Skip to Content

Cherry Pie Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Cherry Pies

Quick Answer

The best wines to pair with cherry pie are sweet sparkling wines, such as Moscato or Asti, Ruby Port, and dessert wines like Sauternes. These options will highlight the sweetness of the cherries in the pie and enhance its flavors.

Are you a fan of cherry pie?

If so, have you ever considered pairing it with wine?

Cherry pie wine pairing may not be a common practice, but it can be a delightful experience.

When done right, the right wine can complement the flavors of the cherry filling and the crust, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.

In this article, we’ll explore the best wines for cherry pie and provide tips for choosing the perfect pairing.

So, if you’re a cherry pie lover, read on to discover the world of cherry pie wine pairing.

But before we dive in, what wine goes with cherry pie?

The best wines to pair with cherry pie are sweet sparkling wines, Ruby Port, and dessert wines. Sweet sparkling wines such as Prosecco or Moscato have a light sweetness that complements the tartness of the cherries in the pie. Ruby Ports add complexity with their dark fruit and spice notes. Lastly, dessert wines like Sauternes or Tokaji Aszu provide a luxurious finish to the meal.

5 Reasons to Consider Serving Wine with Cherry Pie

Cherry Pie
  1. Enhance the flavors: Pairing wine with cherry pie can enhance the flavors of both the wine and the dessert. The right wine can complement the sweetness and tartness of the cherries in the pie, while the cherry flavors in the pie can complement the fruitiness and complexity of the wine.
  2. Elevate the dining experience: Serving wine with cherry pie can elevate the dining experience, making it feel more sophisticated and indulgent. It can also be a great way to impress your guests and make the occasion more memorable.
  3. Digestive aid: The alcohol in wine can act as a digestive aid, helping to break down the heavy, rich flavors of the cherry pie. This can make it easier to enjoy the dessert without feeling overly full or uncomfortable.
  4. Fun experiment: Pairing wine with cherry pie can be a fun experiment, allowing you to try different wines and see how they pair with the dessert. It can be a great way to explore your palate and discover new flavors.
  5. Versatile pairing: Wine is a versatile pairing that can work with a wide range of cherry pie styles, from classic cherry pies to variations like cherry crumbles or cherry tarts. Whether your cherry pie is sweet or tart, there is a wine that can complement its flavors.

The 5 Best Red Wines for Cherry Pie

Pinot Noir

Red wines are a popular choice for pairing with cherry pie, as their rich, fruity flavors can complement the sweetness of the cherries.

Here are five of the best red wines to pair with cherry pie:

  1. Ruby Port: This fortified wine from Portugal has a sweet, fruity flavor that pairs well with cherry pie. Its rich, full-bodied texture can also stand up to the density of the dessert.
  2. Zinfandel: This California red wine has a fruity, jammy flavor that can complement the sweetness and tartness of the cherry filling. It also has a spicy undertone that can add complexity to the pairing.
  3. Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine has a delicate flavor that can complement the subtle sweetness of cherry pie. Its low tannin content can also make it a good choice for those who prefer a less intense wine pairing.
  4. Malbec: This Argentinian red wine has a bold, fruity flavor that can stand up to the strong flavors of cherry pie. Its tannins can also help cut through the richness of the dessert.
  5. Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied red wine has a rich, complex flavor that can complement the deep, rich flavors of cherry pie. Its tannins can also help cleanse the palate between bites.

The 5 Best White Wines for Cherry Pie

Gewürztraminer

While red wines are a popular choice for pairing with cherry pie, white wines can also work well, especially if the cherry pie is on the tart side.

Here are five of the best white wines to pair with cherry pie:

  1. Late Harvest Riesling: This sweet white wine has a honeyed, fruity flavor that can complement the tartness of cherry pie. Its sweetness can also help balance out the acidity of the cherries.
  2. Moscato d’Asti: This light, fizzy Italian wine has a sweet, floral flavor that can complement the sweetness of cherry pie. Its effervescence can also add a fun, playful element to the pairing.
  3. Gewürztraminer: This aromatic white wine has a spicy, floral flavor that can complement the complex flavors of cherry pie. Its bold, fruity character can also stand up to the richness of the dessert.
  4. Chenin Blanc: This versatile white wine has a fruity, acidic flavor that can complement the tartness of cherry pie. Its crisp, clean finish can also help cut through the richness of the dessert.
  5. Viognier: This full-bodied white wine has a rich, fruity flavor that can complement the deep, complex flavors of cherry pie. Its low acidity can also make it a good choice for those who prefer a less tart pairing.

The 5 Best Rosé Wines for Cherry Pie

Rosé wine

Rosé wines can also be a good choice for pairing with cherry pie, especially if you want a lighter, more refreshing wine option.

Here are five of the best rosé wines to pair with cherry pie:

  1. White Zinfandel: This blush-colored wine has a sweet, fruity flavor that can complement the sweetness of cherry pie. Its light, refreshing character can also make it a good choice for a summer dessert.
  2. Provençal Rosé: This light, dry French wine has a delicate, floral flavor that can complement the subtle sweetness of cherry pie. Its crisp, clean finish can also help cut through the richness of the dessert.
  3. Sparkling Rosé: This effervescent wine has a lively, fruity flavor that can add a fun, festive element to a cherry pie pairing. Its bubbles can also help cleanse the palate between bites.
  4. Pinot Noir Rosé: This light-bodied rosé has a delicate, fruity flavor that can complement the subtle sweetness of cherry pie. Its low tannin content can also make it a good choice for those who prefer a less intense wine pairing.
  5. Grenache Rosé: This dry, fruity wine has a crisp, refreshing flavor that can complement the tartness of cherry pie. Its light body and low tannin content can also make it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter wine pairing.

Other Wines to Pair with Cherry Pie

Port wine

While red, white, and rosé wines are the most common choices for pairing with cherry pie, there are other types of wines that can work well too.

Here are a few additional wines to consider:

  1. Sweet sparkling wines: The effervescence of sweet sparkling wines like Asti Spumante or Demi-Sec Champagne can complement the sweetness of cherry pie.
  2. Dessert wines: Rich, sweet dessert wines like Monbazillac, Sauternes, or Icewine can be a decadent pairing with cherry pie.
  3. Brachetto d’Acqui: This sweet, slightly effervescent red wine from Italy has a fruity flavor that can complement the sweetness of cherry pie.
  4. Lambrusco: This light, fizzy Italian wine has a fruity flavor that can complement the sweetness and tartness of cherry pie.
  5. Port: In addition to Ruby Port, other styles of port like Tawny Port or Late Bottled Vintage Port can also work well with cherry pie due to their sweet, fruity flavors.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Wine

Choosing the right wine to pair with cherry pie can seem overwhelming, but these five tips can help you make a great selection:

  1. Consider the sweetness level: As mentioned earlier, it’s important to consider the sweetness level of both the wine and the cherry pie to ensure they complement each other.
  2. Match the intensity: Choose a wine that matches the intensity of the cherry pie. If the pie has bold, deep flavors, a full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec may be a good choice. If the pie is lighter and more delicate, a light-bodied wine like Pinot Noir or Chenin Blanc may work better.
  3. Try a contrasting pairing: While it’s common to pair sweet desserts like cherry pie with sweet wines, sometimes a contrasting pairing can work well too. For example, a tart cherry pie could be paired with a dry, crisp wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis.
  4. Experiment with different styles: Don’t be afraid to try different styles of wine with cherry pie to see what works best for your palate. You may be surprised by a pairing that you didn’t expect to like.
  5. Don’t forget personal preferences: At the end of the day, the best wine pairing is the one that you enjoy the most. Don’t feel pressured to choose a wine that you don’t like just because it’s a “recommended” pairing.

Conclusion

Pairing wine with cherry pie can be a fun and indulgent experience that elevates the flavors of both the wine and the dessert.

So, what wine pairs well with cherry pie?

While red wines like Ruby Port and Zinfandel are popular choices for cherry pie pairing, white wines like Late Harvest Riesling and rosé wines like White Zinfandel can also work well. Sweet sparkling wines and dessert wines are additional options to consider, depending on your personal taste preferences.

When choosing a wine to pair with cherry pie, it’s important to consider the sweetness level and intensity of both the wine and the dessert. Experimenting with different styles and trying a contrasting pairing can also lead to unexpected but delicious results.

In the end, the best wine pairing for cherry pie is the one that you enjoy the most.

Whether you prefer a classic red wine pairing or something more unconventional, a well-chosen wine can elevate your cherry pie experience and create a memorable dessert moment.

Website | + posts

Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.