For some, fondue might be the preferred way to enjoy cheese, bread, and a flight of wine with friends; however, others may object and insist that the delicious melty raclette cheese dish is best! High-acidity wines are a perfect pairing so any Anderson Valley wine from your cellar will work well.
The word raclette comes from the French word racler, meaning to scrape, and Raclette is a specific semi-soft cheese made from the raw milk of cows known for its melting ability. Similar to the geographical wine areas (e.g. Champagne) Raclette is protected by AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) and it is now made all over the world.
A Mountain Tradition
Originating in Switzerland, Europeans have been enjoying raclette for centuries. Similar to fondue, it is an après-ski meal to enjoy following a day on the slopes.
In recent years it has been growing as a source of culinary entertainment in the U.S. In the winter of 2020, raclette devices were on backorder for months due to demand from Covid quarantine. (Speaking of quarantine, check out this fun holiday quarantine tune by Anderson Valley local singer-songwriter Sarah Larkin.)
Bring Raclette Home
Traditional raclette machines melt the surface of a chunk of raclette cheese. Diners assemble a variety of accompaniments where the cheese will be scraped onto. Common sides include boiled potatoes, assortments of ham, fresh vegetables, and baguettes. Vinegar-based favorites like white onions, pickled veggies, and cornichon pickles can help to cut through the fat.
Modern-day raclettes have a grill that sits on the top of a heating mechanism where diners can cook meats and vegetables. The area beneath the broiler is where the individual trays are to melt the cheese and are later scraped over your choice sides or baguette, and another slice of cheese goes in its place. To keep it simple you can order raclette kits like this one from Olympia Provisions, one of our favorite handcrafted artisan charcuteries based in Oregon.
A Great New Year’s Activity
Raclette can elevate a cozy winter evening in or is a great way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. So, choose your favorite Pinot or white Pinot Noir and chill down a bottle of sparkling or Alsatian white (i.e. Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Pinot Gris) and see what the excitement of raclette is about!
~ Courtney DeGraff, Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
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