Which Wine to Choose to Accompany a Raclette?
Ah, raclette! This dish is so simple yet so comforting. When the cold sets in, there's nothing better than gathering around a warm raclette, in good company, ready to melt with pleasure. But before plugging in the raclette machine and piling up the potatoes, cheese, and pickles, one essential question arises: which wine should you choose to accompany this feast?
Why white wine with raclette?
Raclette lovers know that a well-chosen white wine can enhance every bite. Why? Because raclette, rich and melting, needs a touch of freshness to balance its intense flavors. White wines are often crisp, with fruity notes and a light acidity that cuts through the fat of the cheese, which is exactly what we need! Moreover, some regions that produce raclette, like Savoie, are also home to white wine terroirs — coincidence? Absolutely not! This is what we call regional pairing, where wines from a specific region are often the best companions for local dishes.
Which white wines should you choose to accompany raclette?
Rieslings from Alsace
If you're looking for a little touch of something different, Alsace wines are great companions for raclette. Riesling, for example, dry, mineral, and slightly lemony, provides an acidity that lightens the mouthfuls of melted cheese. This white wine also has aromas of ripe fruits and sometimes even a petrol-like note, adding a very interesting aromatic dimension to the meal. At Vinodelice, we've got some great Rieslings from Australia or China which will be wonderful with a raclette.
Unoaked Chardonnay
For those who love Chardonnay but want to avoid an overly oaky taste, an unoaked Chardonnay, like a Chablis for instance, is an excellent choice. Light, fresh, and with notes of green apple, this wine has enough body to stand up to the cheese while maintaining a lovely liveliness. An ideal alternative for lovers of white wine with character.
What about red wine?
Some of us like to take risks and wonder: why not try a red wine? It's true that with raclette, sometimes a red seems like it would work. And in some cases, it’s a viable option, but be careful not to choose a red that's too bold or tannic. Raclette, rich and fatty, doesn't pair well with powerful reds because the tannins tend to create an unpleasant metallic sensation when paired with melted cheese.
Opt for light and fruity reds, such as a Gamay from Savoie or a Beaujolais. These wines have low tannins and fruity notes that bring a welcome freshness without overwhelming the palate. A well-chilled Gamay, for example, can add a touch of lightness, but you should really focus on young, low-tannin wines.
In conclusion, the choice of wine also depends on your personal tastes and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you opt for a light white, a fruity red, or some bubbles, the important thing is to find the pairing that will please you and melt your guests' hearts as much as the cheese! So, grab your bottles, and let the celebration begin!
Why white wine with raclette?
Raclette lovers know that a well-chosen white wine can enhance every bite. Why? Because raclette, rich and melting, needs a touch of freshness to balance its intense flavors. White wines are often crisp, with fruity notes and a light acidity that cuts through the fat of the cheese, which is exactly what we need! Moreover, some regions that produce raclette, like Savoie, are also home to white wine terroirs — coincidence? Absolutely not! This is what we call regional pairing, where wines from a specific region are often the best companions for local dishes.
Which white wines should you choose to accompany raclette?
Rieslings from Alsace
If you're looking for a little touch of something different, Alsace wines are great companions for raclette. Riesling, for example, dry, mineral, and slightly lemony, provides an acidity that lightens the mouthfuls of melted cheese. This white wine also has aromas of ripe fruits and sometimes even a petrol-like note, adding a very interesting aromatic dimension to the meal. At Vinodelice, we've got some great Rieslings from Australia or China which will be wonderful with a raclette.
Unoaked Chardonnay
For those who love Chardonnay but want to avoid an overly oaky taste, an unoaked Chardonnay, like a Chablis for instance, is an excellent choice. Light, fresh, and with notes of green apple, this wine has enough body to stand up to the cheese while maintaining a lovely liveliness. An ideal alternative for lovers of white wine with character.
What about red wine?
Some of us like to take risks and wonder: why not try a red wine? It's true that with raclette, sometimes a red seems like it would work. And in some cases, it’s a viable option, but be careful not to choose a red that's too bold or tannic. Raclette, rich and fatty, doesn't pair well with powerful reds because the tannins tend to create an unpleasant metallic sensation when paired with melted cheese.
Opt for light and fruity reds, such as a Gamay from Savoie or a Beaujolais. These wines have low tannins and fruity notes that bring a welcome freshness without overwhelming the palate. A well-chilled Gamay, for example, can add a touch of lightness, but you should really focus on young, low-tannin wines.
In conclusion, the choice of wine also depends on your personal tastes and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you opt for a light white, a fruity red, or some bubbles, the important thing is to find the pairing that will please you and melt your guests' hearts as much as the cheese! So, grab your bottles, and let the celebration begin!
