Pumpkin Pie Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Pumpkin Pies

As the fall season approaches and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to start thinking about your upcoming holiday gatherings.

And what better way to impress your guests than with the perfect pumpkin pie wine pairing?

The rich, creamy texture and spicy nutmeg flavors of pumpkin pie make it a versatile dessert that can be paired with a variety of wines.

In this article, we’ll explore the best wines for pumpkin pie, from reds to whites to rosés and beyond.

So let’s dive into the world of pumpkin pie wine pairing and elevate your dessert game this season.

So, what wine goes with pumpkin pie?

The best wines to pair with pumpkin pie are sweet white wines such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Chenin Blanc. These wines have a balanced sweetness that pairs well with the spices of the pie. For a drier option, try Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Pumpkin Pie?

When it comes to serving pumpkin pie, many people default to pairing it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

While these are classic options, serving wine with pumpkin pie can take your dessert game to the next level.

1. Not only does wine offer a more sophisticated and refined pairing, but it also has the ability to enhance the flavors of the pie. The right wine can bring out the spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, while also complementing the creamy texture of the filling.
2. Another reason to consider serving wine with pumpkin pie is that it can help to balance out the sweetness of the dessert. Pumpkin pie is not overly sweet, but it still contains a fair amount of sugar. By pairing it with a wine that has some acidity or tannins, you can cut through the sweetness and create a more harmonious pairing.
3. Finally, serving wine with pumpkin pie can make your holiday gatherings more memorable and enjoyable. It’s a fun and unexpected way to elevate a classic dessert, and it can also be a great conversation starter. So why not impress your guests with a perfectly paired pumpkin pie and wine combination this season?

The Best Red Wines For Pumpkin Pie

While white wine may seem like the obvious choice for a dessert pairing, red wines can actually work really well with pumpkin pie.

Here are some options to consider:

1. Pinot Noir – This light-bodied red wine has a delicate flavor profile that won’t overwhelm the flavors of the pie. Look for a Pinot Noir with notes of cherry and spice for the best pairing.
2. Zinfandel – If you prefer a bolder red wine, a Zinfandel can be a great option. This wine has a fruity, jammy flavor that can complement the sweetness of the pie.
3. Syrah/Shiraz – Syrah or Shiraz can be a great choice if you’re looking for a wine with some smoky or peppery notes. These flavors can work well with the spices in the pie, especially if it has a bit of heat.
4. Beaujolais – Beaujolais is a light, fruity red wine that can be a great match for pumpkin pie. It has a bright, fresh flavor that can balance out the richness of the pie filling.

When choosing a red wine to pair with pumpkin pie, look for something that is not too heavy or tannic. The wine should be able to stand up to the flavors of the pie without overwhelming them. And as with any wine pairing, it’s important to find a balance between the flavors of the wine and the dessert, so that neither one overpowers the other.

The Best White Wines For Pumpkin Pie

White wines can be a great option for pairing with pumpkin pie, as they tend to have more acidity and can balance out the sweetness of the dessert.

Here are some white wine options to consider:

1. Late Harvest Gewurztraminer – This sweet, floral white wine is a classic pairing for pumpkin pie. It has a spicy aroma that can complement the spices in the pie, while also balancing out the sweetness.
2. Chardonnay – If you prefer a drier white wine, a Chardonnay can be a great option. Look for one that is not too oaky, with a crisp, clean flavor that can cut through the richness of the pie.
3. Vin Santo – This Italian dessert wine is made from dried grapes and has a rich, nutty flavor that can be a great match for pumpkin pie. It has a higher sugar content than some other white wines, which can complement the sweetness of the pie.
4. Sherry – Sherry is a fortified wine that can be a great option for pairing with pumpkin pie. Look for a dry or medium-dry sherry, which can balance out the sweetness of the dessert without overwhelming it.

When choosing a white wine to pair with pumpkin pie, look for something that has enough acidity to balance out the sweetness of the pie. You may also want to consider the flavor profile of the wine, and look for one that has notes that can complement the spices in the pie.

The Best Rosé Wines For Pumpkin Pie

Rosé wines can be a great option for pairing with pumpkin pie, as they tend to have a lighter body and more acidity than many red wines, while still having some of the fruitiness that can complement the flavors of the pie.

Here are some rosé wine options to consider:

1. Grenache Rosé – This light-bodied rosé has a fruity flavor that can complement the spices in the pie. It also has enough acidity to balance out the sweetness of the dessert.
2. Dry Rosé – If you prefer a drier wine, a dry rosé can be a great option for pairing with pumpkin pie. Look for one that has a crisp, refreshing flavor with notes of berries or citrus.
3. White Zinfandel – While often considered a beginner’s wine, White Zinfandel can actually be a great option for pairing with pumpkin pie. It has a sweet, fruity flavor that can balance out the spices in the pie, while still having enough acidity to cut through the richness.
4. Syrah Rosé – Syrah Rosé can be a great option if you’re looking for a more full-bodied wine to pair with pumpkin pie. It has a rich, fruity flavor with notes of blackberry and raspberry that can complement the flavors of the pie.

Other Wines To Pair With Pumpkin Pies

In addition to red, white, and rosé wines, there are other options to consider when it comes to pumpkin pie wine pairing. Here are a few additional wines to think about:

1. Tawny Port – This fortified wine has a nutty, caramel flavor that can be a great match for pumpkin pie. It also has enough sweetness to complement the dessert.
2. Madeira – Another fortified wine, Madeira has a rich, complex flavor with notes of nuts, caramel, and spices. It can be a great option for pairing with pumpkin pie, especially if the pie has a bit of heat.
3. Muscat – This sweet, fruity wine can be a great match for pumpkin pie. It has a floral aroma and flavors of orange, peach, and apricot that can complement the spices in the pie.
4. Riesling – Riesling is a white wine with a fruity, floral flavor that can work well with pumpkin pie. Look for a dry or off-dry Riesling, which can balance out the sweetness of the pie.

5 Tasty Pumpkin Pie And Wine Serving Ideas

Now that we’ve explored some of the best wines for pumpkin pie, let’s talk about some tasty serving ideas to try:

1. Late Harvest Gewurztraminer with Whipped Cream – This classic pairing can be taken to the next level by adding a dollop of whipped cream on top of the pie. The creaminess of the topping can balance out the sweetness of the wine and create a harmonious pairing.
2. Zinfandel with Spiced Nuts – If you’re serving a bold Zinfandel with your pumpkin pie, try pairing it with some spiced nuts like cinnamon roasted almonds or candied pecans. The sweetness and crunch of the nuts can complement the jammy fruit flavors in the wine.
3. Vin Santo with Cheese – This nutty Italian dessert wine can be a great match for a cheese plate. Try pairing it with some sharp cheddar or aged gouda for a savory twist on the classic pumpkin pie pairing.
4. Riesling with Apple Pie – If you’re serving pumpkin pie alongside apple pie, consider pairing it with a dry or off-dry Riesling. The crisp acidity of the wine can cut through the sweetness of the pies and create a balanced pairing.
5. Tawny Port with Dark Chocolate – For a decadent dessert pairing, serve your pumpkin pie with some dark chocolate. The nutty, caramel flavors in the Tawny Port can complement the bitterness of the chocolate and create a delicious combination.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

In addition to choosing the right wines for pumpkin pie, it’s also important to consider serving temperature and glassware.

Here are some tips to ensure you’re serving your wine and pie in the best possible way:

• Serving Temperature – The ideal serving temperature for most red wines is between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit, while white wines and rosés are best served between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to take your wine out of the fridge or wine cellar with enough time to allow it to reach the appropriate temperature before serving.
• Glassware – When serving wine with pumpkin pie, opt for a standard wine glass rather than a dessert glass. This will allow the wine to breathe and release its aromas, which can enhance the flavors of the wine and the pie.
• Decanting – If you’re serving a red wine with pumpkin pie, consider decanting the wine before serving. This can help to aerate the wine and soften any tannins, creating a smoother and more enjoyable drinking experience.
• Storage – Proper wine storage is key to ensuring your wine is in the best possible condition before serving. Store your wine in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat, and make sure it’s stored at the correct temperature and humidity levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pairing wine with pumpkin pie can be a fun and sophisticated way to elevate your dessert game this season.

With so many wine options to choose from, including reds, whites, rosés, and fortified wines, there’s no shortage of delicious pairings to try.

So, what wine pairs well with pumpkin pie?

The best wines to serve with pumpkin pie are Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Chenin Blanc. These sweet white wines pair well with the spices in pumpkin pie, such as nutmeg and cloves. The sweetness of these wines also complements the sweetness of the custard filling.

By paying attention to the flavors of both the wine and the pie, as well as serving temperature and glassware, you can create a perfect pairing that will impress your guests and make your holiday gatherings even more memorable.

So whether you’re serving pumpkin pie with a classic late harvest Gewurztraminer or trying something new with a Tawny Port and dark chocolate pairing, have fun experimenting and enjoy the delicious flavors of the season.