Millions will top off their holiday with a piece of pie. Make this year’s finale even more memorable by pairing it with one of these great American wines.
The Pie: Pumpkin
The Pairing: Novelty Hill 2014 Late Harvest Sémillon Columbia Valley (92 points, $25)
This late harvest wine brings out the pumpkin’s sweet side. Citrus and flowers dance with the pie’s silky texture, while the pie’s spices add refinement to the wine’s ripe pineapple and peach.
The Pie: Pecan Bourbon
The Pairing: Cairdean Estate 2011 Zinfandel Dessert Wine Napa Valley (90 points, $58)
A hefty nut pie deserves a Port-like dessert wine made from powerhouse Zinfandel. Rich chocolate notes match the Bourbon and nuts, while hints of preserved blackberries bring a fruity element to the mix. The mocha-tinged finish will please the coffee-with-dessert crowd.
The Pie: Apple
The Pairing: Husch 2013 Estate Late Harvest Gewurztraminer Anderson Valley (94 points, $25)
The comfort of warm apple pie meets its match with this exotic Gewürztraminer. Pineapple, apricot and honey play off the baked apples, toasted almonds help bring out the pie’s cinnamon and nutmeg.
The Pie: Cranberry-Pear
The Pairing: Chehalem 2015 Ridgecrest Vineyards Sext Riesling Ribbon ridge (90 point, $24)
The light spritz and lively acidity of this Riesling embraces the tart cranberries, while juicy, tropical fruit brightens the warm, silky pears.
The Pie: Sweet Potato Meringue
The Pairing: Hermann J. Wiemer 2014 Late Harvest Riesling Seneca Lake (88 points, $24)
The bright, lemony acidity of this playful late harvest Riesling refreshes after a gravy-soaked meal. Let the airy meringue and sweet, gentle peach notes lift your food coma
The Pie: Chess
The Pairing: Castello di Amorosa 2013 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer Anderson Valley (92 points, #39)
This intensely sweet Southern pie calls for a wine with energetic acidity. This refreshing, citrus-flecked Gewürztraminer cuts through the pie’s powerful punch.