🍷 Wine for raclette: Savoie, Jura or Alsace? Tips & perfect pairings
Quick answer: To enhance your raclette, choose a dry and aromatic white wine from Savoie (Apremont, Roussette, Jacquère), Jura (Savagnin, Chardonnay) or Alsace (Riesling, Pinot Gris). Their freshness and liveliness perfectly balance the fat of the melted cheese 🧀🍷. Light reds like Gamay or Pinot Noir, served slightly chilled, can also add a delicious touch without weighing down the dish. Avoid tannic reds!
Which wines should you choose to accompany raclette?
When we think of raclette wine , we often imagine the conviviality of a winter evening, the generosity of melted cheese and the gourmet simplicity of a dish that brings everyone together around the table 🥳. But the choice of wine makes all the difference in balancing the fat of the cheese, awakening the taste buds and avoiding the famous “hit” at the end of the meal!
- Always opt for a dry, crisp white wine with lovely minerality and refreshing acidity. Light reds are also a good option, but avoid overly pronounced tannins.
- Savoie 🏔️: Apremont, Roussette, Jacquère … Fresh, fruity, with floral and mineral notes. Perfect with traditional raclette, charcuterie and potatoes.
- Jura 🌳: Chardonnay, Savagnin (non-oxidative) bring a touch of hazelnut, freshness, and a nice length. Ideal if you like original pairings.
- Alsace 🥨: Riesling and Pinot Gris are safe bets, aromatic, balancing the fat of the cheese and the saltiness of the charcuterie. Gewurztraminer, rounder, also works if you prefer sweetness.
- Light reds 🍒: Gamay, Pinot Noir (Savoie, Jura, Burgundy), young and fruity, served slightly chilled (12–14°C), for those who swear by red!
Avoid wines that are too woody, tannic or powerful (Bordeaux, Cahors, Madiran, etc.) which would overwhelm the delicate flavors of the cheese 🛑. Always favor freshness and lightness in your pairings!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about raclette wine 🍷
Why avoid strong red wines with raclette?
Powerful, tannic, or woody reds (like Bordeaux, Malbec, Syrah, etc.) dominate the cheese and reinforce the sensation of heaviness. Their structure accentuates the fat in the dish and can give a pasty mouthfeel. Choose a light, fruity, low-tannin red, like a Gamay or a Pinot Noir from Savoie, Jura, or Burgundy 🍒.
Does a sweet white wine work?
A sweet white wine like Gewurztraminer or Pinot Gris vendanges tardives can accompany a raclette if you like sweet and savory pairings! But be careful of the balance: too much sugar masks the cheese. Prefer a dry or semi-dry wine to avoid saturating the palate 🤗.
What is the ideal serving temperature?
Store your white wines between 8 and 12°C to preserve their fruit and freshness. Lighter reds benefit from being chilled (12–14°C), especially if it's warm at home 🌡️. Keep the bottle in an ice bucket or wine cellar for optimal service!
And what about original or smoked cheeses?
Smoked or blue cheeses (blue, fourme) love more expressive white wines : Savagnin, Pinot Gris, or even a woody Chardonnay from Jura or Burgundy. For a twist, try an orange wine , or a lively crémant that will make your raclette sparkle 🥂.
Are there any vegetarian raclette wine pairings?
Of course! If your raclette is vegetarian (mushrooms, grilled vegetables, potatoes, pickles, etc.), opt for a young Riesling or Chardonnay . The floral aromas and freshness of the wine will enhance the vegetables and the sweetness of the cheese 🌱.
Tips for a successful raclette and wine pairing 🥂
- Take the wine out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving to reveal all the aromas.
- Presents several bottles (Savoie, Jura, Alsace), everyone can try their favorite!
- Think about organic or natural wines , often easier to digest and perfect for convivial evenings 🌱.
- A crémant (Savoie, Alsace, Jura) brings a festive touch, freshness and lightness. Perfect for large tables!
- And don't forget to keep your guests well hydrated with sparkling water, lemon or iced infusion 🫗.
Need personalized advice or a ready-made selection? Discover our special raclette wine cellar or explore our raclette ideas and accompaniments for a successful gourmet evening!
Resources and products around raclette wine 🛒
- Everything you need to know about raclette : cheeses, tips, recipes and original ideas
- Raclette machines : make the right choice for successful evenings
- The Neary wine cellar : special “raclette wine” selection, organic & regional
- Millésima Guide: Which wine goes with raclette? (complete explanations, sommelier advice)
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!