Cheese Fondue

White · Medium · Dry

The most-planted white grape and the most chameleon-like. Crisp and steely from Chablis; rich, oaky, and tropical from California. Read the label, then match the style to the dish.

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Red · Full · Dry

The benchmark for full-bodied red — structured, age-worthy, unapologetic. Black currant, graphite, and tobacco lead into firm tannins that demand protein on the plate. Decant young bottles; cellar the serious ones.

Works with Blue Cheese Fondue · Swiss Cheese Fondue · Tuscan Cheese Fondue +7 more Blue Cheese Fondue · Swiss Cheese Fondue · Tuscan Cheese Fondue · Cheddar Cheese Fondue · Beer And Cheese Fondue · Fondue Cheese · Cheese Fondue And Red Wine · Fondue Swiss Cheese · Beef And Chicken Cheese Fondue · Cheddar Cheese And Soup Fondue

Red · Light · Dry

Burgundy's most temperamental grape, but the rewards are real — translucent ruby with a perfumed lift of red cherry, forest floor, and clove. Silken tannins and bright acid make it the most versatile red on the table; serve cool, around 58°F.

Works with Blue Cheese Fondue · Swiss Cheese Fondue · Tuscan Cheese Fondue +7 more Blue Cheese Fondue · Swiss Cheese Fondue · Tuscan Cheese Fondue · Cheddar Cheese Fondue · Beer And Cheese Fondue · Fondue Cheese · Cheese Fondue And Red Wine · Fondue Swiss Cheese · Beef And Chicken Cheese Fondue · Cheddar Cheese And Soup Fondue

Fortified · Full · Sweet

Fortified red from Portugal's Douro Valley — sweet, warming, and surprisingly versatile. Ruby and LBV are for everyday; Vintage and Tawny are for serious occasions. Pair with blue cheese, walnuts, or just a fire.

Works with Swiss Cheese Fondue · Fondue Cheese · Cheese Fondue And Red Wine +1 more Swiss Cheese Fondue · Fondue Cheese · Cheese Fondue And Red Wine · Cheddar Cheese And Soup Fondue

Dessert · Full · Sweet

Bordeaux's legendary sweet white — Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc hit by noble rot, then patiently fermented. Honey, apricot, candied citrus, and a finish that lasts a small eternity. Pair with foie gras, blue cheese, or a fruit tart.

Works with Swiss Cheese Fondue · Fondue Cheese · Cheese Fondue And Red Wine

Sparkling · Light · Dry

Méthode champenoise from the most chalk-rich corner of France — fine bubbles, brioche, lemon zest, and a finish that goes on for half a minute. The wine for anything fried, salty, or special.

Works with Garlic Cheese Fondue · Three-cheese Fondue With Champagne

Switzerland's most-planted white grape (called Fendant in Valais) — light, lemony, gently mineral. The Swiss aperitif of choice.

Works with Cheese Fondue · Fondue Cheese (savoyarde)

Red · Full · Dry

Argentina's signature grape: deep purple, plummy, and remarkably smooth for its weight. Soft tannins and a touch of cocoa make it the dinner-party Cabernet alternative — and far easier on the wallet.

Works with Cheese Fondue · Beef And Chicken Cheese Fondue

White · Light · Dry

Citrus, cut grass, and a wire of acid. Marlborough makes it loudest; Sancerre makes it most refined. Either way, it cuts cleanly through goat cheese, herbs, and anything with shellfish.

Works with Cheese Fondue · Gruyere Cheese Fondue

Red · Full · Dry

California's brawler — jammy blackberry, brambly spice, and 15% alcohol that hides behind the fruit. Built for ribs, brisket, and anything that came off a grill.

Works with Cheese Fondue · Beef And Chicken Cheese Fondue

A specialty bottling we haven't documented in detail. Treat the first sip as research — note the body and acidity, then choose food that matches.

Red · Medium · Dry

American wines made in the Italian idiom — Sangiovese, Barbera, or Super-Tuscan-style blends from California or Washington. Cherry-driven, food-friendly, often a great value.