With all of the things on our minds this time of year, it can be tough to concentrate or research what kind of food to prepare and what to serve with it. Don’t worry, we have taken the thinking out of this seasons choices…at least when it comes to your dessert menu.
We were recently presented with an assortment of Josh Cellars Wines, sourced from some of the best vineyards in California, and decided to serve them as the perfect wine & pie pairings to satisfy your holiday guests.
We started with a classic (and one of my favorites) Apple Pie Recipe.
This recipe accented the bright aromas of lime and citrus are the core of this Sauvignon Blanc, with layers of white flower nectar, peach, and tropical melon. The palate of the wine is fresh and alive with clean fruit flavors and a perfectly balanced finish. The sweetness of the apples enhances the citrus flavors in the light and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.
Our next pairing works well with a delicious Pecan Pie.
As there are different preparations of pecan pie, Chardonnay pairs well as it is a medium bodied wine that is versatile enough to stand up to some of the richer flavors and sweetness in the pie. The Chardonnay features tropical fruits and citrus, beautifully married with harmonious notes of oak. A delightful harmony of bright yellow and white stone fruit lingers on the palate and finishes with fresh and clean acidity.
With their Pinot Noir, two seasonally appropriate pies are either a pumpkin or sweet potato pie.
Aromas of cherry and strawberry on the nose with layers of spicy oak are captured in Josh Cellars’ Pinot Noir. On the palate, the wine is plush and subtle yet has a firm texture. Dark cherry and chocolate flavors fill the mouth with a rich intensity and lingering finish. The earthiness and spice of the Pinot Noir compliments both pies’ cinnamon and spice.
And finally, we saved the Cabernet Sauvignon to be served with a Mince Pie.
This Cabernet is an approachable blend with aromas of rich, dark fruit and baking spices on the nose yielding to fresh plum, blackberry, violet, dried fig, vanilla bean and Chinese five-spice. The wine is juicy with plum and blackberry flavors, prominently layered with smoky and sappy maple oak, roasted almonds and hazelnuts. Its firm tannins and full body will stand up against the rich fruit flavors, spices and brown sugar featured in this decadent pie.
Let us know what you think about the pairings, and share some of your favorite holiday wine & pie pairings.
Enjoy!