From Piedmont to Your Thanksgiving Table: Wines from Heinen’s Road Less Traveled Collection
This article is by Alex Miles, a contributing food and lifestyle writer for Heinen’s with Thanksgiving Pairings selected by John Poggemeyer, Heinen’s Director of Wine & Beer.
A memorable meal like Thanksgiving dinner deserves an equally memorable glass of wine.
At Heinen’s, discovering exceptional wines is part of what makes shopping in our Wine Department so special. Through our Road Less Traveled collection, we’re inviting wine lovers to venture beyond familiar favorites and discover distinctive bottles from some of the world’s most interesting wine regions.
Curated by our wine experts, this collection celebrates lesser-known destinations, unique winemaking traditions and exceptional wines that deserve a place at your table. Our experts travel the world to meet winemakers, explore vineyards and discover bottles with a story worth sharing. And with the help of our knowledgeable in-store Wine Consultants, finding a new favorite this holiday season is easier than you might think.
A Tour of Piedmont, Italy
In our latest Road Less Traveled release, we’re taking you to Piedmont, a picturesque wine region nestled in northwestern Italy, right near the foothills of the Alps. Known for its rolling vineyard-covered hills, rich culinary traditions and world-renowned wines, Piedmont is a destination where food and wine come together for pure enjoyment.
The region is celebrated for its red wines, including the elegant, structured Nebbiolo varieties used to make Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as the bright, fruit-forward Barbera and approachable Dolcetto. Piedmont also produces beautiful white and sparkling wines, offering plenty of variety for every palate.
With its emphasis on seasonal ingredients, hearty dishes and gathering around the table, Piedmont’s food culture feels right at home during Thanksgiving. In fact, the region’s wines offer some wonderful opportunities to complement everything from roasted turkey and savory stuffing to rich side dishes and holiday desserts.
7 Piedmont Wine Pairings for Your Thanksgiving Table
Araldica Gavi
A fresh, aromatic white wine meets a creamy, savory appetizer.
Pairs well with: Heinen’s Fresh Goat Cheese & Effie’s Homemade Pecan Biscuits
Start your Thanksgiving celebration with something light, fresh and full of flavor! Araldica Gavi is a refreshing Italian white wine that offers an inviting contrast to the creamy tanginess of Heinen’s Fresh Goat Cheese and the buttery, nutty flavors of Effie’s Homemade Pecan Biscuits.
The wine’s crisp character and bright acidity help balance the richness of the goat cheese, while its fresh, aromatic qualities complement the subtle sweetness of the pecans. Spread a little goat cheese over each biscuit and arrange them on a serving platter for an effortless appetizer that feels a little more special. It’s an elegant way to welcome guests and introduce them to the flavors of Piedmont before the main event.
Collina San Ponzio Barolo & Produttori Del Barbaresco
Two iconic Peidmont reds meet timeless Italian favorites.
Pairs well with: Heinen’s Parmigiano Reggiano & Terre dei Truilli Olive Oil Taralli
For guests who appreciate a big, bold red wine, this pairing is a celebration of Italian flavor and tradition. Collina San Ponzio Barolo and Produttori Del Barbaresco bring the depth, structure and complexity that make Piedmont’s most celebrated red wines so special.
Pour either alongside Heinen’s Parmigiano Reggiano and Terre dei Truilli Taralli Crackers with Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer spread. The Parmigiano Reggiano’s salty, nutty character complements the wines’ rich personalities, while the crunchy, savory taralli offer a satisfying contrast. It’s a wonderful combination to serve before Thanksgiving dinner or to enjoy around the table long after the meal is over.
Einaudi Barolo “Ludo”
An approachable Barolo with a little smoky, savory Southern-inspired flair.
Pairs well with: Heinen’s Fan Favorite Gourmet Cheese Spread (Smoked Gouda) & Heinen’s Cornbread Crackers
Barolo is often celebrated for its bold structure and complexity, but Einaudi Barolo “Ludo” offers an inviting introduction to this iconic Italian wine. Its layered fruit and spice characteristics make it an exciting companion for rich, savory flavors.
Our recommendation is to pair it with Heinen’s Fan Favorite Smoked Gouda Specialty Cheese Spread and Heinen’s Crispy Cornbread Crackers. The creamy, smoky cheese brings out the wine’s savory side, while the subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch of the cornbread crackers create a delicious contrast. Together, these flavors offer a fun Italian-meets-Thanksgiving combination that’s sure to earn a spot on your holiday appetizer table.
Covalli Nebbiolo
Earthy, savory holiday flavors find their match in a rustic Italian red.
Pairs well with: Thanksgiving stuffing or wild mushrooms
Stuffing is the Thanksgiving dish that deserves special attention. With its combination of toasted bread, herbs, butter and savory seasonings, it brings extra flavor to the holiday table. Covalli Nebbiolo, a rustic, dry red with lovely berry notes, is a natural companion. The wine’s characteristic structure and bright acidity help balance the richness of traditional stuffing, while its fruit-forward qualities complement the dish’s savory herbs.
For another delicious pairing, pour a glass alongside roasted or sautéed wild mushrooms. Their earthy, umami-rich flavors bring out the wine’s more rustic characteristics, creating a combination that feels right at home in the heart of autumn.
Tenuta La Pergola Monferrato
The Thanksgiving centerpiece deserves a wine worth celebrating.
Pairs well with: Two Brothers Fresh Turkey
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a beautiful roasted turkey, and Tenuta La Pergola Monferrato is a wonderful bottle to bring to the main event. This rich, approachable red offers enough depth to complement the savory flavors of roasted poultry without overwhelming the dish.
Serve it alongside a beautifully prepared Two Brothers Fresh Turkey from Heinen’s Meat Department. As the turkey’s golden, herb-seasoned skin gives way to tender, juicy meat, the wine’s fruit-forward character and balanced richness create a satisfying pairing. Add classic sides like roasted root vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce to round out the plate.
Einaudi Barolo “Terlo”
A big, complex Italian red for a Thanksgiving menu with a twist.
Pairs well with: Lamb or Roast Beef
Turkey may be the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece, but who’s to say you can’t take your holiday menu in a different direction? If lamb or roast beef is making an appearance at your table this year, reach for Einaudi Barolo “Terlo.”
This big, complex red is an ideal match for richer, more intensely flavored meats. Its bold structure, savory depth and lingering spice complement the richness of slow-roasted lamb or a
beautifully prepared roast beef. The wine’s complexity also stands up to hearty accompaniments like rosemary-roasted potatoes, caramelized onions and roasted mushrooms.
It’s an especially wonderful choice for hosts who want to put a sophisticated spin on their Thanksgiving menu or introduce guests to one of Piedmont’s most celebrated wine styles.
Vietti Moscato
End the evening on a sweet note with a little Italian sparkle.
Pairs well with: Heinen’s Apple Pie or Pumpkin Roll
After a Thanksgiving meal filled with savory favorites, there’s always room for dessert. Vietti Moscato offers a delightful way to finish the celebration, thanks to its dry sweetness, light body and gentle sparkle.
Its bright, fruity character makes it a lovely companion for two holiday dessert favorites: classic apple pie and yummy pumpkin roll. The wine’s sweetness complements the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and baked fruit, while its refreshing effervescence helps balance the richness of buttery pastry and creamy fillings.
Pour a chilled glass alongside a slice of pie or Heinen’s Pumpkin Roll for a festive finish that brings a little taste of Italy to your Thanksgiving dessert spread. It’s a sweet reminder that the best holiday gatherings are meant to be savored from the first bite to the very last sip.
Bring a Taste of Piedmont to Your Thanksgiving Table
Whether you’re looking for the perfect bottle to accompany your Thanksgiving turkey, a conversation-starting wine to serve with appetizers or something special to enjoy alongside dessert, Heinen’s Road Less Traveled collection offers plenty of opportunities to explore.
This year, let the flavors of Piedmont inspire your holiday table. Stop by our Wine Department to discover these distinctive Italian wines, and don’t hesitate to ask one of our knowledgeable experts for additional pairing recommendations. They’re happy to help you find a bottle that complements your menu and suits your taste.
After all, discovering a new favorite wine is one more reason to raise a glass and give thanks!
