What wine to drink with pumpkin?

With the arrival of autumn and the celebration of Halloween this Thursday, October 31, seasonal pumpkin-based recipes will invade our kitchens, from velouté to gratins, including risotto and pies. To enhance the sweetness and texture of this vegetable, it is essential to choose the wine that will highlight its flavors while providing perfect balance. But what type of wine goes best with pumpkin? Here are suggestions for making these pairings a success and fully enjoying your fall meals.

With pumpkin, dry or slightly sweet white wines

Pumpkin dishes, especially when slightly sweet or creamy, pair particularly well with dry white wines. These wines counterbalance the natural sweetness of the vegetable while providing freshness. For example, a Chenin from the Loire or a Muscadet is ideal for a pumpkin velouté.

For a more aromatic touch, opt for a Gewurztraminer from Alsace, which offers floral and spicy notes. This wine goes beautifully with a pumpkin gratin with sweet spices, such as nutmeg or cumin, highlighting the richness of the flavors. A dry or sweet muscat can also pair well with a pumpkin risotto recipe, enhancing the slightly sweet notes of this creamy dish.

Light and fruity red wines

If you prefer a red wine, choose light, fruity reds, with few tannins, which will not dominate the flavors of the pumpkin. Gamay wines from the Beaujolais region, such as a Morgon or Fleurie, could do the trick. Their aromas of red fruits and their supple texture go well with more spicy dishes, such as roast pumpkin with herbs or a gratin garnished with goat cheese.

For lovers of more structured wines, a pinot noir, from Burgundy or Alsace, can also be a great option. Its notes of cherry, raspberry and sometimes undergrowth harmoniously complement the pumpkin aromas. This type of red wine goes well with spicy or roasted pumpkin dishes, such as a savory pumpkin and bacon tart, where it counterbalances the fat while offering a hint of acidity.