Apple Pie Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Apple Pies

As the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but what about apple pie?

This beloved dessert is a classic American staple that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion.

And what better way to elevate this sweet treat than with the perfect wine pairing?

That’s right, we’re talking about apple pie wine pairing.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to enjoy a slice of pie with a glass of wine, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll share the best wines for apple pie and provide some tasty serving ideas.

So sit back, grab a slice of pie, and let’s explore the delicious world of apple pie wine pairing.

So, what wine goes with apple pie?

The best wines to pair with apple pie are sweet dessert wines, such as Moscato d’Asti, Late Harvest Riesling, Sauternes, or Marsala. These wines have a sweetness that will complement the tartness of the apples in the pie.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Apple Pie?

You may be wondering why you should bother serving wine with apple pie.

After all, isn’t the pie delicious enough on its own?

While that may be true, pairing wine with apple pie can enhance the flavors of both the wine and the dessert, creating a more enjoyable and memorable dining experience.

Wine can help to balance out the sweetness of the pie and bring out the natural flavors of the fruit.

It can also complement the warm spices in the pie, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dessert.

Furthermore, serving wine with apple pie can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your meal.

It shows that you have put thought and care into your dining experience and can impress your guests with your knowledge of food and wine pairing.

Overall, serving wine with apple pie can elevate the flavors and atmosphere of your meal and make for a more enjoyable dining experience.

The Best Red Wines For Apple Pie

If you’re a fan of red wine, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some excellent options to pair with apple pie. The key is to choose a wine that is sweeter than the dessert, as this will help to balance out the flavors and create a harmonious pairing.

Here are some of the best red wines for apple pie:

1. Ruby Port – This fortified wine from Portugal has rich fruit flavors and a sweet, nutty finish that pairs perfectly with apple pie.
2. Zinfandel – A juicy, fruit-forward Zinfandel can bring out the natural sweetness of the apples in the pie, creating a delightful pairing.
3. Pinot Noir – Although Pinot Noir is generally a light-bodied wine, it can still work well with apple pie. Look for a slightly sweeter version, such as a Pinot Noir from California, to balance out the flavors.
4. Shiraz – The bold, spicy flavors of Shiraz can complement the warm spices in apple pie, such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
5. Merlot – A soft and approachable Merlot can be a great option for those who prefer a lighter red wine with their dessert.

Remember, when serving red wine with apple pie, it’s best to serve it slightly chilled, around 60-65°F, to bring out the fruit flavors and balance out the sweetness.

The Best White Wines For Apple Pie

If you prefer white wine, don’t worry – there are plenty of options that will work well with apple pie. Again, the key is to choose a wine that is sweeter than the dessert.

Here are some of the best white wines for apple pie:

1. Late Harvest Riesling – This German wine is sweet and fruity, with a honey-like texture that pairs beautifully with apple pie.
2. Moscato d’Asti – This light and effervescent Italian wine has a sweet, floral flavor that complements the delicate flavors of apple pie.
3. Chenin Blanc – A slightly sweet Chenin Blanc can be a great option for those who want a white wine that’s not too sweet. Look for a version with a hint of apple or pear flavors to enhance the pairing.
4. Gewürztraminer – This aromatic white wine has spicy notes that can balance out the sweetness of the pie and bring out the warm spices in the dessert.
5. Prosecco – If you’re looking for something bubbly to pair with your apple pie, try a slightly sweet Prosecco. Its light, fruity flavors make it a great match for this classic dessert.

When serving white wine with apple pie, it’s best to serve it chilled, around 45-50°F, to bring out the fruit flavors and refresh the palate after each bite of the rich dessert.

The Best Rosé Wines For Apple Pie

Rosé wine is a versatile option that can work well with a variety of dishes, including apple pie. Here are some of the best rosé wines to pair with this dessert:

1. White Zinfandel – Although it’s often considered a beginner’s wine, a slightly sweet White Zinfandel can be a great match for apple pie. Look for one with fruity flavors, such as raspberry or strawberry.
2. Rosé Champagne – If you want to make your apple pie pairing extra special, try a rosé Champagne. Its bubbles and fruity flavors make it a luxurious and festive option.
3. Grenache Rosé – This light and refreshing wine has a delicate floral aroma and flavors of strawberry and raspberry that can complement the sweetness of the pie.
4. Pinot Noir Rosé – Like its red counterpart, a slightly sweet Pinot Noir Rosé can be a great option for those who prefer a lighter wine. Its flavors of cherry and raspberry can enhance the fruitiness of the pie.
5. Sangria – For a fun and fruity pairing, try serving a glass of sangria with your apple pie. Its sweet and tangy flavors can complement the pie’s fruitiness, while its refreshing qualities can help to balance out the richness of the dessert.

When serving rosé wine with apple pie, it’s best to serve it chilled, around 45-50°F, to bring out the fruit flavors and balance out the sweetness.

Other Wines To Pair With Apple Pies

While the wines listed above are some of the best options for apple pie pairing, there are many other wines that can work well with this dessert. Here are a few more to consider:

1. Ice Wine – This dessert wine is made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine, resulting in a concentrated, sweet flavor that can complement the richness of apple pie.
2. Sherry – A nutty and complex Sherry can provide a unique and interesting pairing with apple pie. Look for a version that’s slightly sweet, such as an Amontillado or Oloroso.
3. Madeira – This fortified wine from Portugal has a caramel-like flavor that can work well with the warm spices in apple pie.
4. Vin Santo – This Italian dessert wine is made from dried grapes, resulting in a rich, honey-like flavor that can be a great match for apple pie.
5. Apple Wine – For a truly apple-centric pairing, try serving your apple pie with a glass of apple wine. This wine is made from fermented apples, and its fruity flavors can complement the flavors of the pie.

When serving these wines with apple pie, be sure to choose a version that is sweeter than the dessert, and serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on the wine.

5 Tasty Apple Pie And Wine Serving Ideas

Now that you know the best wines for apple pie pairing, it’s time to get creative with your serving ideas. Here are five tasty ways to enjoy this classic dessert with a glass of wine:

1. Classic Pairing – Serve your apple pie with a glass of Late Harvest Riesling or Ruby Port for a classic and elegant pairing.
2. Sparkling Pairing – For a festive and celebratory pairing, serve your apple pie with a glass of Prosecco or Rosé Champagne.
3. Cozy Pairing – If you want to create a cozy and comforting atmosphere, serve your apple pie with a glass of warm, spiced mulled wine.
4. Bold Pairing – For a pairing that packs a punch, serve your apple pie with a glass of bold and spicy Shiraz or Grenache Rosé.
5. Fun Pairing – For a playful and fun pairing, serve your apple pie with a glass of Sangria or a sweet White Zinfandel.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

To fully enjoy the flavors of your apple pie and wine pairing, it’s important to serve them at the correct temperature and in the right glassware.

When it comes to serving temperature, remember that the wine should always be slightly sweeter than the dessert.

Red wines should be served slightly chilled, around 60-65°F, while white wines and rosé should be served chilled, around 45-50°F.

For fortified wines like Port or Sherry, serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled.

As for glassware, choose a glass that allows you to fully appreciate the aromas and flavors of the wine.

For red wines, use a glass with a larger bowl to allow the wine to breathe and release its aromas.

For white wines and rosé, use a glass with a smaller bowl to preserve the wine’s delicate aromas and flavors.

When it comes to serving apple pie, you can serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Be sure to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the sweetness and richness of the dessert.

By serving your apple pie and wine pairing at the correct temperature and in the right glassware, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the flavors and aromas of each.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apple pie wine pairing can be a fun and delicious way to enhance the flavors of this classic dessert.

By choosing a wine that is sweeter than the pie and serving it at the correct temperature and in the right glassware, you can create a harmonious and enjoyable pairing.

So, what wine pairs well with apple pie?

The best wines to pair with apple pie are sweet and fruity varieties, such as Late Harvest Riesling, Moscato d’Asti, Sauternes, or Marsala. The sweetness of the wine should complement the tartness of the apples in a perfect balance.

Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé wine, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to apple pie pairing.

From classic pairings like Late Harvest Riesling and Ruby Port to more unique options like Sangria and Vin Santo, the possibilities are endless.

So the next time you’re enjoying a slice of apple pie, why not elevate the experience with a glass of wine?

We hope this article has given you some inspiration and ideas for your next apple pie wine pairing adventure. Cheers!