Wine and cannelés: 2 perfect matches

Perfect Bordeaux Wine Pairings for Local Delights

It’s customary to pair local products together, so here are two Bordeaux wines for two perfect pairings.

1) The Perfect Pairing: Sauternes

Caramelized, firm, and slightly vanilla-flavored, cannelés are a complex dessert that demands a wine of similar character. We recommend a Sauternes, ideally aged 4 or 5 years. Typically sweet, fruity, and fresh, Sauternes offers a rich and balanced mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the cannelé’s slightly chewy texture.

Our Suggestion:

DOMAINE DE CARBONNIEU - REFLETS DE CARBONNIEU - AOC SAUTERNES

Varietal: Semillon
Color: Crystal-clear
Aromas: Exotic fruits, white flowers, with honey notes
Palate: Rich and fresh with citrus hints

Enjoy this wine as a dessert or an aperitif.

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2) The Original Pairing: Pineau des Charentes

If you want to step off the beaten path, consider a more unique Bordeaux wine: Pineau des Charentes. This wine is made with cognac, resulting in a higher alcohol content that complements the rum flavor found in cannelés. Its aromatic nose of fruits and spices, along with its rich character, pairs exceptionally well with the complex flavors of cannelés.

Our Suggestion:

DOMAINE SAVINAUD- PINEAU BLANC - AOC PINEAU DES CHARENTES

Varietal: Ugni
Color: Pale yellow with brilliant reflections
Aromas: Fruity and floral with vanilla notes
Palate: Bold attack followed by a sense of breadth and generosity

Ideal as an aperitif or with fish.

Our Selection Wines and Dessert : wines from independent winemakers, at the estate price. See the selection →

FAQ - Wine and cannelés

Which wine should you serve with Bordeaux cannelés?

A sweet Sauternes is the safe choice: its roundness and honey notes answer the cannelé's caramel. For a more surprising match, try a Pineau des Charentes, made with cognac, which echoes the rum in the batter.

Why does Sauternes work so well with cannelés?

Cannelés are caramelized, firm and slightly vanilla-flavoured. The rich yet fresh palate of Sauternes, with its exotic fruit and white flower aromas, balances that sweetness without overpowering it.

Can Pineau des Charentes be paired with dessert?

Yes. Its higher alcohol content and nose of fruit and spice suit the complexity of cannelés. Its rich character extends the tasting and recalls the rum note in the dessert.

How old should a Sauternes be for this pairing?

A Sauternes aged 4 to 5 years works well: it has gained depth while keeping its freshness. That balance avoids a wine too young and sharp, or a vintage too heavily candied.

At what temperature should these wines be served with cannelés?

Serve both the Sauternes and the Pineau des Charentes well chilled, around 8 to 10 °C. A cool temperature tightens the sweetness and highlights the freshness that answers the dessert's caramel.