Tonight, you organize a raclette party ? White wine or red wine, discover with Beaux-Vins which wines to choose to pair with this convivial meal !

Raclette is life ! There is no doubt, in my opinion, this is THE winter dish that I could eat at every meal. The cold is approaching and nothing like a hearty and friendly dish to warm up. But one question remains unanswered : which wine to choose to pair with the raclette ?

Wine blog Fine wines wine pairing raclette

This is what I read on the internet : "Raclette require a white wine and that's all. On that, we do not discuss.". One thing is certain in any case, raclette is charcuterie, cheese, potatoes and wine. The rest is superfluous — like salad to pretend eating something healthy —. So there is a lot of fat that the wine will have to overcome without dominating it. So, put aside the complex and aged wines and take out your buddy wines.

White wine and raclette

As I explained in the post " Wine and cheese : how to get the perfect match ? ", cheese is much more easily accompanied by white wine despite the idea of systematically taking out a bottle of red wine when taking out the cheese platter.

A dry white wine overcomes the fat of the raclette and brings a little freshness to the meal — the room temperature is always at 40 ° C as soon as the raclette machine is turned on —. As usual, I advise you to think local when choosing your wine. If there is a rule to remember when choosing the right wine for raclette, it is to opt for a dry white wine, young, not too acidic and not aged in barrels.

If I had to advise you only one wine, I would answer without hesitation Roussette from Savoy. A dry white wine, with a fresh and lively palate. This appellation takes its name from its grape variety, the Roussette, also named Altesse. You can also go to an Apremont or a Chignin.

Rinse your throat with Switzerland

Switzerland can come to your table for the time of a meal around raclette. The grape variety Chasselas is truly part of Swiss identity and culture. Also called "the king of grape varieties", it is the typical white grape of French-speaking Switzerland. You may know him as Fendant - in the canton of Valais - or under his German name of Gutedel.

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A wine from this grape variety can be enjoyed as an aperitif or to pair cheese dishes such as fondue or raclette. The beautiful minerality and freshness that characterize it perfectly match the fat of the raclette. Chasselas has the distinction of adapting very well to its terroir and it can present a wide variety of aromatic profiles.. According to the terroir, the wine can be fruity, floral, typical terroir, slightly soft. After five to ten years, the aromas will become honeyed, with notes of notes and a beautiful creamy texture.

It is a wine with a real personality where the terroir is fully expressed to give the best.

Red wine is also possible

Even if the cheese calls for a white wine, deli meats can be paired with a red wine. The latter has the advantage of not entering on this routine of systematically pairing raclette with white wine.

Blog red wine fine wines wine pairing raclette

But beware of the mistake, do not take just any red wine to pair with your raclette. The main thing is to select a red wine with low tannins - otherwise it will not work with the cheese —.

In regional wines, you can choose eyes - almost - closed to The Mondeuse. This black grape, King of Savoy is more complex than Pinot Noir. A Pinot Noir from Savoie or a Dôle are also ideal for your raclette evenings. Dôle is a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay.

Jean-Nicolas Mouretin

What are the best wines to drink with raclette?

RegionsAppellations
Savoy
  • Chignin Bergeron (White)
  • Chignin (White)
  • Roussette from Savoy (White)
  • Apremont (White)
  • Mondeuse (Red)
The Loire Valley
  • Bourgueil (Red)
  • Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil (Red)
Burgundy
  • Saint-Véran (White)
  • Mâcon (White)
  • Saint-Bris (White)
Jura
  • Arbois (Red)
Rhone Valley
  • Crozes-Hermitage (White)
  • Saint-Joseph (White)
  • Saint-Péray (White)
Beaujolais
  • Juliénas (Red)
  • Brouilly (Red)
  • Morgon (Red)

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