Cheese Fondue: The Perfect Drink Pairings For A Cozy Night

Fondue is a Swiss dish that originated in the Valais region of Switzerland and has been enjoyed there since the 12th century. It is typically made with cheese, white wine, and garlic. The best drinks to pair with fondue are dry, high-acid white wines such as Swiss Chasselas, Chignin, or Roussette from Savoie, or wines from other regions with similar characteristics, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. If you prefer red wine, a fresh, light-bodied one like a young red Burgundy, Gamay, or Dole is recommended. For a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth with lemon juice can be used instead of wine in the fondue, and paired with any of the above drinks.

White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Unoaked Chardonnay

When it comes to wine pairings, a fondue's best friend is an acidic, refreshing, unctuous, and powerful white wine. The classic cheese fondue, originating in the Valais region of Switzerland, is made with cow's milk cheeses like Emmentaler and Gruyère, as well as white wine and garlic.

To complement the fondue's rich, salty, and strong flavours, opt for a dry and high-acid white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Unoaked Chardonnay. These wines will provide a refreshing contrast to the fondue's richness. The crisp, dry nature of these wines will also help cut through the fat and saltiness of the cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.

Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp and dry characteristics, is an excellent choice to pair with fondue. Its high acidity will refresh your palate between bites of decadent fondue. Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio, is another ideal option with its bright and lively character. It has a similar flavour profile to Sauvignon Blanc, making it a versatile pairing for various fondue recipes.

For those who prefer a slightly more full-bodied white wine, Unoaked Chardonnay is a wonderful choice. Chardonnays from France's Jura region, such as the Domaine de Montbourgeau L'Etoile Chardonnay, offer a lightly acidic and slightly funky flavour that even non-Chardonnay fans will enjoy. This wine's natural acidity will cut through the richness of the fondue, creating a balanced tasting experience.

When selecting a wine to pair with fondue, it's important to remember that the wine's quality will directly impact the overall taste of the pairing. While you don't need to spend a fortune, choosing a wine that you would happily drink on its own will enhance your fondue experience.

Red Wine: Pinot Noir or Beaujolais

Red wines such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais are excellent choices to pair with fondue. These wines are known for their light-bodied and fruity characteristics, making them a perfect complement to the rich and indulgent nature of fondue.

Pinot Noir, a versatile red wine, boasts flavours of red berries, cherries, and sometimes earthy notes. Its bright acidity and silky texture make it an ideal choice to cut through the richness of the fondue, creating a harmonious pairing. Beaujolais, on the other hand, is crafted from Gamay grapes, resulting in a light-bodied wine with vibrant red fruit flavours and a smooth finish. This wine's freshness and delicate tannins make it a delightful match for fondue, enhancing the overall dining experience.

When selecting a Pinot Noir to pair with fondue, look for options from regions such as Burgundy, Oregon, or New Zealand. These regions are renowned for producing exceptional Pinot Noir wines that exhibit the desired characteristics for this pairing. For Beaujolais, focus on wines from the Beaujolais region in France, particularly those labelled Beaujolais-Villages or Cru Beaujolais, as they offer more complexity and depth of flavour.

Additionally, when serving fondue, it is advisable to serve the wine slightly chilled. This ensures that the wine is refreshing and helps to balance the warmth of the fondue. Whether you choose Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, these red wines will elevate your fondue experience, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy, indulgent nature of the dish.

Cocktails: Kirsch Punch

Kirsch, a dry cherry brandy, is a classic ingredient in cheese fondue. It is made from fermented, double-distilled sour morello cherries, which originate in Germany's Black Forest. Kirsch is also produced in Switzerland and Alsace, France, and is typically served neat and chilled. However, it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a festive punch.

Kirsch Punch Recipe:

For a fondue party, a fun cocktail to serve is Kirsch Punch. This punch is a great way to use up the rest of a bottle of Kirsch and elevate the fondue experience.

• 1/2 cup white wine (such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 to 4 ounces of cherry-flavoured seltzer
• Dried cherries (or brandied cherries) and lemon slices for garnish

Mix the Kirsch, wine, and cherry seltzer in a pitcher, and pour over ice. Garnish with cherries and lemon slices. This cocktail is a fun and festive way to enjoy the flavours of Kirsch and complements the fondue perfectly.

Variations:

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with additional cherry seltzer or a non-alcoholic wine alternative. You could also add a splash of liqueur such as Grand Marnier, Chambord, or Framboise for a more sophisticated flavour profile.

Pairing with Fondue:

The punch's bright, fruity notes and slight nuttiness from the Kirsch complement the rich, savoury flavours of the fondue. The punch also helps cut through the creaminess of the fondue, refreshing the palate. The slight bitterness of the Kirsch also helps balance the sweetness of dessert fondues, making it a versatile cocktail to pair with both savoury and sweet fondues.

Beer: Belgian Farmhouse Saison Ale

If you're looking for a beer to pair with your fondue, look no further than the Belgian Farmhouse Saison Ale. This beer is the perfect complement to the rich and indulgent nature of fondue. With a blend of spices similar to those used in traditional Belgian farmhouse brewing recipes, this beer is easy to drink and has a slightly tart flavour, a crisp finish, and a hint of citrus.

The Saison Ale is bright and lively, with a refreshing and warming quality. It is effervescent like champagne, brewed with ginger and other spices. The result is a crisp, dry finish that will refresh your palate between bites of decadent fondue. This beer style is traditionally made in the winter and consumed in the summer. It is brewed with the same purpose as its Belgian farmhouse counterparts, but with a more distinct hop flavour and bright, fruity aromas.

The Belgian Farmhouse Saison Ale is an excellent choice for those who want a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of fondue. It is also a great option for those who enjoy the communal and stimulating aspects of sharing a pot of fondue with friends.

Brandy: Cognac or Kirsch

If you're looking for a drink pairing that's a little stronger than wine, brandy is a great option to consider. Cognac, a type of brandy, is widely considered the best-of-the-best when it comes to brandies, making it an excellent choice for your fondue party. Its smooth, rich flavour will complement the creaminess of the fondue, creating a truly indulgent taste experience.

Alternatively, Kirsch (also known as Kirschwasser) is a dry cherry brandy that is often used in classic fondue recipes. It has a unique flavour, reminiscent of bitter almonds, that is sure to add a sophisticated twist to your evening. Kirsch is typically served chilled and neat, but if you're feeling creative, why not mix it into a festive cocktail? For a simple yet effective Kirsch punch, combine it with white wine (such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc) and cherry-flavoured seltzer, garnishing with dried or brandied cherries and lemon slices.

When choosing a brandy to pair with your fondue, it's important to consider the quality of the drink. As fondue is such a rich and indulgent dish, it's worth opting for a higher-quality brandy to ensure a truly enjoyable taste experience. Remember, the taste of the brandy will directly impact the overall flavour of the fondue, so be sure to choose something you'd be happy to drink on its own.

Whether you opt for Cognac or Kirsch, or perhaps even create your own unique twist, adding a splash of brandy to your fondue or enjoying it as a drink on the side is a great way to elevate your fondue experience. So go ahead, indulge your guests and yourself—after all, what's a fondue party without a little brandy?

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