Wine can be wonderfully combined with fondue or raclette

There are enough reasons to complain that the colder seasons are coming: the days are getting shorter and the temperatures lower. But autumn and winter also have their advantages, for example: It’s time for fondue again! Is there anything nicer than eating the Swiss national dish in a warm room after an active day in wind and weather? In any case, I melt away just thinking of the seething caquelon.

Because a fondue is always a lively togetherness, an ode to Swiss conviviality. Of course, another melted Swiss specialty also fits into this tradition: When the Raclette Öfeli heat up, my heart warms.

Of course, a perfect evening among cheese fans also includes the right drop. Cheese and wine are a dream combination with a tradition going back thousands of years. This is why many excellent types of cheese ripen in the world’s wine-growing regions.

The rule of thumb that cheese and wine in a region go particularly well together is therefore not far-fetched. It can well happen that a local Merlot can be uncorked with the Ticino fondue or a spicy dôle with the Valais raclette.

Coop has a wide range of different fondue mixes and different types of raclette cheese to match the season. And in selected branches there are additional wines that – according to our list – go perfectly with Swiss national dishes.

So that you are not spoiled for choice and the dices of bread fall into the caquelon because of the excitement, I have put together my favorites that you should try out at the next fondue and raclette evenings.

1. The delicate one
Valais AOC, Fendant Dame de Sion 2020, for 13.50 francs

A typical Chasselas that reflects the Valais terroir very well. In the nose unbelievably citrusy and fresh, with a clearly perceptible minerality. Light-footed on the palate and with a lively acidity. Slightly tingling and with a salty taste that stimulates the flow of drinking, this wine can be wonderfully combined with Spätzli or Schupfnudeln with raclette cheese.
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2. The strong one
Coop Fine Food, Valais AOC, Petite Arvine Coeur de Baron 2019, for 23.95 francs

An intense and exotic scented wine, the aromas of which range from mango to ripe peach to almonds. Complex on the palate and with a crisp acidity, it does not disappoint compared to the nose. It ends with a long reverberation and encourages you to take the next sip. This class wine is best enjoyed with a classy raclette with lots of garlic and pepper.
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3. The straight line
Coop Fine Food, La Côte AOC, Féchy Premier Grand Cru Domaine de Fischer 2019, for 16.20 francs

The drop presents itself in the nose with an incredible freshness. Aromas of green apple, lemon peel and lots of citrus fruit seduce you to take the first sip. On the palate with present acidity, a light body and a tingling finish. This Vaudois Chasselas has a sensational drinking flow. The classic for fondue fun! Harmonizes perfectly with the creamy Gruyère and Vacherin flavors of the Moitié-Moitié fondue.
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4. The flowery one
Neuchâtel AOC, Chasselas Cave du Château d’Auvernier 2020, for 12.95 francs

Very typical wine. Returns wonderfully fragrant, floral aromas on the nose. Nuances of elderflower and white peach also raise expectations on the palate. There it presents itself with a medium acidity and a wonderfully salty, slightly sparkling finish. Its light fruitiness and the sweet elderberry aromas go wonderfully with the fiery chili fondue.
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5. The spicy one
Coop Pro Montagna, Valais AOC, Dôle Sélection St. Jodern Winery 2020, for 14.95 francs

Who says that raclette always has to be white wine? This light, yet spicy red wine gives traditional raclette fun the kick it needs. Intense and fragrant on the nose with aromas of sour cherries, pears and bananas, this wine is in no way inferior to the nose on the palate. With good acidity, light body and restrained, but still filigree tannins, it ends long and balanced.
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The article comes from Tobias Gysi, aspiring wine academician – and Blick photography boss.