The raclette and fondue season is officially open, so we decided to help you choose the right wine to accompany them! For us, as soon as the first winter notes appear, this change of scenery sounds like a culinary reminder. More than a reminder, a special atmosphere: to gather around a table and share a warm meal in a friendly atmosphere. This is what these dishes evoke in us in the first place. Then of course to complete the picture we will talk about some wine styles that we warmly suggest to go with them.
With cheese, white wines are generally preferred
What we particularly like with white wines is the tension they offer and the freshness they add to the whole pairing. Remember that raclette and fondue are extremely high in fat. If it warms up, it can also weigh down at the same time. And for that nothing better than the vivacity present in the wine to counterbalance. White wines are generally more acidic than red wines, so they are fresher and livelier. And for this reason we particularly like white wines that will provide this tension effect. We have the impression that we are cutting through this fatty material, and this is particularly appreciable.
Therefore, we recommend a lively white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire or why not from New Zealand, if you feel like traveling through wine!
But it can also work with some red wines!
With red wine the pairing may seem more complicated, especially with tannic wines. The red wine can be drowned out by the fatness of the raclette and fondue. You could either miss the finesse of the tannins or suffer from a bad interaction between the tannins and the fat of the cheese. An unpleasant impression of heaviness could arise. However, remember that the most important thing is to make it according to your own taste! Your opinion is the most important when it comes to what you like to eat. For our part, we suggest that you go for the lightest, liveliest, and fruitiest styles you can find. A Beaujolais, for example, could satisfy us, with its low tannic intensity, its lively and very fruity side. The behavior on charcuterie would also be particularly appreciable! This red wine would bring greediness, texture to the different meats you would choose.
And why not try fortified wines like a Banyuls or a Ruby Reserve Porto? This could be an original option!
Raclette, fondue and wine: traditional combinations
Yes, generally the wines of a region blend rather well with the local gastronomy. So why not turn to grape varieties such as Chasselas or Mondeuse blanche? They are found particularly in Savoie and Switzerland. These grape varieties work extremely well with raclette and fondue because they have a good natural freshness.
So let’s pair a Savoyard fondue with… a Savoyard wine! We are particularly fond of Mondeuse Blanche for its nervous side. This grape variety is also emblematic of the appellation, so it is perfect to immerse yourself in the local terroir!
For a traditional Swiss raclette, let’s open a Chasselas (a grape variety also called Fendant)! Here again, let’s find an combination that links culinary tradition and wine tradition. If possible, choose the Canton of Vaud which is very emblematic for this grape variety.
And why not pair raclette and fondue with rosé wine?
Rosés may well prove to be the choice that rallies both white and red wine lovers. They offer liveliness, lightness, red fruit notes, while avoiding the tannic structure trap.
Here again for the wines, let’s stay local! We suggest you try the Œil de perdrix. A rosé wine from Neuchâtel in Switzerland, based on Pinot Noir, which is very popular. This wine could well become a faithful companion of your raclette and your fondue.
The final touch
At this rate, all you need to do is find a wooden chalet for a perfect match all the way! But let’s not forget one last touch that is essential for a successful evening. Of course, take your Aveine aerator for a perfect aeration of all your wines, and also take the time to choose the people with whom to share this convivial moment… it is at least as important as the wine!
