Food

Winter Pies and Their Perfect Wines

Buttery, crumbly, crunchy, golden and oh-so delicious – yes, it’s pastry season!

Some people love the crisp air of winter and getting all rugged up, but even if you don’t like much about our coldest months, how could you not warm to the comforting tastes of a home-made pie? The culinary version of a toasty blanket by the fire, these winter-inspired pies complete with sumptuous wine matches, will help you navigate the coldest of days and the darkest of winter nights in the most flavoursome of ways.

CHICKEN PIE RECIPE AND WINE PAIRING

Whether the earthy flavours of Lyndey Milan’s Family Chicken Pie or the sweet and decadent Miguel Maestre’s Sweet and Savoury Chicken Pie, the marriage of chicken and pastry is one of the classics and is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Chicken pies are best enjoyed with fuller white styles or lighter reds.

Ideal match: Chardonnay

Or experiment with: Viognier, Fiano, Pinot Noir

LAMB PIE RECIPE AND WINE PAIRING 

Whilst not technically a pie, shepherd’s pies are a gently textured and comforting family favourite, worthy of inclusion on any pie-lover’s menu. But if you’re a traditionalist and insist on the pastry being on top, Lyndey Milan’s Lamb Pie is going to tick all of your boxes. Enjoy with a savoury red.

Ideal match: Tempranillo
Or experiment with: Barbera, GSM, Sangiovese

VEGETABLE PIE RECIPES AND WINE PAIRING 

Considered a lighter, healthier pastry option, the combination of filo, cheese and spinach makes this a perfect partner to a crisp, aromatic white. It you’re willing to forego the light and flaky filo, a less traditional, but just as scrumptious take on this combination is the, Matthew Evan’s Spinach and Ricotta Pie.

Ideal match: Riesling
Or experiment with: Pinot G, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc

Vibrant Middle eastern and Mediterranean vegetables go a long way to brighten a cold, dull winter’s day. Why not open a Tempranillo to serve with Lyndey Milan’s Middle Eastern Vegetable Tart.

Ideal match: Tempranillo

Or experiment with: Rosé, Barbera

Mushrooms and Pinot Noir are a match made in wine heaven, and while Lyndey Milan’s Mushroom and Brie Flan doesn’t have a lid, we couldn’t resist including it.  

Ideal match: Pinot Noir

Or experiment with: Dolcetto, Gamay, Nebiolo, Nero d’Avola

FISH PIE RECIPE AND WINE PAIRING

Rich, decadent and velvety – a pie of such substance and texture is best matched with richer, more textural whites. Lyndey Milan’s Fish Pie with Leek and Fennel is a filo topped, sensational take on this creamy seafood favourite.

Ideal match: Aged Riesling
Or experiment with: Chardonnay, Roussanne, Fiano

MEAT AND VEGETABLE PIE RECIPE AND WINE PAIRING 

The combination of veal and winter vegetables like turnip, parsnip and celeriac makes a really delicious and seasonally perfect pie that pairs well with both richer whites and lighter red wines. Our Veal and Winter Vegetable Pie matches marvellously well with dry Aussie Rosé.

Ideal match: Rosé

Or experiment with: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Grenache

BEEF PIE RECIPE AND WINE PAIRING 

Another firm favourite – but really, what pie isn’t – the combination of red meat, pepper, earthy mushrooms and red wine makes richer, spicier reds an ideal choice. Other pies in this category are the likes of Mark Olive’s Kangaroo Burgundy Pie and the classic Steak and Kidney Pie.

Ideal match: Shiraz
Or experiment with: Durif, Mourvèdre, Malbec

GAME PIE RECIPE AND WINE PAIRING 

Game meats like venison and rabbit make deliciously rich and decadent pies – add a side of parsnips roasted in duck fat and you have a feast. Indulge in our Venison Pie with robust reds.

Ideal match: Mourvédre
Or experiment with: Cabernet, Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot

Pinot Noir lovers will be in culinary paradise with its classic match of duck in a pie form. It’s fine tannins are a perfect match with the earthy and gamey Little Pie of Braised Duck Legs with Port Sauce and Cherries.

Ideal match: Pinot Noir
Or experiment with: Gamay, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Nero d’Avola

DESSERT PIE RECIPE AND WINE PAIRING 

The combination of soft apple, warming spices and savoury pastry means that this classic dessert pie is ideal with sweet or off-dry wines. Or for a slightly less conventional pie option, try the Austrian favourite, the good-old-fashioned Apple Strudel.

Ideal match: Botrytis Semillon
Or experiment with: Late Harvest Riesling, Moscato

What is winter without a chocolate treat? Fortifieds like Liqueur Muscat and Aged Tawny are an indulgent match to make Lindt Chocolate Tarts even more decadent. Just pretend they have a lid and they become a pie.

Ideal match: Liqueur Muscat

Or experiment with: Aged Tawny

Banoffee pie is an English dessert pie made from bananas, cream and toffee, making sweet Fortified wines the natural choice. If banana’s aren’t your thing, but you love a good Fortified with your dessert, maybe opt for Lyndey Milan's Ricotta Torte, or the Lyndey Milan's Cheat’s Fig Tarte Tatin. Sure, none are technically a pie, but they’re round, include pastry and are going to absolutely satisfy your sweet winter cravings. 

Ideal match: Topaque

Or experiment with: Tawny, Muscat

Expert tip: Don’t forget, when matching wines with your dessert pies, remember to ensure the wine is at least as sweet as the dish – otherwise it’s going to taste flat and the flavour will be knocked out.

Time to get baking!

For more delicious recipe and wine matches for winter try our guide to pairing wine with slow cooked meals, 6 best roast dinner and wine matches and pairing wine with soup. Bon appetit!