Raclette: What wine is recommended to serve with this hearty, convivial dish?

This week, a cold snap is sweeping across France. We’re also right in the middle of winter sports season. So all the conditions are perfect for treating ourselves and warming up with hearty dishes. And at this time of year, there’s one dish that reigns supreme and is enjoyed everywhere—whether in the mountains, in the city, or in the countryside: raclette. Often combining cheeses, cold cuts, and potatoes, it’s a convivial, hearty, and comforting dish that appeals to young and old alike. In fact, it’s one of the French people’s favorite dishes! And to pair with it, white wine is a must.

White: the perfect choice for this winter recipe

With this dish, the first instinct is to serve white wine. And that’s a good thing! In fact, it pairs perfectly with raclette because it adds a touch of freshness and helps bring out the cheeses’ flavors. That’s why we recommend choosing a dry white wine (but not too dry), such as an Apremont de Savoie. You can also mix things up with a Pouilly-Fuissé, a Cheverny, a Saint-Véran, a Mâcon-Villages, an Entre-Deux-Mers, an Hermitage, or even a Saint-Joseph. It’s also recommended to consider the cheese’s origin to pair it with wines from the same region. For example, Savoyard raclette with wines from Savoie, from the Jura region, with wines from Arbois.

What about red wine? Can we drink it with this dish?

As you know, raclette is usually enjoyed with a group of people. And when it comes to wine, tastes vary. That’s why you can also serve a red wine that pairs perfectly with charcuterie. In that case, we recommend avoiding wines with very firm tannins. It’s better to opt for wines that are more supple and juicy—in other words, bottles of Chorey-lès-Beaune, Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, Jongieux, Mondeuse, Bourgueil, and Brouilly. Likewise, it’s perfectly fine to serve both white and red wines. That way, everyone can choose their own wine based on their personal taste or the contents of their plate! And don’t forget to place bottles of water on the table as well, so guests can alternate and avoid overindulging—especially since this recipe is sure to make you thirsty.