Fondue Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Fondue

As the temperature drops, nothing beats a warm and comforting pot of fondue.

Whether you prefer the classic cheese fondue, the savory meat fondue, or the sweet chocolate fondue, there’s no denying the deliciousness of dipping various foods into melted goodness.

But have you ever considered pairing your fondue with the perfect wine?

Fondue wine pairing is a delightful way to elevate your dining experience and add a new level of sophistication to your next fondue party.

So, what wine goes with fondue?

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about fondue wine pairing, including the best wines for cheese, meat, and chocolate fondue, as well as other wines to consider, serving temperature, glassware, and even some tasty fondue, and wine dinner serving ideas.

Let’s dive into the world of fondue and wine pairing and discover the perfect combinations for your next fondue feast.

What is Fondue?

Fondue is a traditional Swiss dish that has become a popular party food in many countries. The word “fondue” comes from the French word “fondre,” which means “to melt.” Fondue involves melting various ingredients in a pot and dipping food into the melted mixture.

Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue is perhaps the most well-known type of fondue.

It involves melting cheese in a pot with white wine and garlic, and often incorporating other flavorings like kirsch (a type of cherry brandy), nutmeg, or mustard.

The cheese fondue is usually served with cubed bread, vegetables, and sometimes fruit, and diners use long forks to dip the food into the melted cheese.

As the bread and other items are dipped into the cheese, the cheese mixture sticks to the food, creating a delicious and satisfying experience.

Meat Fondue

Meat fondue is another popular type of fondue that involves cooking small pieces of raw meat in a hot pot of oil or broth.

The pot is often placed on a hotplate or heated over a flame to keep the oil or broth at a consistent temperature.

Popular meats for meat fondue include beef, chicken, and pork, and diners often dip the cooked meat into a variety of sauces for added flavor.

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a sweet and decadent type of fondue that involves melting chocolate in a pot with cream or milk.

The melted chocolate is often flavored with ingredients like vanilla extract, liqueurs, or spices, and is served with an array of fruits, cookies, and other sweets for dipping.

Like cheese fondue, chocolate fondue is usually served with long forks, allowing diners to dip their treats into the melted chocolate.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Fondue?

Fondue is a delightful communal dining experience that brings people together around a bubbling pot of melted goodness. Adding wine to the mix can elevate the dining experience even further, and there are several reasons why you should consider serving wine with fondue.

1. Firstly, wine can enhance the flavors of the fondue. The right wine pairing can complement and enhance the flavors of the melted cheese, the cooked meats, or the sweet chocolate, making for a more enjoyable and satisfying dining experience. Wine can also cleanse the palate between bites, helping to reset the taste buds and prepare them for the next delicious morsel.
2. Secondly, serving wine with fondue can create a more sophisticated and elegant dining experience. The combination of fondue and wine is often associated with fine dining and can elevate a casual meal into a special occasion. The right wine selection can impress your guests and show them that you’ve put thought and care into the meal.
3. Thirdly, wine can promote a convivial atmosphere. Fondue is often enjoyed as a communal dining experience, and adding wine to the mix can help to promote a convivial atmosphere. As people sip wine and dip their food into the fondue, they can relax and enjoy each other’s company, creating a sense of camaraderie and togetherness.

About Fondue wine pairing (everything you need to know)

Fondue wine pairing is an art that requires some knowledge and understanding of how flavors work together.

The right wine can complement the flavors of the fondue and enhance the dining experience, while the wrong wine can clash with the flavors and detract from the enjoyment of the meal.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to fondue wine pairing:

1. Match the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the fondue. A bold, full-bodied wine can pair well with a rich, creamy cheese fondue, while a lighter wine may be better suited for a lighter broth-based meat fondue.
2. Look for wines that have high acidity. Wines with high acidity can help cut through the richness of the fondue and refresh the palate between bites. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Noir are all good choices for fondue wine pairing.
3. Consider the sweetness level of the fondue. If you’re serving a sweet chocolate fondue, you may want to pair it with a wine that is slightly sweeter than the fondue itself. Port, a sweet red wine, is an excellent choice for pairing with chocolate fondue.
4. Don’t be afraid to experiment. While there are some tried and true pairings that work well, fondue wine pairing is also a chance to get creative and try something new. Be open to exploring different flavor combinations and experimenting with different wines to find the perfect pairing for your fondue.
5. Serve wine that you enjoy drinking. At the end of the day, fondue wine pairing is about creating a satisfying dining experience for you and your guests. Don’t feel pressured to follow strict rules or guidelines – serve wine that you enjoy drinking and that complements the flavors of the fondue.

The best wine for cheese fondue: Grüner Veltliner

Cheese fondue is a rich and indulgent dish that requires a wine pairing that can cut through the richness and balance the flavors. Grüner Veltliner is a white wine from Austria that is widely regarded as one of the best wine pairings for cheese fondue.

Grüner Veltliner is a dry white wine with high acidity, making it a perfect complement to the rich and creamy cheese fondue. The wine’s acidity helps to cut through the fat in the cheese, refreshing the palate between bites and allowing diners to fully appreciate the flavors of the fondue.

In addition to its acidity, Grüner Veltliner also has a unique flavor profile that pairs well with cheese fondue. The wine has a subtle spiciness that can complement the nutty, earthy flavors of the cheese, while its minerality can help bring out the cheese’s natural sweetness.

When choosing a Grüner Veltliner for cheese fondue, look for a bottle that is crisp, refreshing, and has a good balance of acidity and fruitiness. Some good options to consider include the 2019 Weingut Markus Huber Terrassen Grüner Veltliner, the 2019 Höpler Grüner Veltliner, and the 2018 Schloss Gobelsburg “Gobelsburger” Grüner Veltliner.

So, what is the best wine for cheese fondue?

The best wine to use when making cheese fondue is Grüner Veltliner. This Austrian white wine has a slightly sweet taste and a pleasant acidity, which makes it the perfect pairing for a rich cheese fondue. It also has just enough body to cut through the richness of the cheese.

The best wine for meat fondue: Pinot Noir

Meat fondue is a savory dish that requires a wine pairing that can complement the richness of the meat while also refreshing the palate. Pinot Noir is a red wine that is often considered one of the best wine pairings for meat fondue.

Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied wine with low tannins, making it a great match for the delicate flavors of the meat in a fondue. The wine’s acidity can also help cut through the richness of the meat, while its fruity notes can complement the flavors of the dipping sauces and seasonings.

When choosing a Pinot Noir for meat fondue, look for a bottle that is light to medium-bodied and has a good balance of fruitiness and acidity. Some good options to consider include the 2018 Siduri Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, the 2018 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, and the 2018 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir.

It’s also worth noting that some meat fondues are cooked in broth rather than oil, which can change the flavor profile of the dish. For broth-based meat fondues, you may want to consider a lighter red wine like Beaujolais or a white wine like Riesling.

So, what is the best wine for meat fondue?

The best wine for meat fondue is Pinot Noir. With its medium body and bright acidity, it pairs well with the rich flavors of beef, chicken, and pork. It also has a slight earthiness that will complement your favorite herbs and spices in the fondue.

The Best wine for chocolate fondue: Port wine

Chocolate fondue is a sweet and decadent dessert that requires a wine pairing that can match the richness and sweetness of the chocolate. Port wine is a fortified wine that is often considered one of the best wine pairings for chocolate fondue.

Port wine is a sweet red wine that is made by adding brandy to the wine during the fermentation process. This process stops the fermentation and leaves residual sugar in the wine, giving it a rich and sweet flavor.

Port’s sweetness can complement the sweetness of the chocolate fondue, while its tannins can help cut through the richness of the chocolate and refresh the palate between bites.

When choosing a Port wine for chocolate fondue, look for a bottle that is labeled as a “ruby” or “tawny” Port. Ruby Port is a young, fruity Port that pairs well with milk chocolate, while Tawny Port is an aged Port with a nutty flavor that pairs well with dark chocolate.

Some good options to consider include the Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port, the Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port, and the Dow’s 10-Year-Old Tawny Port.

It’s worth noting that Port wine is typically served in smaller portions than other wines, as its sweetness and richness can make it difficult to drink in large quantities. Consider serving the Port in small glasses or even shot glasses, and encourage guests to sip slowly and savor the flavors.

So, what is the best wine for chocolate fondue?

The best wine for a chocolate fondue is Port wine. It has a sweet and robust flavor that complements the creaminess of melted chocolate perfectly. For dry reds, look for wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Rioja; for whites, go with oaked Chardonnay or Riesling.

Other Wines To Pair With Fondue

While Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, and Port are some of the best wine pairings for cheese, meat, and chocolate fondue, there are plenty of other wines that can also work well.

Here are a few other wine options to consider for your next fondue party:

1. Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a dry white wine with a buttery flavor that can pair well with cheese fondue, particularly if the cheese has a nutty or buttery flavor.
2. Syrah: Syrah is a bold red wine with high tannins and a peppery flavor that can complement the rich flavors of a meat fondue.
3. Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a medium to full-bodied red wine with fruity and spicy notes that can pair well with both meat and cheese fondue.
4. Rosé: Rosé is a light-bodied wine that can pair well with a variety of fondue dishes, particularly if you’re looking for a refreshing and easy-to-drink option.
5. Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Champagne or sparkling wine can add a touch of elegance to any fondue party and can pair well with cheese or chocolate fondue.

When choosing a wine for fondue, it’s important to consider the flavors of the fondue and look for a wine that can complement and enhance those flavors.

Experiment with different wine options to find the perfect pairing for your favorite fondue recipe.

5 Tasty Fondue And Wine Dinner Serving Ideas

Pairing fondue with wine can create a delightful dining experience, but why stop there? Here are five tasty fondue and wine dinner serving ideas to inspire your next fondue party:

1. Cheese Fondue and Grüner Veltliner: Serve a classic cheese fondue with cubes of bread, cooked potatoes, and sliced apples, paired with a crisp and refreshing Grüner Veltliner.
2. Meat Fondue and Pinot Noir: Set up a meat fondue station with a variety of meats and dipping sauces, paired with a smooth and fruity Pinot Noir.
3. Chocolate Fondue and Port Wine: Dip an array of fruits, cookies, and sweets into a warm pot of chocolate fondue, paired with a rich and sweet Port wine.
4. Vegetable Fondue and Rosé: Swap out the cheese or meat for a vegetable fondue, made with a blend of creamy cheeses and a variety of colorful vegetables, paired with a light and refreshing Rosé.
5. Dessert Fondue and Champagne: For a fun and festive dessert, set up a dessert fondue station with melted chocolate or caramel and an array of sweet treats for dipping, paired with a bubbly and celebratory Champagne.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to fondue and wine dinner serving ideas.

Consider incorporating different types of fondue, experimenting with different wines, and adding other dishes to round out the meal. With a little creativity and imagination, you can create a fondue and wine dinner that is sure to impress your guests.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

When it comes to fondue wine pairing, serving temperature and glassware are important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some tips to ensure that your fondue and wine are served at the right temperature and in the right glassware:

• Serving Temperature: The temperature at which you serve your fondue and wine can have a big impact on the flavors and aromas of the dishes. Cheese and chocolate fondue should be served warm but not hot, while meat fondue should be served hot. For wine, white wine should be served chilled, while red wine should be served at room temperature. It’s important to avoid serving wine that is too cold, as it can mute the flavors and aromas of the wine.
• Glassware: Choosing the right glassware for your wine can also make a difference in the overall experience. For white wine, use a glass with a smaller bowl to help preserve the wine’s aromas and acidity. For red wine, use a glass with a larger bowl to allow the wine to breathe and develop its full flavor profile. For Port wine, consider using a small, stemmed glass or even a shot glass to highlight the wine’s sweetness and richness.

By paying attention to the serving temperature and glassware, you can enhance the flavors and aromas of your fondue and wine, creating a more enjoyable dining experience for you and your guests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fondue wine pairing can elevate your next fondue party to a whole new level.

Whether you’re serving cheese fondue, meat fondue, or chocolate fondue, there are several wine options to consider that can complement and enhance the flavors of the fondue.

Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, and Port are some of the best wine pairings for fondue, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other wine options as well. By considering the intensity, acidity, sweetness, and experimenting with different wine options, you can create the perfect pairing for your favorite fondue recipe.

Additionally, paying attention to serving temperature and glassware can help to enhance the overall experience. Fondue and wine are both meant to be shared, so gather your friends and family and enjoy a convivial and delicious fondue and wine dinner together.