If you haven’t tried one (or ten) of these heavenly little dumplings, you don’t know what you’re missing. Here are 7 wine and pierogi pairings to get you started!
Pierogies are big in central and eastern Europe. They’re considered the national dish of Poland, and they’re popular in many American cities with large Polish or Ukrainian populations, like Chicago and Pittsburgh.
For the uninitiated, pierogies (pronounced peer-OH-ghees) are traditionally stuffed with potatoes and cheese. Sometimes boiled, sometimes sautéed in butter, pierogies may be served with caramelized onions, sour cream, sauerkraut, kielbasa, mushrooms, or any combination of these ingredients. You’ll even find dessert perogies made with fresh fruit or jam.
Whether you grew up eating your grandma’s traditional dumplings or you’d like to experiment with a modern twist on a classic, this guide will help you pair pierogies with wine.
1. Classic Pierogies
Traditional pierogis are comfort food – basically, mashed potatoes in a pocket made of dough. Since they’re usually buttery, you’re going to want a wine with a decent amount of acidity to cut through the fat. Try a zippy off-dry Riesling, or a fruity and spicy Cabernet Franc.
2. Pierogies with Sour Cream
Sour cream can be incorporated into pierogi dough, or served on the side. This tangy topping provides a nice contrast to the creamy filling. Pair these pierogies with a white wine with a kick of acidity, like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly-oaked Chardonnay. If you’re looking for a red wine, go with Merlot, a medium-bodied red with notes of black cherry and spice.
3. Pierogies with Sauerkraut
Similar to sour cream, sauerkraut offsets the creaminess of pierogies by adding some tartness and tang. Pair these pierogies with Lambrusco – a light-bodied fizzy red wine – or a dry Riesling, a white wine with notes of citrus and green apple.
4. Pierogies with Mushrooms
If you want to add some flair to traditional pierogies, sautéed mushrooms will give the dish some richness and added flavor. Pair these pierogies with Pinot Noir, a fruit-forward light red wine with a hint of earthiness. You could also try a medium-bodied aromatic white wine, like Viognier.
5. Pierogies with Spinach
Looking to add a little green to your plate? Whether you wilt some spinach in butter and garlic, make a side salad, or even whip up a spinach pesto to go on top, pair these pierogies with Sauvignon Blanc, a light white wine with an herbal note similar to bell pepper or fresh cut grass.
6. Pierogies with Meat
Whether you like pierogies made with ground beef or kielbasa, you’ll want a bold red wine with medium tannins. Try an Argentinian Malbec, with dark fruit notes and silky tannins. White wine lovers can go with an off-dry Riesling.
7. Dessert Pierogies
When it comes to the end of the meal, consider the kind of fruit or jam that’s used in the filling. Pierogies filled with strawberries pair well with Zinfandel. Blueberry or plum-filled dumplings go well with Shiraz. If your dessert perogies are especially sweet, you may want to go with a sweeter wine, like sherry.
