Wines with Raclette

Buying wine for raclette: delicious combinations for cosy occasions

Introduction to the world of raclette wine

The world of raclette wine is diverse and offers a wide range of options for finding the perfect wine to accompany your raclette dish. Raclette, a traditional Swiss dish, consists of melted cheese, often served with various side dishes such as potatoes, sausages and vegetables. The wine served with raclette should complement the rich, creamy flavour of the cheese and create a harmonious balance between the flavours. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of wine pairing for raclette and provide recommendations for the best wines to accompany this dish.

Raclette: A Swiss classic reimagined

People gather around raclette to enjoy much more than just melted cheese – it is an experience that brings friends and family together around the table. In Switzerland, raclette has been a staple of convivial evenings for centuries, accompanied by carefully selected wines. The right choice of wine elevates the flavour of the raclette cheese and side dishes to a new level.

The importance of cheese selection

Choosing the right cheese is crucial for wine pairing. Traditional raclette cheese is a Swiss cheese with a high fat content that has a rich, creamy flavour. Each cheese has its own unique flavour and character, which should be taken into account when pairing wine. A good wine should complement the flavour of the cheese and not overpower it.

Which wine goes well with raclette: choosing the perfect raclette wine

A good wine to accompany raclette should balance the richness of the cheese while emphasising its flavours. The acidity, aroma profile, alcohol content and tannins play a decisive role here. A fresh, fruity wine with moderate acidity is particularly recommended for classic raclette cheese from the Valais region.

Classics: Fendant and Chasselas

A Fendant from Valais or a Chasselas from Vaud are traditional accompaniments to raclette. These white wines are characterised by an elegant freshness and restrained fruitiness. Their subtle acidity cuts pleasantly through the rich cheese and ensures a harmonious combination that enriches the taste experience.

White wines as ideal partners

White wines from different grape varieties are the best choice for raclette. Varieties such as Riesling, Rivaner and Chardonnay harmonise perfectly with the melting cheese. Their fresh aromas of citrus fruits, green apple or peach complement the spiciness of raclette cheese ideally.

Red wine with raclette: a question of subtlety

Although white wine is traditionally preferred, red wine can be an exciting alternative to raclette. The prerequisite is a light, low-tannin red wine such as Pinot Noir or Spätburgunder. These wines offer fruity notes of cherry or raspberry without overwhelming the palate with too much tannin.

Red wine with raclette: what to look for?

A red wine for raclette should be fresh and juicy. Too much wood or a strong tannin structure can have a negative effect on the taste experience. Red wines from cooler regions such as Valais are ideal, as they impress with their lightness.

Pairing tips for raclette and wine

• Classic raclette with potatoes: Fendant or dry Riesling
• Raclette with meat accompaniments: Pinot Noir or a strong Chasselas
• Raclette with fish or seafood: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
• Vegetarian raclette: Rivaner or a delicately tart Riesling

Our recommendation for the ideal wine to accompany raclette emphasises the importance of choosing a typical Swiss wine.

The role of acidity

Acidity in wine is crucial with raclette. It cuts through the richness of the cheese and ensures that the palate is cleansed between bites. Without sufficient acidity, the taste can seem heavy and tiring, while the right nuances can enrich the combination of wine and food.

Aromatics and raclette

Wines with a fruity aroma and a light, fresh style complement the spicy taste of raclette cheese particularly well. Notes of citrus fruits, berries or green apple create a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the cheese.

Raclette and side dishes: effects on wine selection

The side dishes and other dishes served with raclette have a significant influence on the choice of wine. If bacon, ham or beef are served, a full-bodied white wine or a light red wine is a better choice. If vegetables or seafood are served, fresh white wines remain the best choice.

Swiss wines for raclette

Wine and raclette: a feast for the senses

The Diego Mathier winery offers an excellent selection of Valais wines that are perfect with raclette. In addition to the classic Fendant, you will find elegant Chasselas and fine Pinot Noir wines that stylishly accompany the raclette experience. A well-chosen raclette wine not only enhances the flavour of the food, but also promotes conviviality. Especially during a raclette evening with friends and family, a harmonious pairing ensures enthusiasm and enjoyment at the table.

White wine or red wine: the big question

The answer to this question depends largely on personal preference. While white wines are traditionally preferred, modern pairing tips offer exciting combinations with lighter red wines as well. However, a simple rule of thumb is that dry white wines are ideal with raclette, while fruity red wines with soft tannins also go well.

Raclette and rosé: an underrated option

A fresh rosé, for example made from Pinot Noir or Gamay, is a charming alternative. It combines the freshness of a white wine with the structure of a red wine and therefore goes well with many types of cheese and side dishes. Ultimately, anything is possible as long as it suits your individual taste.

The best wines to accompany raclette

• Fendant: a classic from Valais, fruity and mineral
• Chasselas: a delicate white wine with subtle acidity
• Pinot Noir: a light red wine, ideal with meat-based side dishes
• Chardonnay: a full-bodied white wine, good with hearty raclette with diced bacon
• Pinot gris or sparkling wine: an insider tip for unexpectedly delicious accompaniments to raclette
  

Recommendations for the right bottle of wine

The choice of bottle size should be based on the number of guests. For a raclette evening with family or friends, magnum bottles are an elegant solution, as they allow the wine to mature more slowly and create a festive atmosphere. Caution: make sure that the wine is not placed near sources of heat, as it can quickly warm up.

Wine temperature for raclette

White wines should be well chilled and served at around 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. Red wines develop their flavour best at around 14 degrees Celsius. A wine cooler or cooling sleeve on the table is a practical aid for maintaining the optimum temperature and bringing out the wine's finish.

FAQs about wines with raclette

Which wine goes best with classic raclette?

A fresh white wine such as Fendant or Chasselas from Switzerland generally goes best with traditional raclette cheese.

Can you drink red wine with raclette cheese?

Yes, a light red wine such as Pinot Noir goes well, especially when served with meat dishes. A full-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir complements hearty dishes such as red meat or spicy sausage without overpowering them.

What is the ideal serving temperature for wine?

Serve white wines at 8 to 10 degrees Celsius and red wines slightly chilled at 14 degrees Celsius. Be careful, wine can warm up quickly if placed near heat sources.

What types of wine are an alternative to raclette?

In addition to classic wines such as Fendant or Chasselas, rosé wines or light Pinot Gris are also exciting alternatives, whereby the grape variety plays a decisive role.

What should be considered when choosing a wine to accompany raclette with different side dishes?

Fresh white wines go well with dishes such as vegetables and fish, while stronger white wines or light red wines are better suited to meat.