Wine and raclette: 3 original recipes

For Every Invitation: The Classic Comfort Food, Raclette

At every gathering, the classic comfort food of raclette cheese, potatoes, and charcuterie is a staple. But how can you stand out? We have the solution: vary the recipes with the right wines.

Top 3 Raclette and Wine Pairings

We often wonder what wine to pair with raclette. Here are three unique raclette recipes with wines that will elevate them, sure to impress your guests.

A Light Red Wine with Vegetable Raclette

For this recipe, simply replace the charcuterie with vegetables, preferably steamed. Include zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and potatoes. Not only does this combination give you a healthier option, but the mix of vegetables and raclette cheese works beautifully.

For this healthy dish, we recommend a light, fruity red wine such as Beaujolais or an Alsace Pinot Noir.

A Fruity Rosé with Italian Raclette

For this variation, swap the usual cheese for mozzarella and add slices of coppa, olive oil-cooked vegetables, and potatoes, all sprinkled with fresh basil. Essentially, this is a Mediterranean twist on raclette. For even more originality, you can replace the mozzarella with scamorza, a smoked Italian cheese. To complement this Italian-style dish, we suggest a fruity rosé from Provence or a Loire rosé for added uniqueness.

A Dry White Wine with Seafood Raclette

For seafood raclette, skip the classic charcuterie and use smoked salmon cut into strips. Add a few crushed pink peppercorns and sprigs of dill, and you’re set. If you don’t have smoked salmon, shrimp works well too. This comforting dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine from the Loire, such as Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, but also with a dry white from Bergerac or an Alsace Sylvaner.

These delicious and simple-to-make recipes will surely set you apart. Try them, and you’ll adopt them as your own. Now it’s your turn to impress your guests! And if you have leftovers, consider turning them into a gratin or tartine. Enjoy your meal!

FAQ - Wine and raclette

What white wine goes with smoked salmon raclette?

The acidity of a dry Loire white, Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, cuts through the richness of smoked salmon without covering its smoky flavor. A white from Bergerac or an Alsace Sylvaner gives the same balance for this seafood version.

Can you serve rose wine with raclette?

Yes, once raclette takes a Mediterranean turn with mozzarella, coppa and basil, a rose brings the freshness a heavier wine would lack. A rose from Provence or the Loire fits this role well.

Which red wine pairs with vegetable raclette?

The mix of melted cheese and steamed vegetables calls for a red with soft tannins, so it does not overpower the mild flavor of the vegetables. Beaujolais or an Alsace Pinot Noir stays light enough for this pairing.

What temperature should wine be served with raclette?

Aim for 14 to 16 degrees Celsius for a light red, kept a little cool so it stays easy to drink alongside melted cheese. Whites and roses are best served colder, between 8 and 11 degrees, to keep their freshness.

What wine should be avoided with raclette?

A heavy, tannic red clashes with melted cheese, since the fat brings out the bitterness in the tannins. A softer wine works better, whatever the color, depending on the toppings you choose.