Food and wine pairing: Gratin of Leeks

Leek gratin is generally creamy and unctuous, with sweet, buttery flavors, and sometimes a slight hint of hazelnut or garlic, depending on the recipe. Cheese au gratin adds a savory, melt-in-your-mouth layer of flavor. This type of dish goes particularly well with white wines offering a nice acidity to balance the fat, as well as a certain roundness so as not to overpower the delicacy of the leek.

A Chablis bio is an excellent choice to accompany a leek gratin. This dry, mineral white wine, made from Chardonnay, is known for its aromas of white fruits, flowers and gunflint. Its liveliness and freshness perfectly balance the richness of the creamy sauce and gratinated cheese, while its minerality enhances the sweetness of the leek.

The Sancerre blanc bio, made from Sauvignon Blanc, is another excellent companion for a leek gratin. With its aromas of citrus, white flowers and a hint of herbs, it adds a lovely freshness that offsets the richness and creaminess of the gratin. Sancerre, with its lively acidity and minerality, enhances the leeks' finesse while adding a pleasant aromatic dimension.

A Chenin Blanc from Vouvray or Savennières bio in the Loire is also an excellent choice for this type of dish. This white wine can be dry or slightly off-dry, with notes of apple, honey and white flowers, as well as a lively acidity that balances the gratin well. Its roundness and complexity provide a lovely complement to the soft, creamy flavors of the leek.

A Vin Jaune du Jura is a bolder but particularly interesting option to accompany a leek gratin. With its aromas of nuts, curry and mushrooms, this powerful, dry wine brings an aromatic depth that goes well with gratin, especially if it contains a more pronounced cheese. Its liveliness and length on the palate balance the dish, creating a gourmet and harmonious pairing.

Domaine Gouffier Aligoté de Bourgogne, a fresh, tangy white wine, is an excellent companion for a leek gratin. With its aromas of green apple, lemon and sometimes a slight minerality, Aligoté brings a refreshing acidity that contrasts well with the fatness of the gratin, while respecting the finesse of the leek's flavors.

A Mâcon-Villages is a light, unoaked Chardonnay from Burgundy, often fruity with aromas of white flowers, peach and hazelnut. It has sufficient roundness and acidity to accompany the creamy texture of leek gratin. This wine brings a lovely balance, without overpowering the leek's sweetness, while adding a fruity, floral dimension.