Which wine should you choose for raclette?

Ah, raclette! This comforting dish is all about coming together, evoking mountain life and cosy evenings with friends and family. Before we help you choose the ideal wine for your raclette, let’s take a quick look at the story behind the dish.

Its origins go back centuries, to when Swiss and Savoyard shepherds would melt half a wheel of cheese beside the fire, then scrape it over potatoes and cured meats. Alongside raclette and tartiflette, raclette is a much-loved dish and a symbol of sharing and togetherness in many parts of Europe. Its ingredients are simple and authentic, just like its history: raclette cheese, potatoes and cured meats. But to make the most of the occasion, you need to choose the perfect wine to complement and elevate this comforting dish.

3 characteristics of a good wine for raclette

Raclette often brings to mind time spent with loved ones around a table, where melted cheese, potatoes and cured meats create a symphony of flavours. And to make those moments even better, choosing the right wine is crucial. To help you find the ideal one, here are a few characteristics to bear in mind.

A balance of acidity and fruitiness 

The wine you serve with raclette should cut through the richness of the cheese and cured meats while adding a touch of freshness. A wine with good acidity and fruity aromas will bring out the best in the dish and delight your taste buds.

Tannins and texture 

Wines with too many tannins can sometimes feel heavy on the palate, especially alongside rich, fatty dishes. They also clash with the acidity of the cheese, which can quickly become overwhelming! As a rule, avoid reds. If you really don’t like white wine, choose a red with very light tannins so you can savour every bite without weighing down your palate (so no Bordeaux!).

Intensity and vinous character

Raclette is a hearty, flavourful dish, so it’s essential to choose a wine that can stand up to those flavours without overpowering them. Opt for medium- to full-bodied wines, which will bring a touch of elegance to your meal without overwhelming the dish’s more delicate aromas.

Choose a dry white wine

White wine is often considered the ideal companion to raclette: its acidity and freshness cut through the richness of the dish. We’ve even written an article on 7 dry white wines to try at least once in your life, if you’re looking for something unique and original. Otherwise, for something more classic, here are a few white wines to enjoy with your raclette and good company.

Savoie AOC wines 

The region we all know as the birthplace of raclette is Savoie. This beautiful region is also home to a wide variety of white wines that pair perfectly with the iconic dish. Their fruity and mineral aromas, along with their acidity, balance the flavours of the cheese and cured meats.

Apremont 

Made from the Jacquère grape variety, this wine is light and fresh, with notes of white flowers, green apple and citrus. Its lively acidity and minerality make it an excellent choice for your raclette.

Chignin-Bergeron 

Made from the Roussanne grape variety, this fuller-bodied wine offers aromas of white-fleshed fruit, honey and almond. Its complexity and roundness will bring a touch of elegance to your meal.

Other suitable white wines 

Beyond the wines of Savoie, other white wines can also bring out the best in your raclette. Everyone has their own preferences, and sharing and tasting different wines is the best way to find the one that suits you. That’s why we’ve put together boxes containing several dry white wines, ideal for raclette. 

Moulin-Pouzy

Domaine de Moulin-Pouzy produces an appealing white Bergerac that invites you to gather and enjoy its flavours. Let its delicate aromas carry you away, born of an authentic terroir in south-west France and a promising 2021 vintage. It’s an opportunity to share a relaxed tasting with your loved ones.

Chablis Premier Cru

You can discover it alongside another dry white wine that’s ideal for the occasion, a Chablis Premier Cru, in our La Petite Cave X Flakon box. A lovely way to discover several wines over a delicious raclette!

Château Musar

This exceptional white Viognier from Lebanon is known for its aromatic richness and complexity. Floral notes of apricot and peach combine harmoniously with fine acidity, making it a fascinating introduction to the authentic character of Lebanese terroir.

If you love discovering wines from around the world, you can try it in a box alongside a wine from New Zealand that also pairs wonderfully with a good raclette. A great choice for curious wine lovers!

How should you serve and enjoy wine with raclette?

 

To make the most of your raclette and a delicious wine, it’s worth paying attention to a few details that can make all the difference.

First, every type of wine has an ideal serving temperature that brings out its aromas and flavours. Serve white wines slightly chilled, between 10 and 12°C. Next, choosing the right glasses is essential to enjoying your white wine at its best. Choose suitable glasses with a narrower rim to concentrate the aromas.

If you’re planning to serve several wines at your raclette evening, remember that the tasting order matters. Start with the lighter, fresher wines, then move on to fuller-bodied, more intense ones. Likewise, be sure to aerate each wine according to your wine merchant’s advice to enjoy all its aromas. You could use a smart wine aerator for this. By taking care of these details, you’ll give your loved ones a memorable tasting experience around the raclette table.

Remember: what matters most is sharing and savouring these moments together, with joy and good cheer! Whether paired with beef bourguignon or some fine foie gras, wine is a perfect companion to the moments we share and the memories we make. Let’s take the time to choose it well!