Pie and Wine Pairings for Pi Day!

Pies are one of the most popular foods throughout the year, but more pies are eaten during the winter season than at any other time of the year. Who doesn't like the warm, comforting taste of a succulent dessert pie during the cool days of winter? And, it’s almost a rule that one should eat “pie” on “Pi Day” (March 14 or 3/14). If you don’t remember this holiday from school, here’s the background. Since PI (mathematical symbol π) has the first digits of 3.14, March 14 is celebrated every year as PI (pie) day. It’s not the same kind of “pie,” but, any excuse to eat pie, right? So, what are some good pie and wine pairings?

PIE AND WINE PAIRINGS

What kind of pie and wine pairings are best?  You first must classify the pies.

There are all types of pies, and there is no one particular wine that pairs with all of them. The best way to pair wines with pies is to break down the pies into the following categories.

Dessert pies include apple, pumpkin, custard, cream, cherry, lemon, Meringue, ice cream pie, pecan pie, etc. The list is endless!  In general, if the pie is sweet, then the wine has to be sweeter to maintain the taste differential.

And other, non-dessert pies include:

• Meat pies
• Chicken pies
• Vegetable pies

Depending on the type of pie, the wine pairing becomes a lot easier. Some tips on selecting wine for your pie include:

Choosing a wine that complements the specific aroma and flavors in the dessert. For example, if a dessert is heavy in sugar, then you need to find a wine with similar sweet qualities.

If the dessert is extra sweet, then a sweet wine or bubbly is the way to go.

And for all the pies in between sweet and spicy, pick a wine that is versatile (see below).

CHICKEN PIES AND WINE PAIRINGS

Whether you are consuming spicy, barbecued, or glazed chicken, select a versatile wine, like Riesling, Pinot Noir, or Chardonnay. In general, chicken pies pair best with fuller light red or white wines.

MEAT PIE AND WINE PAIRINGS

Meat pies are a family favorite with their gently textured crust and spicy filling. In general, meat pies go best with light savory red wines, like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.

VEGETABLE PIES

If you are consuming a healthier and lighter vegetable pie that is filled with cheese, filo, and spinach, this is the ideal partner with a crisp, aromatic white like Riesling. Or you can experiment with Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc.

If the pie is heavy with mushrooms, then the best match is Pinot Noir. Or you can experiment with Gamay.

COMBINED MEAT AND VEGETABLE PIE 

If you are making a hearty pie with a mixture of veal and veggies, like celery, onions, carrots, and corn, this pairs well with light reds and rich white wines. If you had to pick just one wine, then you will never go wrong with Rose.

DESSERT PIES AND WINE PAIRING

Experts recommend that when eating almost any type of sweet pie, a lightly sweet wine makes an excellent pairing. Sweet pies usually beg for sweet beverages, and hence a bubbly or a light red wine will make your day. If the pie has citrus fruits or a dense, sugary caramelized crust, pick a wine that is juicy and fruity, like Gamay or Pinot Noir.

Finally, if you are having cheesecake, the ideal wine to wash down the flavors of the dessert is Riesling ice wine. The wine’s sweet fruity undertones will highlight the sweetness of the cheesecake and leave a very pleasant aftertaste.

At the end of the day, pie and wine pairings are a personal choice. There is no right or wrong wine; if you like it, then that is all that matters.

PI DAY PARTY IDEAS

Have a PI party! Who needs an excuse to eat pie? And we are always looking for reasons to throw a party or celebrate!  Plan your PI party today with wine and PI-themed decorations.  Ask your guests to bring a pie (pizza counts) and a bottle of wine.  Try them all out and may the best combination win! 

MATH PI DAY PARTY

Throw it back to elementary school and have a mathematical theme with fun trivia questions, such as: 

• Who can still recite the most decimals of Pi?
• What is PI most commonly used for in geometry?
• When was the PI symbol devised?
• Who was William Jones in relation to PI?
• What did physicist Larry Shaw have to do with PI Day?

Research some mathematical questions and see who can find the answers WITHOUT the aid of their phone or a calculator.  You can make it interesting by granting the winner a bottle of wine.

Whatever PI Day party ideas you come up with, celebrate PI (pie) with some of our excellent wine! Shop deals today!