Gaillac Primeur Paired / Veggie Bacon and Gruyère Cake
There's something truly special, even nostalgic, about savoury cakes. They've always tugged at my heartstrings, a feeling rooted in childhood memories that unfold like pages of an old family cookbook. I can still taste those first bites from years ago – each slice a time machine transporting me back to kitchens filled with warmth and laughter.
As a wine consultant and foodie, my passion for culinary adventures has only deepened with time. When I first tasted the Gaillac Primeurs from Domaine LaBastide, something sparked inside me. It was more than just a wine; it was a challenge, a muse whispering of potential pairings yet to be discovered.
The journey wasn't easy. Two failed attempts lay scattered behind me – collapsed cakes, mismatched flavours, recipes that seemed to mock my ambition. But I'm not one to give up easily. Each failure was just another step towards something extraordinary.
And then, it happened. The Veggie Bacon and Gruyère cake that emerged from my oven was nothing short of magic. It was more than a recipe – it was a triumph, a perfect harmony between wine and cuisine that I'd been searching for. With each slice, I knew I'd created something that truly celebrated the versatility of Vin Nouveau.
Let's dive into the recipe and the wines that made it all come together.
Gaillac Primeur paired with Veggie Bacon and Gruyère Cake
When it comes to pairing food and wine, Gaillac Primeurs offer a charming blend of freshness and vibrancy, perfect for enhancing savory dishes. Today, I’m spotlighting two delightful Gaillac Primeurs from Cave de LaBastide that beautifully complement a savory Veggie Bacon and Gruyère Cake.
This dish balances the richness of smoky bacon and creamy Gruyère with the freshness of vegetables, making it an ideal pairing for wines with bright acidity and subtle complexity. Let’s explore these two wines and how they harmonize with the cake!
The Wines: Gaillac Primeur from Cave de LaBastide
Promis j’en bois Gaillac Primeur (Blend of Muscadelle and Loin de l’Œil)
This wine boasts mineral-driven aromas of chalk and slate, accompanied by vibrant notes of ripe orchard fruits (apple, pear), stone fruits (apricot, peach), and a hint of lemon peel. The palate is bone dry with medium acidity, a light fizziness, and a medium-minus body. Its clean finish, marked by citrus and mineral nuances, contrasts beautifully with the cake's savory richness.
Promis j’en bois Gaillac Primeur (Single Varietal Gamay)
A lively ruby-red hue hints at its aromatic profile: ripe Maraschino cherry, loganberry, wet stones, and a whisper of undergrowth. On the palate, it’s dry with supple tannins, bright acidity, a light body, and a lingering fruity-mineral finish. This Gamay enhances the earthy spinach and smoky bacon in the cake while balancing its creamy Gruyère notes
Both wines are light, easy-drinking, and perfect for pairing with this savory treat.
The Recipe: Veggie Bacon and Gruyère Cake
This savoury cake is a delightful mix of textures and flavours—moist, smoky, creamy, and fresh. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
2-3 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
½ cup grated Gruyère (75 grams)
100 grams maize (coarsely ground or fine, your preference)
100 grams grated carrot
A handful of spinach
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 eggs
1.7 fl oz (5 cl) milk
1.7 fl oz (5 cl) olive oil
3.5 oz (100 grams) flour
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and olive oil until smooth.
Stir in the grated carrot, spinach, bacon, Gruyère, garlic, and ginger. Mix to combine.
Add the flour, maize, salt, and pepper, stirring until a batter forms.
Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Why the Pairing Works
The Muscadelle and Loin de l’Œil blend brings vibrant citrus and mineral notes that cut through the richness of the bacon and Gruyère while complementing the fresh vegetables. Its slight effervescence adds a playful textural contrast to the moist, savory cake.
The Gamay elevates the dish with its juicy red fruit and subtle earthiness, enhancing the spinach’s fresh flavors and the bacon’s smoky depth. Together, these wines showcase Gaillac’s versatility and elevate this simple yet elegant dish.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether it’s a relaxed weekend brunch, a light lunch, or an intimate dinner with friends, this pairing is a guaranteed hit. The versatility of Gaillac Primeurs makes them an excellent choice for a variety of dishes, but they truly shine with the comforting, savory flavors of the Veggie Bacon and Gruyère Cake.
Cheers, darlings, and bon appétit!