9 Wines for Pumpkin Spice Lovers
Pumpkin spice season is here at last! To celebrate the pumpkin spice season here are 9 wines for pumpkin spice lovers.
There’s something about this glorious flavor – whether you love warm pumpkin pie fresh from the oven or the savory goodness of roasted pumpkin seeds – that perfectly captures the warm coziness of autumn.
Thankfully, coffee isn’t the only beverage that can give you that pumpkin spice fix. Certain wines actually have a “pumpkin spice” flavor profile.
We’re not talking about novelty bottles of pumpkin spice wine. Thankfully, certain wine varietals naturally have notes of baking spices that are reminiscent of pumpkin pie – either from the grapes themselves or from the aging process.
Check out the top wines varietals that will warm you up and put you in the holiday spirit. Plus, we’ll show you how to pair each wine with some sweet and savory fall favorites.
Why We Love Pumpkin Spice
In order to know which wines to try, it helps to understand what you enjoy about this flavor combo.
Contrary to the name, “pumpkin spice” flavored treats often do not contain pumpkin. Take, for instance, the beloved pumpkin spice latte. When you hold this warm beverage to your nose, the reason it’s like sniffing a freshly baked pie is because of the “spice.”
This spice mix is a combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. So, you’ll want to keep an eye out for wines that have some of these flavor notes. Often, notes of baking spices come from oak aging.
If you have a sweet tooth, you may also want to look for a dessert wine or “late harvest” wine with notes of spice.
Wines for Pumpkin Spice Lovers
No matter your vino preference – whether you like white or red, dry or sweet – there are a variety of wines for pumpkin spice lovers to try.
1. Shiraz
Australian Shiraz, is a rich, full-bodied red wine with notes of dark fruit and spices like cocoa and peppercorns. This jammy, smoky wine pairs well with hearty pumpkin chili or spicy mac and cheese.
We would go with Bright Cellars’ Bushtelly Shiraz! This adventurous red wine has flavor notes of raspberry, plum, and smoke.
2. Gewürztraminer
This medium-bodied white wine is known for its aromatic notes of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Enjoy this slightly sweet wine alongside savory dishes like butternut squash soup or pork tenderloin. Feel free to keep sipping it after dinner with pumpkin pie.
Our favorite Gewürztraminer is Bright Cellars’ Dreamlet Gewürztraminer. This white wine has flavor notes of lychee, lemon zest, and peach.
3. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir from California – a warm-climate region – has notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves from oak aging. This fruit-forward light-bodied red pairs well with chicken noodle soup or veggie stew.
If you love pumpkin spice try Bright Cellars’ Hazelaire Pinot Noir! This light-bodied red wine has flavor notes of black currant, earth, raspberry, and vanilla.
4. White Burgundy
In the Burgundy region of France, the signature white wine is made with Chardonnay grapes. Unlike the California Chardonnay that you might be used to, French Chardonnay has notes of baking spices, toasted hazelnuts, honey, and a hint of vanilla. White Burgundy pairs well with fish cooked in butter or herb-roasted chicken.
5. Rioja
This Spanish red wine is made from Tempranillo grapes. With notes of dried fig, tobacco, cinnamon, and cloves this oak-aged wine pairs well with shepherd’s pie or chili con carne.
6. Alsatian Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris made in Alsace is more complex than standard Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio. With notes of cinnamon, honey, and ginger, Alsace Pinot Gris pairs well with seared scallops or pumpkin ravioli sautéed in olive oil.
7. Zinfandel
This jammy full-bodied wine has notes of cherry compote, vanilla bean, black currant, and cinnamon. This fall wine goes well with sweet and savory dishes alike, including mashed sweet potatoes and pumpkin chocolate chip cake.
Bright Cellars’ Cabin 5 Zinfandel is a great alternative to pumpkin spice! This red wine has flavor notes of strawberry, raspberry, and black pepper.
8. Sauternes
Fans of sweeter wines might want to try Sauternes, a white wine with notes of ginger, baking spices, and butterscotch. This dessert wine pairs well with brown sugar roasted carrots and desserts like apple pie and cheese cake.
9. Madeira
This sweet red wine has notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and coffee. Enjoy this fortified wine with dinner and dessert. It pairs well with both split pea soup and pumpkin pie.
In Vino Finito
Want to keep experimenting with your selection of vino? Email us and we can help you pick a wine to try next.
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