The holiday season is a time of decadent desserts and festive flavours, and the iconic Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log Cake, takes centre stage to finish your Christmas dinner the best way possible. But what’s a celebration without the perfect wines to complement this sweet indulgence?
In this guide, we’ll embark on a journey through wine pairings, tailored to suit each style of Yule Log as there are many ways to make it – from classic to frozen.
The Traditional Bûche
The traditional Christmas log cake typically features a light and airy sponge cake rolled with a luscious buttercream filling. Pairing wine with such a rich dessert involves finding a wine that complements the buttercream’s creamy texture and sweetness without overpowering it.
A perfect match would be a sweet wine with fresh, floral and fruity aromas like a Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise with delicate white flowers, honey and exotic fruit flavours. Or a Sauternes with jammy stone fruits and yellow flower aromas. You can also try a Côteaux du Layon or a sweet white Pinot Gris from Alsace.
The Classic Chocolate Log
For a classic Chocolate Bûche de Noël, the nutty, caramel notes of a Tawny Port complement the rich, chocolaty layers and the slight sweetness enhances the cocoa flavours without overwhelming the palate.
You can also try a natural sweet red wine like a Banyuls or a Rivesaltes for their cooked black fruit, prunes and some caramel aromas that make a perfect match with chocolate.
And if you prefer a non-sweet option to match your chocolate Yule Log, a medium-bodied red Bordeaux like a Merlot brings structure along with dark and red fruit notes. The wine’s tannins also complement the dessert’s creaminess and chocolaty textures.
Berry-Infused Yule Log
For a Yule Log with a red berry twist like this Cherry and Chocolate option, a sparkling Rosé is a brilliant choice. The red fruit flavours and lively acidity of the wine complement the berries to perfection.
The honeyed sweetness of a late harvest Riesling also makes it a good match while bringing a crisp freshness to balance out the sweetness of the dessert.
Citrus Bûche de Noël
For a citrusy option like this Lemon Meringue recipe, opt for a Demi-Sec Champagne. The slight sweetness enhances the citrus notes, while the bubbles cleanse your palate, inviting you to indulge further.
You can also go for a Moscato d’Asti – the sweet floral and fruity aromas complement perfectly the citrusy and creamy elements of the cake.
Caramel Yule Log
If you choose a Bûche like this Salted Caramel Christmas Log, why not pick a Cream Sherry or, for something different, a Prosecco.
The luxuriousness of the Cream Sherry mirrors the caramel elements, creating a velvety, indulgent experience, while the crispness and citrus notes of Prosecco contrast the richness, bringing freshness and liveliness to your palate.
Spiced Log
A Christmas Log with sweet spices, such as a Gingerbread Bûche de Noël, needs a wine with some spice elements to match. Choose a Zinfandel for spiciness and jammy fruitiness, or a Sparkling Red Wine for a less common option. The bubbles and red berry flavours add a nice festive note to finish your meal.
Frozen Bûche de Noël
If you go for a frozen log, depending on its flavours, the above recommendations work perfectly with a preference for sparkling or sweet options.
But if you want to try something off-the-beaten track and surprise your guests, pick an ice wine (or eiswein). It pairs naturally with many desserts but the concentrated sweetness and vibrant acidity mirror the frozen dessert’s character and take it to another level.
