8 Delicious Ways to Combine Swiss Food and Wine

Alternatively, go for a German Riesling. Make sure, not to confuse these wines with the sweet Spätlese wines that are made from the same grape variety.

If you prefer red wine, pick a light one with fruity flavors and good acidity. A French Pinot Noir is a good choice.

Raclette and Wine

Another traditional party dish from Switzerland is Raclette. Again, the main ingredient is cheese, usually a type with the same name: Raclette. The cheese is heated, scraped onto a plate, and eaten with boiled potatoes, onions, and pickles. While this is all a traditional raclette requires, meat lovers might add sausages or roasted beef or chicken.

Just like Fondue, Raclette calls for an acidic white wine. Unoaked Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the right picks.

Red wine lovers can go for a Gamay from France. These medium-tannin, fruity wines are great complements for Raclette.

Swiss Raclette

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and Wine

Named after the country’s biggest city Zurich, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is another popular Swiss dish. Its main ingredient is veal that is sliced and sautéed with onions, mushrooms, cream, and a shot of white wine. Typically, the meat comes with a side dish such as pasta or Rösti (we will talk about Rösti later in this article). The final meal is savory and creamy and full of rich flavors.

To meet this flavor profile, you need a white wine with good acidity. It should not be too light, otherwise, the creamy sauce might overpower the wine’s aromas. Go for a Chardonnay. Wines from Graubünden in the Eastern part of Switzerland are excellent pairings. Alternatively, choose a white Burgundy from France which is made from the same grape. This wine’s complexity is just perfect to complement the delicious meal.

Älplermagronen and Wine

Älplermagronen is the Swiss version of Macaroni and Cheese. Hence, it is also known as Alpine macaroni. In contrast to the original dish, Swiss chefs use more ingredients though. In addition to pasta and cheese, they use onions and potatoes, and, in some cases, small bacon bits. They bake all ingredients together in a casserole, creating a hearty and creamy dish that is a perfect fit for a cold winter evening.

To complement the rich and savory flavors of Älplermagronen, a medium- to full-bodied white wine is the right choice. Try to get your hands on a Swiss Chasselas (also known as Fendant). Its acidity is just right to cut through the creamy cheese, without overpowering the meal. Alternatively, go for a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc.

As a red wine lover, go for Pinot Noir. Swiss wines are great choices, but those from Switzerland’s neighbor Austria can also do the job. Be aware that those wines might go by Blauburgunder or Blaufränkisch.

Rösti and Wine

We have already mentioned Rösti earlier in this article. It is a dish made of grated and fried potatoes that typically comes as a side dish. Its crispy outside texture is an interesting counterpart to the rather soft and fluffy inside, and only mildly seasoned with salt and pepper. Regional variations might also include onions and bacon.

When served as a side dish for meat, you should choose the wine pairing based on the meat and sauce. If Rösti is the main dish itself, the best choice is a light- to medium-bodied red wine such as Merlot or Pinot Noir. Their red fruit flavors are an excellent add-on to the crispy potato dish. Make sure to stick with Old World wines from cooler climates.

Polenta and Braised Beef and Wine

Tartiflette and Wine

Next, let us discuss Tartiflette. This dish comes from the French part of the Swiss Alpes but is not that different from the German-swiss meals we have already discussed. Just like Älplermagronen, it is baked in a casserole. Its main ingredients are potatoes, bacon, onions, and cheese. The ladder makes the dish special because local chefs use Reblochon, a soft washed-rind and smear-ripened cheese. It comes from the region of Haute-Savoie, a region in the French Alpes, bordering both Switzerland and Italy. Be aware that Reblochon is unavailable in the United States because of import restrictions. If you want to cook Tariflette, search for Delice du Jura or Raclette instead.

Again, the right wine pairing is a white wine, preferably a regional pairing. In this case, the wines from the Savoie region, made from Jacquère or Roussette, are perfect. They feature a crisp acidity to cut through the cheese and aromas of green and citrus fruits as well as mineral notes.

Domaine Saint-Romain Jacquere Blanc 2020

type: white, still, Vintage

origin: France, Savoie

varietal: Jacquère

alcohol: 11.5 %

Domaine Jean-Francois Quenard Chignin 2021

type: white, still, Vintage

origin: France, Savoie

varietal: Jacquère

alcohol: 11.5 %

Domaine des Ardoisieres Cuvee Silice Blanc 2021

type: white, still, Vintage

origin: France, Savoie

varietal: Jacquère

alcohol: 11.5 %

In case, you prefer reds, choose a Pinot Noir from the same region. With its good balance, featuring red fruit aromas and earthy notes, it adds superbly to the meal. A more powerful alternative is French Syrah. It comes with flavors of black fruits and peppers. Together with its notable tannins, these aromas are a fantastic match for Tartiflette.