Pumpkin is the undisputed king of fall flavors. From pumpkin pies to spiced lattes, this autumn favorite makes its way into just about everything come October. But what about wine? While pumpkin and wine might not be an obvious pairing, you might be surprised by how well they can complement each other. At Latah Creek Winery, we believe in pushing the boundaries of traditional pairings, and with the rise of creative fall dishes incorporating pumpkin, it’s time to ask: Does wine pair well with pumpkin?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different ways to pair pumpkin-based dishes with wines. From savory mains like pumpkin ravioli to sweet pumpkin desserts, you’ll learn how to find harmony between the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and the bright, complex notes of wine. So grab your favorite bottle, and let’s dive into the world of wine and pumpkin pairings!
The Challenge of Pairing Pumpkin with Wine
Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient, offering subtle sweetness and an earthy flavor. But the challenge with pumpkin is its unique flavor profile—it can be sweet, savory, or somewhere in between depending on how it’s prepared. This makes finding the right wine pairing a bit tricky. You need a wine that will enhance the dish without overpowering it, and one that can balance the sometimes starchy or creamy texture of pumpkin dishes.
At Latah Creek Winery, our wines are crafted to be approachable and food-friendly, making them great candidates for unconventional pairings like pumpkin. Below, we’ll explore specific pumpkin dishes and their ideal wine matches.
Pumpkin Ravioli with Riesling
Pumpkin ravioli is a fall favorite, blending the sweetness of pumpkin with savory elements like sage, browned butter, or Parmesan cheese. The creamy, rich texture of the ravioli calls for a wine that can balance out those flavors without overwhelming the dish. Enter Riesling.
Known for its crisp acidity and light sweetness, our Riesling is an excellent match for pumpkin ravioli. The wine’s bright, fruity notes of peach and apricot provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish, while the slight sweetness complements the natural sugars in the pumpkin. The acidity in Riesling also cuts through the creamy texture, keeping each bite light and balanced. If your pumpkin ravioli includes herbs like sage or spices like nutmeg, the floral notes in the Riesling will only enhance those flavors.
Pairing tip: Serve this dish with a slightly off-dry Riesling for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Pumpkin Soup with Chardonnay
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of pumpkin soup on a crisp fall evening. Whether you’re making a simple version or adding gourmet touches like curry spices or cream, pumpkin soup is a hearty, savory dish that pairs well with a white wine like Chardonnay.
Our Chardonnay is a versatile wine that works beautifully with creamy, rich dishes. An oaked version Chardonnay has hints of vanilla and spice, which play nicely with the warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin. The wine’s round body and smooth texture complement the soup’s creaminess, while its acidity provides just enough brightness to keep the pairing from feeling too heavy. If you’re adding spices like cumin or coriander to your soup, the subtle oak in the Chardonnay will mirror those spices and bring out their depth.
Pairing tip: For an even more luxurious experience, try adding a drizzle of truffle oil to your pumpkin soup and savor how the wine and flavors evolve together.
Roasted Pumpkin with Pinot Gris/Grigio
Roasted pumpkin, often served as a side dish or salad ingredient, showcases the natural sweetness and earthy flavors of the vegetable. It’s a more straightforward preparation, which means you’ll want a wine that enhances the pumpkin without overshadowing its simplicity. For this dish, Pinot Gris/Grigio is the ideal match.
With its fresh acidity and citrus-forward notes, our Pinot Grigio complements the caramelized edges of roasted pumpkin while balancing its natural sweetness. The wine’s bright, crisp profile brings out the best in the roasted flavors, creating a light yet flavorful combination. Whether you’re tossing the roasted pumpkin with herbs, nuts, or a bit of goat cheese, the versatility of Pinot Grigio will shine through.
Pairing tip: Try this pairing with a roasted pumpkin and arugula salad for a refreshing autumn lunch, accompanied by a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio.
Pumpkin Pie with Late Harvest Riesling
Of course, we can’t talk about pumpkin without mentioning the quintessential fall dessert: pumpkin pie. The creamy, spiced filling and buttery crust make for a comforting, sweet treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. But what wine do you pair with pumpkin pie? The answer is Late Harvest Riesling.
Late Harvest Riesling, with its higher residual sugar and concentrated fruit flavors, is a fantastic match for the sweet and spiced notes of pumpkin pie. The wine’s natural sweetness mirrors the pie’s sugary filling, while its acidity keeps the pairing from becoming too cloying. The flavors of ripe peach, honey, and a hint of citrus in the wine highlight the cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in the pie’s filling, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you reaching for another slice—and another glass.
Pairing tip: Serve this pairing slightly chilled for a refreshing contrast to the warm spices in the pie.
Pumpkin Spice Treats with Red Blends
Pumpkin spice lattes and baked goods have become iconic symbols of fall, but can they pair with wine? Surprisingly, yes! Red Blends offers a balanced mix of fruitiness, spice, and structure that pairs well with sweeter pumpkin spice treats like muffins or cakes.
Either of our Red Blends’ dark berry notes, combined with a touch of oak and spice, complement the warm cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg found in pumpkin spice desserts. The wine’s medium body holds up well against the richness of baked goods, while its soft tannins provide structure without overpowering the delicate pumpkin flavors.
Pairing tip: Try this pairing with a slice of pumpkin spice cake or even a pumpkin chocolate chip muffin for a fun and unexpected treat.
So, does wine and pumpkin work as a pairing? Absolutely! While it may seem unconventional at first, the right wine can elevate pumpkin dishes and bring out their unique flavors in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re enjoying a savory pumpkin ravioli, a creamy pumpkin soup, or a slice of classic pumpkin pie, we offer a variety of wines that will complement and enhance the earthy sweetness of this fall favorite.
With a little experimentation and the right wine, pumpkin can move from your coffee cup to your wine glass, creating a delightful and unexpected culinary experience. So this fall, embrace the season and try one of these pumpkin and wine pairings for yourself. You might just discover a new fall tradition!
Cheers,
Natalie