The Perfect Wine Pairings For Raclette Cheese

Raclette is a Swiss dish that involves melting cheese and pouring it over potatoes, dried meat, and charcuterie. While it may be tempting to reach for a glass of water to wash down this rich meal, it is inadvisable as it can cause the cheese to harden in the stomach. Instead, opt for a glass of wine.

The answer depends on your preference for white or red wine. If you're a white wine drinker, choose a dry variety with high acidity to cut through the fat content of the cheese. Local wines from the Savoie and Haute Savoie regions, such as Roussette de Savoie, Apremont, or Chignin, are ideal. These wines have the freshness and vivacity to counterbalance the richness of the cheese and charcuterie. Alternatively, a Swiss Chasselas or a Bordeaux Entre-Deux-Mers would also pair well.

If you prefer red wine, opt for a light variety with low tannins. A Mondeuse from the Savoie region is a perfect match for raclette. Pinot Noir and Gamay, found mainly in the Beaujolais region, are also excellent choices as their fruity notes complement the cheese and charcuterie.

White wines with high acidity

When it comes to wine, raclette is a flexible dish. Both red and white wines can be paired with it, depending on your preference. However, white wines are generally considered a better match for cheese than red wines.

• Roussette de Savoie AOC: A light and low-alcohol wine from the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions that will bring a touch of freshness to the rich dish.
• Apremont AOC: Another low-alcohol, fruity, and mineral wine from the same regions, adding a bit of lightness to the meal.
• Chignin AOC or Chignin Bergeron AOC: These wines from the Savoie region are also known for their freshness and vivacity, making them a perfect match for the cheese and charcuterie.
• Chasselas: A Swiss variety of wine that is particularly popular in the Canton of Geneva and is known for its ability to showcase its origin.
• Entre-Deux-Mers: A white wine from Bordeaux that can be a great alternative to the regional wines.
• Mâcon-Villages: A Burgundy wine that is often recommended to pair with raclette.
• Saint-Véran: Another Burgundy wine that goes well with raclette.

Red wines with high acidity

When it comes to red wines with high acidity to pair with raclette cheese, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, let's understand why high-acidity wines are recommended. Wines with high acidity pair well with raclette as they cut through the fat content of the cheese and balance out the saltiness. Now, let's explore some specific red wines that fall into this category.

Pinot Noir is a popular light-bodied red wine known for its red fruit and spice aromas, with a smooth finish. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with various foods, including chicken, pork, mushrooms, and of course, raclette. You can find Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Alsace, and the Jura region.

Gamay, from the Beaujolais region, is another excellent choice. This wine is fruity and has light tannins, making it a perfect match for raclette and the charcuterie that often accompanies it.

If you're looking for a regional pairing, Mondeuse red wines from the Savoie region are ideal. These wines are light and have little tannin, making them a perfect match for the melted cheese and cold meats of a raclette.

For something a bit more unique, try Blaufränkisch. This wine is known for its high acidity and displays notes of wild cherry and berry. It pairs exceptionally well with cheeses, especially those from the region where the wine is grown.

Lastly, Grenache is a heartwarming and deliciously round fruit wine with high alcohol and glycerol content. It has a full-body sensation and pairs well with the strong flavours of raclette cheese.

So, there you have it! These red wines with high acidity will perfectly complement the creamy and salty flavours of raclette cheese.

Local wine pairings

For white wines, opt for Roussette de Savoie AOC, Apremont AOC, Chignin AOC, or Chignin Bergeron AOC. These Alpine wines are low in alcohol, fruity, and mineral, providing a fresh contrast to the rich dish. Alternatively, a Swiss Chasselas from the Canton of Geneva is an excellent choice, as is a white wine from Chignin (Savoie) made with the emblematic grape varieties Bergeron and Mondeuse.

If you prefer red wine, a light red with minimal tannins is best suited to raclette. Mondeuse red wines from the Savoie region are an ideal pairing, as are Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes, primarily found in Burgundy and Beaujolais, respectively. These fruity wines with light tannins complement the cheese and charcuterie beautifully.

For a sparkling wine pairing, a Crémant from Savoie, Alsace, or Jura will add a festive touch to your meal. The fine bubbles of these wines will enrich the textures of the dish and make it more digestible.

Wines with nutty flavours

• Chardonnay: This grape variety, which takes its name from a village in France, is one of the three main grapes in the Champagne region. Chardonnay is known for its peach, melon, and citrus flavours, as well as its affinity for oak, resulting in notes of vanilla, coffee, and hazelnuts. It pairs well with raclette cheese due to its high acidity levels.
• Muscat: This wine is produced from the Muscat family of grape varieties, with over 200 important clones and production techniques available. The range of wines is broad and fascinating, and the different techniques make each wine very individual. Muscat pairs well with raclette cheese, as well as fondue and cheesecake.
• Sauvignon Blanc: A popular choice for wine lovers, Sauvignon Blanc is known for its herbal flavours and high acidity. It is grown all over the world, resulting in a variety of styles. It pairs well with herb-driven sauces and various cheeses, including raclette, goat cheese, feta, and parmesan.
• Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio: This pink grape is a mutation of Pinot Noir and is known for its zesty white wines. It can also be used for rosé. Pinot Gris is found in Northern Italy, Oregon, and Alsace, and pairs well with white meats, seafood, and cheeses. It complements the flavours of raclette cheese well and can also be enjoyed on its own or as an aperitif.
• Gruner Veltliner: Grown in Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, this white wine variety is cool and collected, with a combination of citrus and apple flavours. It is very acidic and eccentric, making it a likable choice for many. Gruner Veltliner pairs well with a variety of dishes, including cheeses, creamy sauces, and potato salad.

Sparkling wines

If you want to stick to the same region as raclette cheese, which is the Savoie region, then a Crémant de Savoie is a good choice. This sparkling wine will have a light and low alcohol character, making it harmonious with the cheese. The fat content of the cheese will be enhanced by the freshness of the wine and the vivacity of its aromas.

If you're looking for a more unique pairing, you could try a sparkling wine from a different region, such as a Crémant d'Alsace or a Crémant du Jura. These sparkling wines will also have a wonderful texture and make your meal more digestible.

So, whether you choose a local sparkling wine from the Savoie region or explore other options from different regions, sparkling wines are a great choice to pair with raclette cheese.

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