Yesterday was Epiphany! This celebration inherited from Christianity gave rise to a very indulgent tradition that appears on our tables every January: the galette des rois. But what should you drink with this famous galette des rois?
The origins of the galette des rois
The galette des rois has its origins in ancient Rome, more specifically in the Saturnalia (Roman festivals held from the end of December to the beginning of January to celebrate the winter solstice). During these festivities, the Romans used to appoint a slave as “king for the day.” To do so, each prominent family used the bean from a cake to draw lots for the prince of the Saturnalia. The slave, king for the day, thus had the power to grant all his wishes for one day.
Since the 14th century, people have eaten a galette des rois or a king cake on this occasion. Traditionally, the pastry must be divided into as many portions as there are guests, plus one. This portion was known as the “portion of God” or the “poor person’s portion” and was intended for the first poor person to appear at the door of the home. To ensure that the portions were distributed completely at random, custom dictated that the youngest person sit under the table and name the recipient of each portion in turn.
Today, sharing the galette is more closely associated with the celebration of the Three Magi on Epiphany.
The best drinks to pair with the galette
Cider: the great classic! Semi-dry cider (the perfect pairing to enhance the bitterness of the almond in the frangipane), or dry cider (ideal for balancing a galette des rois with very sweet notes such as pistachio or praline).
A crémant: from Burgundy, Alsace or Jura, it pairs perfectly with galettes featuring notes of orange blossom, citrus or fruit.
A sparkling wine from the Loire, such as Vouvray or Montlouis-sur-Loire, is a wonderful match for an apple or pear galette.
Do you prefer wine? A white wine will be ideal. However, we recommend avoiding wines that are too sweet. Leave sweet or dessert wines such as Sauternes or Coteaux-du-Layon in the cellar. Instead, opt for a fresh, light wine such as a white Burgundy.
The king’s choice? A brut Champagne, low in sugar, will be perfect with any galette. With it, anything goes, and there will be no wrong choice.
What should you drink with a king brioche?
Sweeter, doux cider goes very well with Provençal king brioche.
A fortified Muscat (whose fermentation has been abruptly stopped by adding pure alcohol) or a Jurançon will enhance brioches with fruity and sweet flavors.
If the brioche is plain, a soft, mellow wine such as Gewurztraminer will pair very well with its buttery notes.
If you feel like having sparkling wine, Clairette de Die, with its floral aromas, will be the perfect pairing for an orange blossom brioche.
Is your cellar empty? We surely have the wine you need in our shop!
