Back in January 2020 we told our guest tasters to bring a bottle of wine that would pair well with a classic cheese fondue. It was a departure from our usual format, and only included four wines, but was a fun exercise in discovering what might be a good match for melted dairy goodness. Fast forward to nearly five years later, Ali & Andy invited us over for a New Year's Eve celebration that featured a cheese fondue, so we decided to try this challenge again.

While there were only four wines represented again (there are usually six at our regular tastings), the bottles turned out to be very different from each other, and each had merits on their own as well as with the cheese. Tasted blind, we had no preconceived notions about which grapes or appellations were represented.

Overall, we preferred both white wines, which seemed to complement the cheese with higher acidity, while also providing supportive flavors that elevated the experience. But we also felt that the reds did a great job too, showing solid structure that did not overwhelm the cheese.


André & Michel Quenard Les Roches de la Savoyarde 2023 (Savoie Chignin). Tasters found tropical, fruity scents of pineapple, lychee, and rambutan. The palate started off tropical also, then moved to notes of sawdust and clove. Rather rich in texture, it liked the cheese, bringing out its saltiness. Kristin & Ali's vote for best pairing. Andy's bottle. About $25.

Fonte do Ouro Encruzado Reserva Especial 2022 (Dão). Honeydew melon, apples, cottage cheese, pears, yogurt, crushed rocks, orange peel, and cornstarch on the nose. More melon notes on the palate, plus wet stone, peach, toasted almond, and marshmallow. A hint of ash on the finish. David detected a bare hint of residual sugar. A very good pairing, bringing out the nuttiness of the cheese. David felt that the higher acidity was an asset as the melted cheese became more concentrated. Andy & David's vote for best pairing. David's bottle. About $23.

Chandra Kurt Cornalin 2021 (Valais). Vibrant ruby color, looking youthful. Complex scents of bright cherries, charcoal, plums, lavender, and pine needles. Kristin was reminded of "Aqua Net hairspray", in a good way. A hint of chalk too. More fruit forward, bringing out the buttery notes of the cheese, plus dark spices, like black pepper and cloves. Solid acidity. Paired well with the country pâté. Kristin decided that it "tastes like something I know", but could not place what that was. Kristin's bottle. About $30.

Domaine Rolet Poulsard Vieilles Vignes 2022 (Arbois). Leaning toward the brown spectrum of red, with hints of amber color. Tasters found scents of dried cranberries, cinnamon, dried cherries, white pepper, and molasses. Plenty of acidity, with flavors of both fresh cranberries and dried red fruits, then a zippy finish. Does not fight with the cheese, and is a nice match, but does not create anything new. Ali's bottle. About $35.













DECEMBER 2024:  FONDUE CHALLENGE #2
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