What wine to drink with a galette des Rois?

? The galette des rois, an emblematic dessert celebrated the world over, has its roots in the pagan festivals of Antiquity. Among the Romans, it was shared during winter solstice celebrations. In a tradition similar to the one we know today, a child was placed under the table to distribute the slices of cake. In those days, the bean symbolized ephemeral power: whoever found it was crowned king or queen for the day, with the possibility of having all his or her wishes granted. To enhance this dessert, a sweet wine or cider is an ideal choice. With the wealth of galette des rois variations around the world, discover here the best pairings between wine and galette des rois to sublimate every bite.

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In France, we make a "frangipane" galette des rois.

? The basis of frangipane is an almond-based preparation. The cream is quite heavy and naturally releases a lot of aroma. So you'll need a sweet white so as not to contrast too much, but with a certain balance so that the dessert isn't too heavy. If you don't want no sweet wineset off on a Chardonnay very exuberant. Some Chardonnays from Loire offers this aromatic profile, with aromas of almond and juicy fruit, and above all a lovely fatness.
If, on the other hand, you want a little sugar, you can still use the same grape variety, the chardonnay. In France, there are appellations or vins de pays that vinify it as a sweet wine. You can also opt for chenin which will offer aromas of white fruits and juicy fruits that will go very well together. You'll find these wines in the following appellations Coteaux-du-Layon, Quarts-de-Chaume or even Bonnezeaux.

 

A few ideas of wineries and their great wines to accompany a galette des rois : 

• Jonathan Didier Pabiot
• Taille Aux Loups
•  Domaine des Closiers

 

In Portugal, we make a galette from brioche dough.

? The Portuguese galette des rois has nothing in common with our traditional French galette des rois. The latter is made from a rounded brioche dough with a hollow in the center representing a crown. Depending on the family, it is sometimes garnished with candied fruit.
To recall the aromas of white fruits and candied juice fruits, it may be interesting to choose a Beaumes-de-Venise sweet. If you want something a little fresher, return to the chenin but this time on the Coteaux de l'Aubance. The latter is slightly lighter than its Coteaux-du-Layon cousin.
This time, if you don't want sweet wine, opt for a Pessac-Léognan. This white appellation is a blend of Sauvignon and, above all, Sauvignon Blanc. sémillon which offers these apricot and gourmet notes with more lightness than a Sauternes.

 

In Japan, yuzu is at the heart of the galette des rois.

? Although a minority, Japan does have a Christian community. That's why it's possible to rediscover Western gastronomic traditions. The galette des rois in Japan is often made with candied peel and yuzu juice. As you can see, it's a sweet cake spiced up with lots of citrus fruits.
For a perfect food and wine pairing, we recommend white wines. slightly sweet based on colombar or manseng. From Côtes de Gascogne will be interesting, as it gives off exotic fruit and citrus aromas with a slightly sweet finish. You can also choose a Jurançon which will lose a little of its citrus fruitiness but gain in candied, exotic flavor.

Now you know everything there is to know about pairing a wine with a galette des rois. 

 

A video for more ideas!