In January, the feast of the Epiphany provides a perfect occasion to gather with family or friends around a delicious galette des rois. This centuries-old French tradition deserves to be accompanied by a wine that will enhance its flavors and create a perfect harmony.
Here are some suggestions to help you find the ideal wine to accompany your king’s cake.
The different types of king’s cakes and their specifics
Before choosing the wine that will accompany your pancake, it is essential to know its characteristics in order to make the right choice. There are mainly two types of pancakes:
- The frangipane galette: made of puff pastry and filled with an almond-based cream, this galette is the most common in France and offers a texture that’s both melting and crunchy at the same time.
- The brioche cake: originating from the South of France, this version is made with a brioche dough and often garnished with candied fruits and pearl sugar.
The other regional variants
There are also regional variations, such as the Norman apple galette, the Breton salted butter galette, or even the Basque cream and black cherry galette. These local interpretations can also influence the choice of wine.
Wine pairings for a frangipane king cake
The frangipane galette being the most common, we will focus on food-wine pairings suitable for this type of galette.
- A brut champagne: a great classic that adds a touch of elegance and enhances the freshness of the galette with its fine bubbles and liveliness in the mouth. By choosing a non-vintage champagne or a blanc de blancs, you will achieve a perfect match with your frangipane galette.
- A Burgundy Crémant: this alternative to champagne is just as interesting to accompany your King’s cake. Burgundy Crémant usually offers a nice freshness and a slight acidity which balance the richness of the frangipane. Opt for a Blanc de Blancs Crémant or a rosé Crémant for a successful pairing.
- A semi-dry sparkling wine: if you prefer a less dry wine, opt for a semi-dry sparkling wine such as a Vouvray or a Saumur. These wines, made from the Chenin Blanc grape, have a slight sweetness that pairs well with frangipane.
- A sweet white wine: for a more contrasting pairing, dare to match your frangipane tart with a sweet white wine such as Sauternes or Monbazillac. Their sweetness and aromatic intensity will envelop the flavors of the tart.
Suggestions for a brioche or apple tart
To accompany a brioche galette or an apple galette, you can also opt for a brut champagne or a Burgundy crémant. However, other choices are available to you:
- A dry cider: cider, a traditional Norman drink, pairs very well with apple pancakes due to its slight acidity and refreshing bubbles. Cider also suits a brioche pancake, providing a fruity touch that underscores the indulgence of the latter.
- A dry and fruity white wine: if you prefer wine, opt for a dry white wine such as a Burgundy Chardonnay or a Loire Sauvignon Blanc. These wines, with a beautiful vivacity and fruity aromas, will offer a nice balance to brioche pastry or apples.
The choice of the ideal wine to accompany a king’s cake will depend primarily on the composition of the latter and your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different pairings to find the one that delights you the most. Regardless, prioritize wines offering a certain freshness and a nice balance to enhance your traditional cake.