Raclette season is here! The cheese is ready, potatoes await their melty destiny, and the charcuterie platter is groaning with promise. But wait—before you reach for that classic bottle of red or a can of soda to wash it all down, let’s pump the brakes. According to experts, you might be way off when it comes to choosing the ideal beverage for this iconic winter feast.
The Great Raclette Pairing Debate
Raclette isn’t just a dish—it’s more like a ritual, and, as rituals go, people follow their own traditions to the letter. In Haute-Savoie and Switzerland, debates swirl every winter about the best drink to accompany this melty marvel. Fabrizio Bucella, professor at Université Libre de Bruxelles and director of the Inter Wine and Dine School in Ixelles, knows a thing or two about food and wine pairings. He explains that while raclette finds itself in many forms (there’s Mediterranean style, with avocado or pineapple, in omelette, or even skillet-bound versions—yes, raclette can cause controversy!), the drink you pick can truly make or break the meal.
Wine, Beer… or Something Entirely Unexpected?
Let’s address the fromage in the room: classic wine pairings. For most cheeses, white wine is the go-to. Bucella confirms, “With white wine, which is acidic, you get a match in opposition: the fat of the cheese, about 40% lipids, against the acidity of the wine, which works as a degreaser.” Basically, the acidity lightens up the oily texture of the melted cheese—and don’t forget the matching hues of golden wine and gooey raclette.
But cheese isn’t just fatty; it’s also dry, demanding serious hydration as you dig in. And here’s the twist: for Bucella, it’s black tea—not wine—that truly shines as raclette’s best companion. Why? “Black tea, unsweetened or barely sweet, quenches thirst extremely well, while white wine makes you thirstier due to its dehydrating ethanol content. After a wine-heavy raclette, expect those nighttime water runs!”
Why not green tea? It’s just not as harmonious, he says: “Green tea is almost bitter with a grassy note. Black tea is more intense but also softer. It pairs better with melted cheese, though both can work.” Bonus: tea is more hydrating and easier on digestion, helping you avoid the dreaded post-raclette bloat.
Bucella doesn’t outlaw wine entirely: “After trying everything, what works best for me is tea. But you can still have wine on the side. The union of hot tea and raclette is, for me, magnificent.” Tradition, meet hot infusion.
Busting Myths and Avoiding Pitfalls
Heard the one about water turning cheese into a brick in your stomach? You’re not alone—and neither is our expert. “Some say drinking cold water with raclette can create digestive issues, but I’m not sure if there’s real evidence for this,” admits Bucella. He sees water as a sound choice, as long as you avoid the extremes—no downing a kilo of cheese chased by a liter of water! No scientific studies have settled the tea-versus-water argument, so maybe the water myth is just urban legend after all.
As for what not to drink? Bucella distinctly warns against sweet or fizzy drinks—step away from the soda and sugary fruit juices! Raclette is already rich and salty, so these options only heap more trouble onto your taste buds. Instead, consider a homemade lemonade diluted generously with water: adjust the sweetness to your taste, and the lemon’s acidity will, just like wine, balance the richness of the cheese. In fact, citrus fruits—lemons, oranges, pomelos, grapefruits—are all on the table (literally and figuratively) and perfectly in season to keep things crisp and fresh.
- Pairing charcuterie? In Savoie and Switzerland, dried meats make raclette even drier—so white wine gets the nod. If fattier sausages or salami are in the mix, light red wines such as Beaujolais or Alsace pinot noir also work, their flavors mellowed by potato starch.
- Beer with raclette? Absolutely! Blond beers and IPAs bring bitterness to the table and pair nicely—just remember, moderation is key to avoid, ahem, feeling overinflated.
Practical Advice for Your Next Raclette Night
So next time you gather with friends or family around the raclette machine, consider making a pot of black tea. Refreshing, hydrating, and digestive-friendly, it might just become your new tradition. Curious souls can still pour a glass of white wine on the side, or mix in a splash of citrusy lemonade. Pro-tip from Fabrizio Bucella: whatever you choose, the most important thing is not to go overboard—whether it’s wine, tea, water, or beer, moderation keeps the meal merry and your stomach happy.
Raclette is all about joy and conviviality. The right drink only takes the experience higher. So toast (or sip) to a winter classic, wonderfully paired—and let the cheese pull do the rest.
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Theo is a dynamic fitness coach who brings energy, realism, and flavor to healthy living. His content is about strong bodies, positive minds, and meals that fuel both.