The French Art of Wine and Crepe Pairing

French crepes are a beloved tradition in France and have been enjoyed for generations. They originated in Brittany, a region in the northwest of France, and have been a staple food for centuries. The art of making crepes dates back to the Middle Ages, and has since become an integral part of French cuisine and culture.

Crepes are thin and delicate pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients. They are made with a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and sugar, and are cooked to perfection on a hot griddle or crepe pan. The key to a good crepe is the batter, which should be thin and evenly spread in the pan to create a crispy yet tender texture.

In France, crepes are considered a versatile and affordable food that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are also a staple at special celebrations and events, such as La Chandeleur (Candlemas), which is a holiday that marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

Which wine with sweet crepes 

 For sweet crepes filled with Nutella, fruit, or sugar, a dessert wine such as Sauternes would be a good match. These wines have a sweet and rich flavour that complements the sweetness of the crepes.

Caramel crepes with Sauterne

For Caramel Crepes, a sweet and toasty wine like a Sauternes would be a great match. Sauternes has a rich and luscious flavour profile with notes of honey and apricot that pair well with the caramel. This wine has a high sugar content that balances the sweetness of the crepes and a creamy texture that complements the smooth texture of the crepes.

Try out our L’Ilot de Bergeron – a sweet Sauternes perfect for your dessert.

Savoury crepes with white wine 

Savoury crepe or what we call ‘galette’ in French are a Breton specialty. It’s often topped with eggs, emmental cheese and ham. Buckwheat gives the pancake a more rustic and salty taste than wheat, and also gives it a crispness.

To complement the flavours in a galette, a crisp white wine with good acidity and minerality would be a good choice. Wines like Chardonnay, or Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley would work well. For a red wine option, a light-bodied Pinot Noir from Burgundy would be a good match, as it has a delicate flavour profile that won’t overpower the flavours in the galette. If you choose this option, we recommend our Domaine de la Thalie – Rully, with its freshness and balanced acidity.

Another option could be a rosé wine with bright acidity, like our Provence rosé Via Caritatis, which would refresh the palate and balance the richness of the galette.
Additionally, a sparkling wine like Cremant de Loire can also be enjoyed with galettes, adding a festive touch to the meal.

Crepes with sparkling wine

For a festive twist, try pairing crepes with a glass of sparkling wine such as Champagne or Prosecco. The bubbles in the wine add a fun and lively element to the meal.

Champagne is a versatile wine that pairs well with crepes due to its crisp acidity and effervescence. The bubbles in Champagne help to cleanse the palate, balancing the richness of the crepes. This makes Champagne a great option for pairing with both sweet and savoury crepes.

For sweet crepes, a Brut Champagne is a good choice, as its crisp acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the crepes. This pairing creates a harmonious balance between the richness of the crepes and the crispness of the Champagne, enhancing the flavours of both the dish and the wine.

For savoury crepes, a Champagne with a slightly higher dosage, such as a Demi-Sec, can work well. The extra sweetness in a Demi-Sec Champagne can balance out the flavours of savoury crepes and enhance the taste of the dish.

Try out our Duc De Chancay – Cremant de Loire or Vouvray ‘Insolent’ to have the best experience with your crepes !

Still not decided on which wine to choose? 

When choosing a wine to pair with crepes, it is important to consider the flavours and sweetness level of both the wine and the crepes.

In general, the key is to find a wine that enhances the flavours of the crepes and creates a balanced and harmonious flavour experience. A wine that is too dry or too tannic may overwhelm the delicate flavours of the crepes, so it is important to choose a wine that is well-suited to the specific crepes you are serving.

 It is perfectly okay to have a glass of wine with crepes. Pairing wine with food can enhance the overall dining experience by bringing out different flavours and aromas in both the food and the wine. Having a glass of wine with crepes can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the meal, making it a special occasion, whether you are enjoying a quiet breakfast or a festive celebration.

Bon appétit!

Want to learn more about French wine? We’re here to help! Why not check out our French wine club? Every three months we send direct to your door three or six bottles of boutique French wines which have been carefully selected by wine experts in France along with detailed information about each wine and food pairing ideas to help you really discover French wine. And as if that wasn’t enough, we also have a wine club gift option for that special wine lover in your life!