What wines should I taste with raclette?

A true winter star, raclette warms our hearts during this icy season. It is both comforting, warm and above all friendlyYou're preparing your first raclette of the year (if you haven't already) and you don't know which wine to pair it with. to accompany him You're in the right place! 

In this article, we will introduce you to the different raclette cheeses and the wines that go well with each of them, but first, let's look back at the history of raclette.

The origins of raclette

The history of raclette dates back several centuries; it was the staple food of Swiss shepherds. During the long winter months, when the mountains were covered in snow and travel was difficult, the shepherds carried long-lasting foods with them. Cheese, easy to transport, was one of these foods. 

The traditional method for preparing raclette involves melting a wheel of cheese near a fire, then scraping the melted surface onto cooked potatoes. Cured meats were added later by our friends from Savoy.

In 1970, raclette became popular in France thanks to the invention of the raclette grill. Since then, enjoying raclette cheese on potatoes has become easy, as there is no longer any need to scrape half a wheel of cheese in front of the fireplace.

Over time, raclette has become a real winter traditionShe brings together family and friends around a beautiful table where good humor and conviviality mingle with the smells of melted cheese.

Which cheese goes with which wine for raclette?

There are many raclette cheeses, but the most traditional remains that of Valais in Switzerland. However, to add variety, you can use other cheeses during your raclette evenings. There's the ever-popular Tomme de Savoie, Comté, Morbier, Fontina, pepper cheese, truffle cheese, wild garlic cheese, goat's milk cheese…

Swiss Raclette

If you opt for a traditional raclette, Swiss cheese will be your best ally. It's a semi-hard cheese with a meltingly creamy texture. This cheese pairs well with a dry, crisp white wine that has a touch of acidity to contrast with the richness and melting texture of the cheese. Savoy They are ideal; they create a certain harmony with Swiss cheese and are often recommended with mountain dishes. Domaine Knees is a domaine A Savoyard renowned for its exceptional expertise. The wines, vivid And minerals, enhance every bite of raclette.

Raclette with Comté cheese

Comté is a superb alternative to Swiss raclette cheese. Its firm texture and complex flavor pair wonderfully with a wine Jura like a Arbois, A Côtes du Jura or a Château-Chalon. THE Domaine Berthet-Bondet or the Domaine of Pélican They offer wines that harmonize beautifully with this type of cheese. Pleasure is guaranteed!

Raclette with Morbier cheese

THE morbier offers flavors rich And creamy. A yellow wine will be a delight to accompany this raclette. Domaine Pint of the offers an exceptional Vin Jaune that pairs perfectly with both Morbier and Comté cheeses. Bacchus's Vault is also a domaine The Jura region offers some very fine Savagnins and delicious Trousseau wines. You can also head towards a Saumur-Champigny of the Loire, those of the Domaine of the Roches Neuves will be perfect!

Raclette with pepper

Some cheeses are flavored with pepperThey offer a range of different flavors. We recommend pairing them with a light red wine like a pretty Côte de BrouillyThose of Domaine Pierre Cotton offer wines bursting with fruit and subtle spices. The pairing is ideal! You can also opt for a red wine fromAlsacethose of Domaine Schlumberger For example. They offer lovely red fruit aromas and a nice liveliness; it's a nice combination with pepper cheese.

Raclette with wild garlic

There raclette with wild garlic offers unique and fragrant flavors. The wines of Savoy are an excellent choice to accompany it. The freshness and the minerality harmonize perfectly with the flavors of this mountain cheese. A wine from Domaine The Vines of Paradise is ideal for this type of cheese.

Raclette with Fontina cheese

For the more adventurous among you, choose Fontina for your next raclette. Originating from Italy, this semi-soft cheese is rather mild and delicate. To accompany it, the white wines made from vermentino prove to be a wise choice. Their lightness and freshness wonderfully complement the melting texture of the fontina cheese. So consider domaine Corsica Yves Leccia which offers magnificent vintages of Patrimonio that will enhance this cheese.

Raclette with Mont d'Or cheese

To reinvent raclette, the Mont d'Or is a great option. This soft cheese is creamier than traditional Swiss cheese. A white wine fromAlsace, such as a Riesling will be perfect to accompany your Mont d'Or cheese. Domaine René Muré excels in this area, offering elegant vintages with plenty of freshnessThe wines of Dreamer's Vineyard will also fill you with joy during your next raclette with Mont d'Or cheese. These are known for their aromatic richness, their freshness, their liveliness as well as their lovely lemony note. Alsatian wines complement the intense flavors of Mont d'Or cheese.

Truffle raclette

Treat yourself to a little raclette at the truffleHighly aromatic, it will appeal to truffle lovers. Chablis will be a delight with this type of raclette. These wines come from magnificent limestone terroir which gives... minerality to the wine, which harmonizes with the umami flavors of the truffle. The wines of Domaine Brocard offer very beautiful ChablisOffering a beautiful combination of the freshness of the appellation and the richness of truffle raclette. It's a delight!

Raclette with goat cheese

For fans of goat cheeseYou'll love this type of raclette, which will add character to your dish. Why not pair it with a wine from the Domaine Delaporte This lovely property of Sancerre It is located in the village of Chavignol, which also produces the cheese of the same name. Sauvignon Blanc reveals itself with great purity and freshness, ideal with goat cheese.

After Raclette: what to cook with the leftovers?

Do you have leftover raclette cheese but don't know what to do with it (apart from another raclette, obviously)? No wasteHere are some simple recipes to make.

• The essential Croque-Monsieur Using raclette cheese is a great way to use up leftover cheese from the day before. A lovely red wine from Beaujolais will go very well together. We recommend those from Domaine Hoppenot. THE Gamay, a typical Beaujolais grape variety, is a light wine with beautiful fruity aromas and a lot of freshness that contrasts with the richness of this dish.
• A gratin Using leftover cheese and potatoes from the day before is also a great way to enjoy a new dish. We recommend pairing it with a German Riesling, like those of the Domaine Weingut WittmannThese wines offer incredible freshness that will balance this rich and indulgent dish. 
• What do you say to a fondue revisited with raclette For this dish, don't hesitate to cut the rind off the cheese, otherwise you'll end up with chunks. You can also enjoy your leftover potatoes. Pair this fondue with a glass of Pouilly-Fuissé of Robert DenogentThese dry white wines offer a exceptional minerality with beautiful notes of citrus and white-fleshed fruit. It's simply sublime!
• Finally, prepare a gourmet burger with cured meats and raclette cheese. Pair it with a nice bottle of white wine. New Zealander like a Marlborough of Domaine Henri BourgeoisThese wines reveal intense aromas and vibrant freshness thanks to their mineral-rich terroir.

If you have any leftover bottles from the previous day, you can enjoy them perfectly with these dishes. A little tip to perfect your raclette evenings: remember to serve your wines slightly chilled, even the reds, since raclette grills tend to raise the ambient temperature. Your tasting experience will be all the better for it!

 

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