Which wine to pair with raclette? Côtes du Rhône wines will melt your heart

The ultimate comfort food, raclette is (very) generous, which is why we love it so much. Rhône Valley white wines are perfectly suited to balancing the richness and creaminess of this dish: it is the contrast between the creaminess of the cheese, the melt-in-the-mouth potatoes, the fat of the charcuterie and the liveliness of the white wine that creates a wonderful experience on the palate.

White wines from villages within the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation such as Saint-Gervais, Sablet or Séguret shine particularly well when paired with raclette.

Côtes du Rhône Villages whites blends grape varieties such as clairette, bourboulenc, grenache blanc, roussanne or marsanne. They reveal a beautiful aromatic roundness of white flowers and yellow-fleshed fruits, as well as a subtle saline touch that contrasts delicately with melted cheese.

Discover the grape varieties of Côtes du Rhône Villages

In terms of price: the Côte du Rhône Villages AOC embodies the perfect balance between indulgence and vibrancy, around €10 to €15 per bottle. For more committed cuvées, from highly qualitative terroirs of one of these villages, the price may rise to €20 or slightly more, but remains accessible.

Of course not! Red wine also works very well – especially if you like more rustic pairings – but you have to choose it carefully.

A fruity, supple red Côtes du Rhône, bursting with cherry and raspberry, pairs nicely with charcuterie while adding a welcome spicy note.

The chef's tip for serving red wines with a hearty dish like raclette? Serve them slightly chilled, around 14-15°C.

This temperature preserves their bright fruitiness and freshness and avoids the ‘heavy’ effect. Tasting at a slightly cool temperature also creates a delicious contrast with the warm cheese and crunchy gherkins.

Absolutely!

A mild, creamy raclette cheese pairs beautifully with fruity, approachable white wines — an white Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC works wonders.

If you prefer farm-style raw milk cheese, powerful and full of character, you’ll need to aim higher.

Beyond the Côtes du Rhône AOC, these characterful cheeses also call for estate wines of great stature — think Saint-Joseph or white Hermitage, for example. Their structure stands up to the cheese’s intensity while enhancing its complex flavors.

Raclette is the emblem of winter evenings, of course... But true connoisseurs know that it can be enjoyed in any season, even if it means slightly adapting the type of cheese and accompaniments.

In spring and summer, vegetarian raclette is becoming more popular: charcuterie is swapped for seasonal vegetables, which is an excellent way to vary the pleasures while trying out new food and wine pairings.

The undeniable advantage of raclette is that this convivial dish transforms any occasion into a warm and welcoming moment.

Pair it with a white or red wine from the Côtes du Rhône to add that touch of elegance that makes all the difference.

The wines for raclette from our region are suitable for all seasons and all your evenings, from the most relaxed to the most refined.

Which white wine to start with? An white Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC from a good estate. Versatile, it harmoniously pairs with all your ingredients: cheese, potatoes, charcuterie, pickles. The ideal wine choice to gently introduce yourself to this high-value gastronomic pairing.

Torn between red and white: what should you choose? White wine remains the king of raclette. Its freshness contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of melted cheese and awakens the palate. Red wine suits those who enjoy more pronounced pairings.

What serving temperature? White wines: 10–12°C to preserve all their fruity and floral aromas. Red wines: 14–15°C, slightly chilled to maintain their liveliness.

How many bottles should you plan for? For 4 people and a generous raclette, plan for 1 to 2 bottles.

Everyone is looking forward to the first raclette of the year! You now have all the information you need to choose a Côtes du Rhône wine that will perfectly complement this cosy evening, where the love of cheese and sharing are celebrated.

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