Delicious Pumpkin Recipes with Wine Pairings

It's mid-October, and pumpkin everything madness is peaking. Over the years, this obese gourd has waged a very successful campaign to penetrate every food group. From much loved snacks like Oreo's and Pringles to adult favorites like vodka and beer, manufacturers continue to unleash increasingly questionable foods laced with artificial pumpkin flavoring. 

Our advice? Skip the artificial stuff and use the real thing to make something palatable. Even hardened pumpkin haters might enjoy some of the recipes we gathered below. Most pumpkin recipes call for brown sugar, butter, and various savory spices like sage, rosemary, and thyme. What wine you pair with each depends on the recipe, but you'll find a variety of types can work well. 

Pumpkin, Coconut, and Lentil soup

This vegan recipe adds a subtle kick of spice to a rich, creamy soup, making it just the thing for cool fall nights.

What to Drink: Reach for a crisp, dry white like Alsace Pinot Gris or Chenin Blanc. Both offer enough acidity to cut through the richness. If you’re in the mood for something a little plusher, Viognier or Gewürztraminer are great options, with enough weight and aromatic lift to complement the soup’s hearty flavors.

Pumpkin Risotto

Have you met a risotto you didn't like? We haven't. This recipe from New York Times hits all corners of the flavor spectrum with sweet pumpkin, spicy ginger, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and savory sage.

What to Drink: You could go in a couple different directions here. Try a crisp, dry Prosecco or Champagne, or alternatively you could pour a full-bodied, new world Chardonnay. 

Pumpkin Pie

A classic dessert recipe calls for an equally classic dessert wine. 'Nuff said. 

What to Drink: Sweet Oloroso Sherry has a nutty, raisin-like quality that stands up nicely against the spices and sweetness of this pie.

Pumpkin Red Pepper Chili

Cooler fall weather requires hearty meals. Pair this flavor-packed chili recipe with Sunday football, a hearty bottle of red wine, and a crackling fire. 

What to drink: Our first choice would be a rich, spicy Zinfandel. Runners up include a Rosso di Montalcino, Syrah, or a Tempranillo.