiirah Habibi, founder of The Hue Society—a trailblazing organization dedicated to increasing Black, Brown, and Indigenous representation in the wine industry—and creator of the Wine-ish app, is here to make it easier. With her expertise and the innovative Wine-ish app, Habibi provides everything you need to create unforgettable wine pairings that enhance the most cherished dishes.
Habibi emphasizes serving red wines slightly cooler than room temperature and whites or sparkling wines nicely chilled to keep palates refreshed. She recommends offering a mix of options, including a sparkling wine, a white, and a red, so guests can enjoy their favorites or try something new. For an all-purpose wine that pairs well with everything, Habibi suggests bubbles, such as a dry sparkling rosé or a medium-bodied red blend, which are safe crowd-pleasers.
Whether you’re getting ready to prepare turkey, candied yams, or sweet potato pie, Habibi’s wine pairing tips will ensure every dish shines at the table. Here are her expert suggestions to help you make the most of your holiday feast.
Sparkling Wines for Mac and Cheese and Fried Chicken
Sparkling wines like Crémant de Bourgogne, Prosecco, or Cava are crowd favorites for their versatility. The bubbles cut through the richness of dishes like mac and cheese and fried chicken, cleansing the palate while enhancing the textures and flavors.
Grüner Veltliner for Turkey and Collard Greens
Grüner Veltliner, an Austrian white wine, is an excellent match for roasted turkey, collard greens, and green beans. Its light-to-medium body and crisp acidity enhance savory seasonings, while herbaceous undertones complement herbed stuffing.
Riesling for Candied Yams and Ham
A dry or off-dry Riesling brings balanced acidity and subtle sweetness, making it a standout choice for candied yams or salty-sweet ham. The wine’s notes of stone fruit and citrus beautifully highlight caramelized flavors and balance richer dishes.
Beaujolais for Turkey and Cranberry Sauce
Beaujolais, a light-bodied red wine with fresh berry flavors, is a perfect partner for turkey, especially dark meat, and complements tart cranberry sauce. Its low tannins and bright fruit profile make it a great choice for balancing the savory herbs in stuffing.
Zinfandel for Smoked Meats and Pecan Pie
Zinfandel’s bold fruit and spice profile shine alongside smoked turkey, ham, or other smoked meats. Its richness also pairs beautifully with desserts like pecan pie, enhancing the nutty and caramelized flavors.
Tawny Port for Sweet Potato Pie
For dessert, Tawny Port elevates sweet potato pie with its nutty, caramelized profile. If apple pie is on the menu, late-harvest wines or Moscato make excellent pairings, adding a touch of sweetness to buttery, spiced desserts.
With the Wine-ish app, Habibi makes wine culture accessible for everyone. Featuring educational tools and pairings, the app is an essential resource for hosts and wine lovers alike.
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