The Taste of Fall
The Taste of Fall
Two North Carolina favorites are teaming up for one delicious adventure: our talented NC wine growers and our beloved state vegetable, the sweetpotato! As the weather cools and fall settles in, we’re kicking off this pairing series with a menu full of cozy flavors, seasonal charm, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass.
When the nights turn chilly, what could be better than warming up with a hearty lasagna? We’ve given this comfort-food classic a sweetpotato twist with Sweetpotato Pesto Lasagna Rolls. Creamy sweetpotatoes, ricotta, spinach, and basil pesto are rolled into perfectly portioned bundles, then baked in a rich tomato-basil sauce. In just over an hour from prep to plate, you’ll have a cozy weeknight meal worth making again and again. Add a crisp salad or some crusty bread with olive oil, and dinner is officially rolled, ready, and downright delicious!
Pour on the Pairing
Bring a little more North Carolina to the table with Overmountain Vineyards Petit Verdot. Typically full-bodied red with dark-fruit flavors and firm tannins, Petit Verdot makes a satisfying companion to this hearty dish. The ricotta and melted cheeses soften the wine’s tannic grip, while the sweetpotato adds an earthy sweetness alongside the savory pesto and tomato-basil sauce. It’s a cozy pairing made for lingering around the dinner table.
It’s Time for dessert
Now for the grand finale—because a cozy dinner deserves a dessert with a little sparkle! Since our lasagna rolls brought plenty of flair to the main course, we chose a sweet ending that delivers both elegance and ease: Brûléed Sweetpotatoes. This recipe transforms a simple roasted sweetpotato into a playful take on classic crème brûlée. Each tender sweetpotato is topped with caramelized sugar for that irresistible crackly crunch, then finished with a dollop of whipped cream – we vote homemade! Feeling extra indulgent? Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Every bite brings together the crisp sweetness of crème brûlée and the creamy goodness of a North Carolina sweetpotato. Go ahead, crack that sugar shell!
Dessert Wine
Pair that crackly sugar shell with Shadow Springs Vineyard’s 2024 Mistelle de Petit Manseng. Its sweetness complements the caramelized topping, while Petit Manseng’s naturally bright acidity brings balance to the rich sweetpotato and whipped cream.
Located in North Carolina’s Swan Creek AVA, Shadow Springs Vineyard offers another delicious reason to explore our state’s wine country. This dessert pairing celebrates the creativity of North Carolina producers and shows that a memorable local wine experience can continue right through the final course.
Happy pairing and even happier eating! Follow along for more NC wine pairings with North Carolina sweetpotato recipes. We have a feeling this delicious journey will uncork plenty of new favorites along the way. Cheers, y’all!