Papi Pairings: Wine and Thanksgiving Desserts

The final Thursday of November presents the opportunity to express gratitude and, more importantly, impress your friends with your hosting skills. Offering a home-made (or store-bought — Papi doesn’t judge) dessert with a well-paired wine will leave your guests no choice but to name you the hostess with the mostest.

In the event that none of our pairings suit your fancy, here is a brief guide on how to pair any wine with dessert.

1. The wine should be as sweet, if not sweeter, than its accompanying dessert.

This ensures that the wine can shine without tasting bitter compared to the dessert.

2. Light desserts go best with lighter wines.

Flavors such as vanilla, lemon, white chocolate, caramel, and fruit tend to complement the lightness of white and pink wines.

3. Rich chocolatey confections pair well with more complex wines.

Full-bodied red wines match the intensity and depth of chocolate desserts.

4. Sparkling wines, such as Prosecco, are more versatile and easier to experiment with.

Their bubbles cleanse the palate in a way that creates room to experiment with light or rich indulgences.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake

This is a decadent twist on a classic Thanksgiving treat. Adding layers of pumpkin pie and chocolate to the richness of a cheesecake creates a complex indulgence that can only be complemented by Papi Black Sweet Wine and Papi Merlot. Papi Black is a medley of dark berries with a hint of effervescence, resulting in a sweet yet balanced pairing. The notes of black pepper and the smooth finish of our Merlot will enhance the chocolate and pumpkin spice in the cheesecake.

Apple Pie

A well-made apple pie is gooey, flaky, and pairs perfectly with an equally well-made wine. Elevate this comforting dessert with Papi Sauvignon Blanc or Papi Prosecco. Our Sauvignon Blanc cuts the sweetness of the apple pie with its light acidity, and its notes of green apple, grapefruit, and honeysuckle pair well with a slightly tart apple pie and its spices. Our Prosecco’s flavors of white peach and orange blossom, along with its effervescence, make for a more refreshing yet equally stunning accompaniment.

Sweet Potato Casserole

A sweet potato casserole topped with toasted mini marshmallows can be complemented in two different ways. To contrast the decadence of the dessert, pair it with Papi Cabernet Sauvignon. It has just enough tannins to create a complex combination without overpowering the casserole. If you prefer a wine with a creamier mouthfeel to match the smooth texture of the sweet potato, try Papi Chardonnay. Its notes of toasted almonds and French oak enhance the smokiness of the golden brown marshmallows.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie, one of the most beloved Thanksgiving desserts, deserves a wine that complements its creamy texture and blend of sugar and spice. Papi Moscato has soft bubbles with flavors of sweet peach, orange blossom, and nectarine. These bright notes lift the denseness of the pie, resulting in a lighter, more vibrant bite. Our Prosecco complements the pumpkin pie, tempering its warm autumn spices with its lively golden bubbles for a sweet yet not too sweet taste. 

Apple Galette

An apple galette’s buttery, flaky crust melts in your mouth while its tart green apples perfectly balance out the warmth of its brown sugar and autumn spices. Papi Rose’s crisp rhubarb flavor pairs perfectly with the lightness of this dessert and matches its sweetness. Our sweet apple wine has a residual sugar level closer to that of a dessert wine, making it the ideal choice for an apple galette that utilizes sweeter apples such as Honeycrisp and Gala. 

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie offers a light, buttery crust and a sugary, tender filling with a subtle nuttiness. Papi Sweet Red captures the essence of strawberries and raspberries, enhancing the vanilla and caramel notes of the pie to create a harmonious combination. For a more unexpected pairing, try our Original Red Sangria. Its fresh citrus aroma and notes of cherry, plum, and sour strawberry complement the deep flavor of cinnamon and dark corn syrup.

Regardless of the dessert you choose to conclude your Thanksgiving meal, there’s a Papi varietal to go with it. When in doubt, choose Papi Prosecco. Its palate-cleansing capabilities make it a rather forgiving wine pairing, and its beautiful bubbles add a flair of festivity to any occasion.

We're thankful for all the Mamis and Papis who enjoy Papi Wines. Cheers.