Cheese Fondue: The Perfect Wine Pairings For Swiss Delight

Swiss cheese fondue is a decadent dish, perfect for cold winter nights. It is made with a blend of melted Swiss cheeses such as Gruyère, Emmentaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette. The traditional seasonings are splashes of kirsch and dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris, with a bit of garlic. But you can also add fresh lemon juice, ground mustard, nutmeg, and other herbs and spices.

When it comes to drinks, Swiss lore says you should only sip white wine, kirsch, or herbal tea with your fondue. It is believed that any other drink will cause the cheese to coagulate and form a giant ball in your stomach, resulting in indigestion. However, some people also enjoy a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir with their fondue.

White wine is a classic pairing

The wine is also a key ingredient in the fondue itself, with a splash of dry white wine added to the melted cheese along with seasonings like garlic, nutmeg, and lemon juice. The wine adds to the smooth texture of the fondue and enhances the flavour of the cheese.

When serving Swiss cheese fondue, it's customary to offer guests a glass of white wine to sip alongside. According to Swiss lore, drinking anything else with your fondue—be it water, juice, or beer—will cause the melted cheese to coagulate and form a giant ball in your stomach, leading to indigestion. So, sticking to white wine is not just a matter of taste but also a practical choice!

Of course, there are some alternative drinks that can be paired with Swiss cheese fondue. One option is kirsch, a Swiss liquor made from cherries. A small amount of kirsch is also sometimes added to the fondue itself to give it a unique flavour. Another option is an herbal tea or tisane, which is said to complement the fondue well.

Kirsch is a traditional Swiss addition

Kirsch: A Traditional Swiss Addition

Kirsch is a Swiss liquor made from cherries, and it is a classic addition to a Swiss cheese fondue. It is added to the fondue pot along with white wine and a dash of garlic, to create the traditional flavour profile. The alcohol content in the kirsch and wine also helps to prevent the cheese from clumping together as it melts. Kirsch is also used as a digestif to accompany the meal, and it is said to be the traditional drink to consume alongside a fondue.

The Swiss believe that drinking anything other than white wine, kirsch, or herbal tea with a fondue will cause the cheese to coagulate in the stomach, leading to indigestion. While this may be more of an old wives' tale, it is still considered bad form to drink anything else with a fondue. A semi-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer, or a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, are good wine choices to pair with the fondue.

Kirsch is an essential ingredient in the fondue itself, and it is also a fun addition to the meal as a shot if you drop your bread into the pot. It is said that if you drop your bread into the fondue, you must take a shot of kirsch as penance!

The best kirsch to use in a fondue is a good-quality, dry variety, and the same goes for drinking. A good kirsch will be made from ripe cherries and will be worth the price tag. The Schladerer brand from Germany's Black Forest is recommended as one of the best.

Tea is another Swiss-approved option

Fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish that gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1960s and remains popular today. While wine and kirsch are common additions to the fondue itself, what should you drink with a pot of Swiss cheese fondue?

According to Swiss lore, you should stick to drinking white wine, kirsch, or herbal tea with your fondue meal. It is said that any other drink—be it water, juice, or beer—will cause the melted cheese to coagulate and form a giant ball in your stomach, leaving you with debilitating indigestion.

When it comes to tea, there are a few options that pair well with Swiss cheese fondue. A herbal tisane is a traditional choice, but you could also opt for a black tea or an oolong tea. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a cheese-flavoured tea! Just be sure to avoid any teas with strong flavours or scents that might overpower the delicate flavour of the fondue.

In terms of preparation, it is best to brew your tea of choice using hot water, not boiling water, to avoid scorching the delicate leaves. You may also want to consider adding a small amount of honey or lemon to your tea to enhance the flavour and cut through the richness of the fondue.

So, if you're looking for a drink to pair with your Swiss cheese fondue, tea is a great option. Just be sure to stick to herbal teas and avoid anything too strong or overpowering. And remember, when it comes to Swiss fondue, moderation is key!

Avoid water, juice, or beer

When it comes to enjoying a Swiss cheese fondue, there are a few key things to keep in mind, including what drinks to avoid. While fondue itself is a rich and indulgent experience, the choice of beverage can either enhance or detract from the overall enjoyment.

It is said that Swiss lore advises against drinking anything other than white wine, kirsch (a Swiss liquor), or herbal tea with your fondue. The belief is that any other drink, be it water, juice, or beer, will cause the melted cheese to coagulate and form a giant ball in your stomach, resulting in debilitating indigestion. While this may sound like a mere superstition, it is worth considering the potential consequences before reaching for that glass of water or juice.

The traditional seasonings in a Swiss cheese fondue include splashes of wine and kirsch, which already suggest a natural pairing with these beverages. The acidity in the wine helps to cut through the richness of the cheese, providing a pleasant contrast. Additionally, the alcohol in these drinks may aid in digestion, preventing any feelings of heaviness or discomfort after indulging in the fondue.

Beer, on the other hand, may not be the best choice due to its carbonation and bitterness, which could interfere with the delicate flavors of the fondue. Similarly, water and juice are not recommended as they may not complement the flavors of the fondue and could potentially affect the texture of the cheese as it cools.

While it may be tempting to reach for a refreshing glass of water or juice to balance the richness of the fondue, it is advisable to stick to the traditional beverage choices to fully enjoy the experience and avoid any potential digestive issues.

Medium-bodied red wine also works

When it comes to drinking wine with Swiss cheese fondue, a medium-bodied red wine is a great choice. While white wine is often used as an ingredient in the fondue itself, a red wine like Pinot Noir can also be a delicious pairing. Here are some reasons why medium-bodied red wine works well with Swiss cheese fondue:

• Complementing the Cheese: Medium-bodied red wines tend to have fruity notes that complement the creaminess of the Swiss cheese fondue. The wine's acidity can also help cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced flavour profile.
• Temperature and Texture: Fondue is typically served warm, and a medium-bodied red wine served at room temperature or slightly chilled can provide a pleasant contrast in temperature. Additionally, the smooth, velvety texture of the wine can enhance the creamy texture of the fondue.
• Palate Cleansing: The wine's acidity and tannins can help cleanse your palate between bites of fondue. This refreshing quality can enhance your overall dining experience, especially if you're enjoying fondue as a main course.
• Flavour Enhancement: The wine's tannins and fruity notes can enhance the flavours of the fondue. The wine's characteristics may bring out the subtle nuances of the different cheeses used in the fondue, creating a more complex dining experience.
• Tradition with a Twist: While white wine is a traditional pairing with Swiss cheese fondue, a medium-bodied red wine offers a modern twist. This combination showcases how fondue, though rooted in tradition, can be enjoyed with creative beverage pairings that suit individual preferences.

Remember, when pairing wine with Swiss cheese fondue, it's essential to consider your personal taste preferences. The beauty of wine and food pairings is that they are subjective, and you may discover a combination that works wonderfully for your palate. Enjoy experimenting with different medium-bodied red wines to find the perfect match for your Swiss cheese fondue!

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