Autumn is a season that is often associated with warm and comforting flavors, and there is perhaps no better representation of this than a delicious apple pie. The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a dessert that is both nostalgic and satisfying. But when it comes to choosing the perfect wine to accompany this American classic, the decision can be a difficult one. Should you opt for a red wine to complement the warm spices, or a white wine to balance the sweetness of the apples?

To help solve this culinary mystery, we turned to Catherine Fallis, a Master Sommelier at Bright Cellars. She shared her expert advice, stating that “If you enjoy red wines with apple pie, go for it! In general, I think the lightly sweeter whites are the way to go to really make the dish shine.” It’s great to know that there are no hard and fast rules, and that we have plenty of options to choose from.

So, if we decide to go the white wine route, what type of wine should we select? Fallis suggests thinking outside the box and trying the Stigma Grand Reserve Aromica Blanc de Blancs from Columbia Valley, Washington. This wine is made with the gewürztraminer grape, which is known for its aromatic and perfumed qualities. It offers a bold personality, light sweetness, and a delightful blend of flavors including baked apples, spices, and pastry. This unique pairing is a great way to elevate the classic apple pie experience.

But what exactly is gewürztraminer? This wine grape variety is grown in Germany and the Alsace region of France, which borders Germany. It can appear in pink or white hues and is typically used to create semi-sweet white wines. The name translates to “spicy Traminer,” which refers to another grape varietal called the Traminer. However, despite its name, gewürztraminer is not actually spicy. It is sweeter than a sauvignon blanc but not as sweet as a moscato. It is often compared to other demi-sec wines like riesling.

Choosing a wine to pair with apple pie is all about enhancing the sweetness and flavors of the dessert. While a red wine can certainly work, it may draw attention to the spicier and more bitter notes of the apple pie. So, if your goal is to highlight the delightful sweetness of the apples, opting for a wine that brings out the brightness of the fruit while complementing the decadence of the sugar and cream is a better approach. This is where the gewürztraminer shines.

In conclusion, apple pie is undeniably a dessert that captures the essence of autumn. And while there are various wine options available, a lightly sweet white wine like the gewürztraminer can truly elevate the apple pie experience. So, the next time you indulge in this quintessentially American treat, consider uncorking a bottle of gewürztraminer to take your dessert pairing to a whole new level. Cheers to the perfect taste of autumn!