What wine to drink with raclette?

Dec 4, 2024

Raclette, this friendly and comforting Savoyard dish, is a must for winter meals. Whether with family or friends, it always delights with its blend of melted cheese, cold meats, potatoes and pickles. But among the questions that arise when tasting it, one of the most important remains: which wine to choose to accompany this cheese specialty?
Don’t panic! Here are some tips for pairing wine and raclette, and making this meal a real feast for the taste buds.

The basics for choosing a wine with raclette

Cheese is the main ingredient in raclette. Therefore, you want to choose a wine that is neither too strong nor too light. A wine that will balance the rich, creamy side of the cheese while being fresh enough to lighten the fat.
Ideally, you should choose a dry, aromatic, or even slightly fruity white wine that pairs well with melted cheese. Red wines can also be suitable, but make sure they are not too tannic so as not to overpower the dish.

The best white wines to accompany raclette

Savoyard white wine

Jacquère is a great choice to accompany raclette. This local grape variety, often associated with the Savoie mountains, is fresh, light, and has subtle notes of white flowers and white-fleshed fruits. It offers a beautiful balance that pairs perfectly with the texture of the melted cheese.

Roussanne or Marsanne

These grape varieties are often used in white wines from the Rhone Valley. Their acidity and roundness make them perfect for cutting the creaminess of the cheese while providing a beautiful aromatic complexity.

Chardonnay

A fresh Chardonnay, which has not been aged too much in oak, can be a good option. It will bring a nice freshness and aromas of fresh fruit and flowers, while offering a certain roundness to pair with the cheese.

Pinot Gris

A Pinot Gris from Alsace can also be a good choice. Its slightly fuller body and fruity, floral aromas pair well with the melted cheese of the raclette.

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The best red wines to accompany raclette

If you prefer a red wine, you will want to choose a light and low-tannin one to avoid it masking the flavors of the cheese. Here are some suggestions:

Pinot Noir

A light and fruity Pinot Noir, especially a Burgundy or an Alsace wine, is a delicate and refined choice. Its notes of red fruits and its supple structure harmonize well with the melting textures of the raclette, without too many tannins.

Gamay

Gamay, especially Beaujolais, is a young and fruity wine, not very tannic, which will go very well with raclette. It will bring a touch of freshness and a slight acidity which will contrast pleasantly with the richness of the cheese.

Cinsault

Cinsault, often used in Provence wines, can also do the trick. It produces supple wines, with aromas of red fruits and a lightness ideal for raclette.

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Savoie wines: a safe bet for raclette

Savoie is a wine region renowned for its white wines that pair perfectly with raclette. In addition to Jacquère, there are other Savoyard wines that will pair well with raclette:
  • Apremont : a dry and mineral white wine, very fresh, which will bring a nice liveliness to the meal.
  • La Mondeuse : a fruity and light red wine, with a nice acidity, which will pair well with a raclette made with cold meats.

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Some additional tips for a successful deal:

It is important to serve your wine at the right temperature. White wines should be served between 8°C and 10°C, while light, fresh reds should be served slightly chilled (around 12°C).
If your raclette is accompanied by charcuterie such as country ham, salami, or coppa, this may influence your choice of wine. For example, a raclette with savory charcuterie might pair well with a light, fruity red wine, while a simpler raclette, with just cheese and potatoes, might lend itself better to a crisp white wine.

Summary and conclusion

  • For a traditional raclette, choose a dry, fruity white wine, such as a Jacquère, an unoaked Chardonnay or a Pinot Gris.
  • If you prefer a red wine, opt for a light wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Gamay, to avoid overpowering the cheese.
  • Don’t forget that Savoie wines (Mondeuse, Apremont) are safe bets to accompany this dish.

By choosing your wine carefully, you will maximize the taste pleasure of your raclette, and your guests will be delighted with this perfect pairing of cheese and wine. Bon appetit and health!

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