Turkey gravy with white wine and fresh sage is a classic recipe with an upgrade. The result is smooth, rich, and has a subtle herb flavor.
For years Clara, my six-year-old, has voiced strong opinions about gravy. The preschool she went to served mashed potatoes and gravy all the time, and she thinks of that gravy as the best of all time. (This is just the beginning of the uproar that will happen if I serve mashed potatoes without gravy.) ).
After many attempts, the recipe you see before you became the winner in our household. Not only did it pass the six-year-old test, but it passed the nearly-forty-year-old test. The whole family loved it. It has a classic taste, but the fresh sage flavor and white wine base give it something extra.
The great news is, this hardly takes any extra time beyond your standard turkey gravy. It only takes a few minutes for the sage leaves to brown in the pan juices, and one more minute for the wine to simmer.
Turkey gravy is a staple on any Thanksgiving table. The rich meaty gravy is perfect for smothering turkey, mashed potatoes stuffing, and more. But plain turkey gravy can be a bit basic. Why not elevate your gravy with wine this Thanksgiving for a restaurant-quality dish? The wine adds a burst of savory, complex flavor that takes your gravy to the next level.
Why Add Wine to Turkey Gravy?
Adding wine to gravy is a chef’s secret for enhancing flavor The wine adds layers of taste that complement and deepen the flavor of the meat drippings Red or white wine both work beautifully, contributing their own unique flair.
The tannins and acids in red wine give the gravy an extra kick of savory umami. It brings out the natural richness of the turkey drippings. Red wine varieties like Pinot Noir, Cabernet, or Merlot are excellent choices.
White wine gravy has a more delicate, sophisticated profile. Dry white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc give the gravy a light fruity note. The white wine brightens up the gravy’s flavor.
Beyond extra flavor, the wine also helps deglaze the pan, releasing any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds even more depth to your gravy. The wine also thins out the gravy with extra liquid, giving you more gravy to go around the table.
How to Make Turkey Gravy with Wine
Making wine-infused gravy is simple. Start by sautéing aromatics like onion, garlic, carrots and celery in the pan you roasted the turkey in. Cook briefly to soften. Pour in 1-2 cups of dry red or white wine, like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Let the wine simmer until reduced by half.
Add 4-5 cups of turkey drippings or stock along with any extra flavorings like thyme, sage or rosemary. Whisk together a slurry of cornstarch and cold water or milk and slowly whisk into the gravy to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
Let the gravy simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors and cook off the raw wine taste. Strain out the veggies and herbs before serving. Pour into a gravy boat for passing around the Thanksgiving table.
Picking the Right Wine for Your Turkey Gravy
The wine you select can really make or break your gravy. You want a wine that will complement the turkey flavor, not overwhelm it. Here are some top wine varietals to consider:
- Pinot Noir – An elegant light red that adds earthy, savory notes
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold red that pairs with strong turkey flavor
- Merlot – Fruity red that lends a touch of sweetness
- Zinfandel – Robust red with spicy, peppery hints
- Chardonnay – Buttery white wine that enriches the gravy
- Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, grassy white that brightens the gravy
- Riesling – Sweet white that balances the gravy’s savory taste
Stick to dry wines, not sweet, which could make the gravy cloying. And don’t splurge on an expensive bottle since much of the wine’s nuance will cook off. A medium-bodied wine for $10-15 is perfect.
Cooking with Wine Safely
When cooking with wine, keep in mind that the alcohol does NOT fully cook off, despite the myth. Around 5% of the alcohol remains even after simmering for an hour. The residual alcohol adds flavor, but you’ll want to exercise caution.
To safely prepare wine gravy:
- Simmer the gravy for 15-30 minutes to allow some alcohol to cook off
- Use a moderate amount of wine, 1-2 cups for 4-6 cups of drippings/stock
- Avoid letting the gravy boil rapidly, which can release more alcohol vapor
- Don’t give gravy made with wine to children, pregnant women, or anyone avoiding alcohol
Serving Wine-Infused Turkey Gravy
Your wine gravy is ready once it thickens up and the raw alcohol taste has mellowed. Give it a final taste and season with salt, pepper and any other spices to perfect the flavor. Pour the gravy into a warm gravy boat ready to pass around to your eager Thanksgiving dinner guests.
Ladle the wine-kissed gravy over slices of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables. Be prepared for “oohs” and “ahhs” as your guests experience the luxurious, sophisticated flavor. The wine takes gravy from mundane to gourmet!
With just a splash of wine, you can reinvent plain turkey gravy into a restaurant-worthy delight. Savory red or elegant white, the wine provides a flavor boost that makes your Thanksgiving meal memorable. This year, don’t settle for basic – elevate your gravy with wine instead!
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How to Make Gravy Ahead
To prepare: Prepare the gravy as directed and allow it to cool. Move the gravy to a container and cover it with plastic wrap. Carefully press down on the plastic so it covers the whole surface of the gravy. (This tight covering will prevent a skin from forming on the gravy. ) Refrigerate for for up to 3 days.
To reheat: To reheat the gravy, remove the plastic covering and transfer gravy to a saucepan. Warm over medium heat, whisking frequently. When you reheat the gravy, if it’s too thick, add a little water or stock at a time.
Turkey Gravy with Porcini Mushrooms and Marsala Wine – Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy Recipe
FAQ
What can I add to jarred turkey gravy to make it taste better?
What wine is good for cooking gravy?
How long to cook off wine in gravy?
What is a good dry white wine for gravy?
How do you make turkey gravy?
Wipe out the saucepan. Melt the butter in the saucepan. Add the flour and cook over moderate heat, whisking frequently, until deep golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the strained stock and the reserved turkey pan drippings and bring to a simmer. Cook over moderately high heat, whisking occasionally, until the gravy is thickened, about 5 minutes.
How do you make turkey gravy with sage & white wine?
Turkey gravy made with fresh sage and white wine is a classic recipe with a flavor upgrade. The result is a smooth, rich gravy. The wine cooks off so that no alcohol remains. Heat pan drippings over medium heat in a skillet or saute pan. When drippings are sizzling and very hot, add butter and sage leaves.
How long does it take to make turkey gravy?
Turkey Gravy is a breeze to make, with or without turkey drippings, and takes just 5 simple ingredients and 15 minutes to make. This flavorful and delicious Turkey Gravy recipe is perfect to use on your main dishes or side dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner! We always serve this with Smoked Turkey or Sous Vide Turkey Breast and garlic mashed potatoes.
How do you make turkey gravy taste good?
There’s one last thing you need to do to get really great turkey flavor into your turkey gravy, and that’s adding every last bit of turkey juices that you can. As the turkey rests, some juices will accumulate on the cutting board or platter under it. Pour those into your gravy!
How much Turkey stock do you need to make gravy?
So then, use your turkey stock to bring you up to the needed 5 cups. For making 5 cups of gravy, get out a medium saucepan and add in 7.5 tablespoons of fat. You can use fat skimmed from the top of the turkey drippings. It’s ok if some of the liquid gets in but try to make it mostly the fat from the top.
What kind of Turkey is best for gravy?
The best kind of turkey for this homemade gravy is a whole roasted turkey or roast turkey breast. A turkey breast roast doesn’t yield as much juices and so the gravy won’t have as much turkey flavor. But if you follow the instructions below, you’ll still have very tasty gravy. Drippings are the liquid that drips out of a roast while it cooks.