Wine And Fondue: The Perfect Pairing Guide

Fondue is a dish in which bite-sized pieces of food are dipped into a hot liquid. That liquid could be broth, oil, cheese, or chocolate. When it comes to choosing the right wine for fondue, it's important to consider both the type of fondue and your personal preferences. For a cheese fondue, a dry, crisp, and light white wine is usually recommended to cut through the fat of the cheese. Some popular choices include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and un-oaked Chardonnay. If you're looking for a red wine to pair with your cheese fondue, opt for a light-bodied variety such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir. On the other hand, if you're enjoying a chocolate fondue, a glass of red wine can be a perfect match. Sweet red wines go well with sweet chocolate, and dry wines complement milk chocolate. For white chocolate, choose a fruity or light wine such as Moscato d'Asti or Riesling.

Wine suggestions for cheese fondue

Cheese fondue is a rich, indulgent dish, and the right wine pairing can help to cut through the fat and refresh the palate. When choosing a wine to serve with cheese fondue, it's best to opt for a crisp, dry white wine with good acidity. Here are some specific wine suggestions to enjoy with your next cheese fondue:

White Wines

When it comes to white wines, there are several options that pair well with cheese fondue. Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice due to its crisp flavour and high acidity, which can help improve the texture of the melted cheese. Other recommended white wines include Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, and un-oaked Chardonnay. These wines will complement the fondue without overpowering it.

If you're looking for something a little more unique, you could try a Swiss Chasselas, Chignin, or Roussette from Savoie. These wines can be harder to come by, but they pair beautifully with cheese fondue. Other similar options include Muscadet, Chablis, dry Alsace or Austrian Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner. These wines offer a crisp, dry profile that will refresh your palate between bites of fondue.

Red Wines

While white wine is the more traditional pairing with cheese fondue, light-bodied red wines can also work well. Look for fresh, light-bodied options such as young red Burgundy, Gamay, or Dole. A Poulsard from the Jura region is also an excellent choice for a red wine that will complement the fondue without being overwhelmed by its richness.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic beverage to pair with your cheese fondue, experts recommend staying away from drinks like beer, juice, and water, as they can cause the cheese to coagulate and lead to indigestion. Instead, opt for dry non-alcoholic white wine, tisanes, herbal tea, or kirsch. These beverages will help break down the cheese and make your gut feel lighter.

Wine suggestions for chocolate fondue

Wine and chocolate have a lot in common. They are both considered aphrodisiacs and contain flavanols (antioxidants). However, finding the right wine to pair with chocolate can be challenging. The flavanols in wine and chocolate can clash, making the wine taste bitter and sour.

When it comes to wine suggestions for chocolate fondue, here are some options to consider:

Milk Chocolate Fondue

A good milk chocolate fondue is usually about half chocolate and half cream. The extra fat from the cream makes milk chocolate one of the easier "true" chocolates to pair with wine. Here are some wine suggestions:

• Brachetto d’Acqui: A sweet sparkling red wine from Piedmont, Italy.
• Late-Harvest Red Wines: Port-style wines, including late-harvest Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Petite Sirah.
• Recioto della Valpolicella: A rare sweet red wine from the same region that produces Amarone in Italy.
• Ruby Port: The original Port from Portugal has spiced and berry flavours that pair well with milk chocolate.
• Banyuls or Maury: The French "Port" has earthy notes that complement chocolate truffles.
• Rutherglen Muscat: A very sweet wine from Victoria, Australia.
• Lambrusco di Sorbara: A sparkling red wine with delicate flavours of peach and strawberry.

Dark Chocolate Fondue

The polyphenols in dark chocolate give it a bitter taste, similar to the bitterness found in wine. Here are some wine suggestions to balance out the bitterness of dark chocolate:

• Vin Santo del Chianti: A rich, sweet wine with flavours of cherries, cinnamon, and nuttiness.
• Port-style Red Wines: Single-varietal wines such as Zinfandel (with cayenne chocolate), Malbec (with ginger chocolate), and Petite Sirah (with coffee chocolate).
• Port: The original Port from Portugal often has touches of cinnamon spice that pairs well with chocolates with high cacao percentages.
• Pedro Ximinez: An inky brown-black coloured wine from Spain with nutty and raisin flavours.
• Chinato: An aromatized wine (vermouth) from Piedmont with subtle notes of cherry and exotic spices.

White Chocolate Fondue

White chocolate doesn't contain cacao and is not considered a "true" chocolate. However, it can be paired with dry red wine! Here are some suggestions:

• Pinot Noir: The white chocolate enhances the sweet flavours of red cherries, strawberries, and raspberries in the wine.
• Beaujolais: A light-bodied red wine similar to Pinot Noir. The grape variety Gamay offers flavours of red fruits, flowers, black currant, and blueberry, depending on the region.
• Moscato d’Asti: A Muscat Blanc or Moscato d’Asti delivers flavours of peaches and cream with floral notes of roses. Sparkling wines add extra creaminess to the pairing.
• Brachetto d’Acqui: This wine offers creamy raspberry notes with subtle hints of peonies.
• Ice Wine: Made from varieties like Riesling and Vidal Blanc, offering notes of pineapple, lemon meringue, and candied oranges.
• Rosé Port: A new style of Port with rich flavours of sweet strawberries and currant, along with mineral notes.

Why wine is added to fondue

Wine is added to fondue to prevent the cheese proteins from clumping together and breaking the sauce. The acid in the wine also helps to keep the cheese from stringing together. The wine adds flavour to the fondue and helps to bind the cheese sauce together, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

Wine contains natural tartaric acid, which acts as an emulsifier to keep the cheese from coagulating and becoming clumpy. The high acidity of wines also keeps the cheese from detaching and controls the mixture. The drier the wine, the more tartaric acid it will have.

Wine can also be added to adjust the consistency of the fondue. If the fondue is too thick, adding a bit more wine can help to thin it out.

While wine is a key ingredient in fondue, it is important to note that other alcohols can be used as well. For a non-alcoholic version, chicken broth and lemon juice can be used as substitutes to provide the necessary acidity.

Non-alcoholic alternatives to wine in fondue

When making fondue, wine is used to add flavour and reduce the risk of the fondue curdling. The acid in the wine also helps to stop the fondue from becoming stringy by breaking up the protein chains in the cheese. If you are looking for non-alcoholic alternatives to wine in fondue, here are some options:

• Chicken or vegetable stock/broth: You can use low-sodium stock or broth to add flavour and richness to your fondue. If using just stock, be cautious as it may make the fondue too salty.
• Milk: Combining milk with stock can give your fondue a nice richness. Using just milk may make the fondue too rich, so it is recommended to mix it with stock or water.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness to the fondue and helps mimic the tartaric acid in wine. It can also be replaced with lime juice.
• Verjus: This is an acidic grape juice with similar flavour notes to white wine but contains no alcohol.
• Buttermilk: This was suggested by a user who tried it while pregnant and now prefers it to wine.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or a mix of red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar can be used.
• Apple juice with a splash of lemon juice: This will ensure that the apple juice is sour enough.
• Water: While water can be used, it may not add much flavour to the fondue.
• Non-alcoholic wine: Using non-alcoholic wine is also an option, although some recovering alcoholics may prefer to avoid this option.

Wine pairings for fondue

Fondue is a delightful dish, perfect for sharing with friends and family. But what about the wine? Choosing the right wine to accompany your fondue can elevate the entire experience. Here are some tips and suggestions for wine pairings to enhance your fondue feast!

Wine in the Fondue

When it comes to cooking fondue, wine plays a crucial role. It helps to bind the cheese sauce together, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Additionally, the natural tartaric acid in wine prevents the cheese proteins from clumping together, ensuring a seamless fondue experience. The best wines to use in your fondue are dry, crisp, and white. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and un-oaked Chardonnay are excellent choices that will enhance the flavour of your fondue. These wines are readily available and offer a refreshing taste that pairs well with cheese.

Wine with the Fondue

When it comes to serving wine with your fondue, you have a variety of options. The key is to choose wines that will complement the rich and savoury flavours of the fondue. For white wine lovers, dry or off-dry varieties such as Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, or Chenin Blanc are excellent choices. These wines offer good acidity and a crisp, breezy taste that will refresh your palate between bites. If you're looking for something more unique, Swiss Chasselas or a Chignin from Savoie are ideal, although they may be harder to find. Other substitutes include Alsace, Muscadet, or Chablis.

If you're a red wine enthusiast, fear not! Light-bodied reds can also be a delightful pairing with fondue. Opt for a fresh and fruity red such as a young red Burgundy, Gamay, or Dole. A Jura Poulsard or a simple Beaujolais Villages will also work beautifully. These lighter reds provide a bracing contrast to the richness of the fondue, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

A Few Suggestions

• La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru Cote de Lechet: This crisp and dry wine offers notes of ginger and acidic lemon, making it a perfect pairing for fondue.
• Hugel Pinot Blanc Cuvee Les Amours: A light and crisp wine with flavours of pear and fresh lemon, this Pinot Blanc is similar in style to unoaked Chardonnay and makes an excellent companion to cheese fondue.
• Domaine Jean Foillard Beaujolais-Villages: This delicious red wine from the Beaujolais region of France offers flavours of bitter raspberry and cherry. It is a light and chilled option that pairs well with most cheese dishes.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to wine pairings for fondue, the key is to look for dry, crisp, and white wines to use in your fondue and to serve alongside it. Remember, the wine you cook with doesn't have to be expensive, but choosing a good-quality wine to drink with your fondue will enhance your enjoyment. So, go ahead and experiment with different wines to find your perfect pairing!

Frequently asked questions