What to drink with a Yule log?
A little history
The European custom of burning a log of white wood, often from a fruit tree, in the hearth dates back to the 12th century. Libations were made by sprinkling the log with oil, salt and cooked wine, and reciting the appropriate prayers. The ashes were collected to protect the house from any potential plagues.
This tradition continued until the 19th century, and ceased with the advent of cast-iron stoves. The large log was then replaced by a small log, sometimes decorated with candles and greenery, which was placed in the center of the table as a Christmas decoration.
In 1945, a certain pastry chef invented the delicious pastry we know today.
The different Yule logs
The traditional recipe consists of a sponge cake topped with buttercream and rolled on itself. The main flavors used are vanilla, praline, chocolate, coffee, chestnut or fruit. It is decorated with various sugar, meringue or plastic elements that evoke the spirit of Christmas.
Pairing them with wine is no easy task. Not to mention the impossibility of pairing frozen logs. The cold anesthetizes the taste buds, so tasting a particular wine is of no interest.
Which wines should accompany a Yule log?
A chocolate or coffee log
Chocolate is a powerful and intense ingredient. It is often difficult to match without reinforcing the sensation of bitterness in the mouth. You can forget about dry wines and Champagnes.
Even so, the best match for these logs is a naturally sweet wine such as Banyuls, Maury or Rasteau. These wines become naturally sweet with age and develop aromas of cocoa, roasting and candied fruit. Port can also be a good ally, with its notes of spice and cocoa.
A red fruit log
For a red fruit log, which is often tart, adding freshness is a good option to balance the fat and sugar of this dessert. You can opt for a syrah-based sparkling wine (IGP Pays d'Oc syrah) with aromas of red fruit and peach, or a gamay-based effervescent (Bugey). These wines with their fine bubbles add a touch of lightness to the log.
Citrus or exotic fruit logs
For a citrus or exotic fruit log, the possibilities are more numerous among sweet and syrupy wines. These sweet wines balance perfectly with the acidity of the fruit.
Coteaux du Layon or Alsatian Gewurztraminer are slightly sweet, with notes of citrus, yellow and exotic fruits.
If you opt for very rich wines, Sauternes or Jurançon are perfect. However, sweet wines tend to weigh down this already generous dessert!
White fruit log
For a white fruit log (apples, pears), a fresh sweet wine will match the sweeter, less prominent aromas of the previous desserts. Choose Vouvray or Alsatian wines (Riesling or Pinot gris), which are slightly sweet.
A chestnut, vanilla or praline log
Natural sweet wines or fresh mellow wines go perfectly with the aromas of these logs. For praline, opt for a hazelnut-flavored Madeira or a Marsala. As for vanilla, a soft Riesling from Alsace or Germany is a better choice.
Let us know your favorite pairings with the log you've chosen to bring your festive meal to a delicious close!