What's better when the cold days arrive than enjoying a feast of cold cuts and cheese in a raclette!
Terry Pomerantz suggests a few red wines, a few white wines, and some beverages that pair well with a raclette.
You can get most wines to accompany a raclette at the SAQ.
Origins of raclette
Created in Switzerland, in the canton of Valais, traditional raclette is composed of cheese and potatoes in their skins, accompanied by pickles and small onions marinated in vinegar.
Immediate French neighbors of Switzerland, the Savoyards have added cold cuts to the original raclette.
White wine or red wine? What is the best choice to accompany a raclette?
It is customary to accompany Swiss raclette (without cold cuts) with white wine and Savoyarde raclette (with cold cuts) with red wine.
"The most important thing is to choose a wine you like," always asserts Terry Pomerantz.
Which white wines pair well with a raclette?
Light, lively, and fresh, the Fendant du Valais — Cave St-Pierre is a Chasselas served at a temperature of about 6o C to 8o C.
Round on the palate with flavors of fruits, oak, and almonds, the Château Fuisse Pouilly Fuisse Tête de Cuvee is a white Burgundy from the Maçonnais region, 100% Chardonnay.
Balanced with beautiful minerality, Chignin Cuvee des Gueux 2023 is composed of 100% Jacquière, the typical grape of Savoie.
Which red wines go well with raclette?
Here are 3 red wines that drink well with Savoyarde raclette.
If you're highlighting a special event, *Orin Swift Papillon* is a powerful red wine that works wonders with raclette and its cold cuts. This blend brings together Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Merlot (25%), Petit Verdot (20%), and Malbec (10%).
Solid, woody, full-bodied, Prisoner Unshackled Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with cold cuts. It is the result of a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Malbec (7%), Petit Syrah (4%), and Syrah (3%).
Lighter, a low-sugar red wine like the Quebec *Domaine Saint-Basile Frontenac* also drinks very well with a raclette.
What other beverages pair well with raclette?
To give a festive touch to your raclette, why not try a rose like the Pive Gris or a Quebec rose, such as Château de Cartes Gris with its aromas of small red fruits.
Orange juice and grapefruit juice provide a slightly acidic note that pairs very well with a raclette. Apple juice and grape juice offer a sweet and tangy balance that highlights the cheese's flavors while a green smoothie (a mix of spinach, cucumber, apple, and lime) adds freshness to your raclette.
The Pomerantz Foundation
Terry Pomerantz and the partners of the Pomerantz Foundation invite you to help children living with a difference to fully integrate into our society.
An avid wine lover, Terry Pomerantz shares his love of fine bottles, guided by a responsible approach to the art of living. Discover his advice on food and wine pairing, his favorite bottles, and the ideal choices for each season and occasion. Immerse yourself in his passion and learn to fully appreciate each bottle in good company.