Turkey Gravy with White Wine and Sage

By:

Thomas

Published:

October 7, 2025

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Turkey Gravy with White Wine and Sage is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. If you’ve ever enjoyed the rich, velvety texture of traditional turkey gravy, imagine enhancing it with the delightful undertones of white wine and the aromatic notes of fresh sage. It’s like giving your gravy a sophisticated makeover! As you prepare for a family gathering or a cozy dinner, this gravy can elevate the whole experience. It complements turkey beautifully and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even biscuits. Plus, making it is so straightforward! Let’s dive into this recipe and see how easy and rewarding it is to create Turkey Gravy with White Wine and Sage.

Why This Recipe Works

This Turkey Gravy with White Wine and Sage is not just another gravy recipe; it’s an upgrade to your traditional version, offering a delightful blend of flavors. The alcohol in the white wine cooks off, leaving behind a richness you can’t easily achieve otherwise. And can we talk about fresh sage? It infuses the gravy with a fragrant note that captures the essence of comfort food. When you serve this gravy, it’s more than just sauce; it becomes a memory-making staple at your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Gravy with White Wine and Sage

You’ll love how this turkey gravy perfectly balances richness with the herbaceous taste of sage. It’s easy enough to throw together while your turkey rests, allowing you to serve the meal seamlessly. This recipe brings a touch of gourmet flair to any holiday feast or family gathering, making everyone feel special. Plus, there’s nothing quite like pouring a glossy gravy over your turkey and sides, creating that mouthwatering moment everyone looks forward to.

Ingredients for Turkey Gravy with White Wine and Sage

Gathering the right ingredients is a crucial first step. For this recipe, you’ll need:

3-4 Tablespoons Pan Drippings from Roasted Turkey
6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
8 leaves Fresh Sage
1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 cup Dry White Wine (such as Chardonnay)
3 cups Low-Sodium Chicken or Turkey Stock

These ingredients combine effortlessly to create a delicious and memorable gravy that enhances your meal.

The Cooking Process

Heat the Pan Drippings

Start by heating the pan drippings over medium heat in a skillet or sauté pan. You want those drippings to become sizzling and very hot, which only takes a few minutes. This step will kick off the flavor base for your gravy.

Add Butter and Sage Leaves

Once the drippings are hot, add in the unsalted butter and fresh sage leaves. Cooking these together is magical. Stir occasionally, letting the sage leaves wilt and turn a lovely brown color, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. This is where the aroma starts to fill your kitchen!

Remove the Sage Leaves

Carefully use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy sage leaves from the mixture. While you can toss them, consider repurposing them in another dish for extra flavor, perhaps on top of a warm salad or pasta.

Combine Flour with the Mixture

Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter mixture. As you stir continuously, ensure there are no dry flour spots left. The mixture will start to thicken and take on a golden brown color within 2 to 3 minutes. This is your roux, and it’s a critical step in making a smooth gravy.

Whisk in White Wine

Slowly add the dry white wine into the flour mixture while whisking to combine. It’s essential to do this slowly to keep the gravy smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for about 1 minute to evaporate the alcohol, leaving behind the rich flavor.

Add Stock and Simmer

Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken or turkey stock, whisking continuously. Allow the gravy to come to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice it thickening within about 4 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it turns into a luscious sauce!

Season and Serve

Now it’s time to taste the gravy. Season with salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. Serve it warm over your turkey or whatever dish you fancy; it’s versatile enough to complement many meals.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey gravy is best served over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or warm biscuits. It adds a comforting touch to your meal, transforming simple dishes into a feast of flavor. You could even use it as a dip for hearty bread, enhancing every bite.

Tips for Success

To make the most out of your gravy:

Ensure that your pan drippings are well-seasoned for maximum flavor. This really enhances your gravy.
Whisk continuously when adding the white wine to prevent those pesky lumps from forming.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with variations. If you want to switch things up, substitute herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile. For those who enjoy creamier gravies, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream at the end. This can be rich and delicious!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently over low heat. If it seems too thick, adding a little more stock can help restore its perfect texture.

Pairing Ideas

For the classic holiday experience, pair this gravy with herb-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. This combination honors traditional flavors while adding your unique touch with the savory gravy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat before serving. It’s a time-saver that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

2. What type of white wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works best. It really complements the flavors of the gravy.

3. How can I thicken my gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy ends up too thin, whisk in a bit more flour mixed with water. Alternatively, letting it simmer longer can help reduce and thicken it.

4. Can I use chicken instead of turkey drippings?
Yes! Chicken drippings will work very well and still provide a delicious flavor.

5. Is it possible to make this gravy gluten-free?
Certainly! All you need to do is substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

The combination of white wine and sage in this Turkey Gravy with White Wine and Sage not only adds a delicious twist to a classic dish but also makes any meal feel festive. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to find your perfect balance of flavors. The joy of cooking comes from creating, sharing, and savoring, so enjoy the process as much as the final dish. Happy cooking!