Reblochon and Wine – A Match Worth Exploring
French cheese has a way of winning hearts, and Reblochon is no exception. This soft, washed-rind cheese from the Savoie region creates a rich, buttery experience with every bite. It has a gentle aroma and a creamy texture that melts in the mouth. You may know Reblochon as the cheese behind the classic mountain dish “Tartiflette”, but there’s more to pairing this cheese than just throwing it in a baking dish.
Pairing wine with Reblochon takes the experience to the next level. With the right glass of wine, the flavours in this cheese really come alive. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best wine pairings for Reblochon and explain how to create a delicious French meal that’s balanced and full of flavour.
What Makes Reblochon So Unique?
Reblochon AOC is a traditional French cheese made from cow’s milk. It comes from the French Alps and follows strict traditional methods. Its name comes from a farming practice that involved re-milking cows – “reblocher” – to produce a creamier milk. This richer milk is what gives Reblochon its smooth, luxurious feel.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, you can browse our Reblochon AOC and enjoy the exact cheese used in French mountain homes for generations. It’s perfect for baking, melting, or simply enjoying with crusty bread and wine.
Reblochon has a washed rind that brings a light pungency, but it remains milder compared to more intense cheeses. That balance is why wine pairings can enhance or spoil the experience. So we’ve taken time to match it with wines that bring out its charm.
Best Wine Matches for Reblochon
Finding the right wine to go with Reblochon starts with understanding its texture and flavour. It has a soft and creamy interior with a slightly salty, nutty taste. It doesn’t need something overpowering. Instead, look for wines that gently cut through the richness while highlighting the cheese’s nutty, buttery tones.
White Wines
White wine tends to be the first choice when matching it with Reblochon, especially if you’re eating dishes like Tartiflette.
- Roussette de Savoie – This is a local wine from the same region as Reblochon. The two grow together and match perfectly. With light acidity and floral notes, it helps balance the cheese’s intense creaminess.
- Apremont or Jacquère – Crisp and fresh, these Savoie region wines lift the cheese’s flavours without overwhelming the senses.
- Chardonnay (unoaked) – Avoid the heavy oak; go for a fresher style like Chablis. It brings a clean taste that sits well with Reblochon’s rich body.
Red Wines
Though many automatically pair soft cheese with white wine, don’t overlook the possibilities with light reds.
- Pinot Noir – Its dry and subtle fruitiness goes nicely with the delicate saltiness of Reblochon.
- Gamay (like a Beaujolais) – This is a bright, low-tannin red wine. It keeps the pair light and helps reset the palate.
Strong red wines are not ideal for this cheese. Tannins can clash with the soft, milky taste and hide the cheese’s gentle complexity. Stick to softer reds, and your taste buds will thank you.
Traditional Reblochon Dish: Tartiflette and Wine
If we’re talking about eating Reblochon as part of a meal, then Tartiflette deserves special mention. This warmly baked dish of sliced potatoes, lardons, onions, cream and melted Reblochon is a classic from the French Alps. It’s rich and comforting, the kind of food that makes you want to stay at the table longer.
With tartiflette, white wine is a better match. We suggest an Apremont, Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to balance out the dish. If you’re someone who loves their reds, a well-chilled Beaujolais could work too.
And if trying something new excites you, we have other Alpine cheeses like Tomme de Savoie and Raclette that come with their own perfect wine partners.
Hosting a Reblochon Cheese Night
Why not make a night of it? A cheese night based around Reblochon offers lots of sharing and simple joy. Here’s a quick plan:
- Start with wine and cheese – Taste the cheese on its own with a glass of chilled white wine. Apremont is the safe bet, but give Jacquère or Chablis a try too.
- Add sides – Serve with crusty bread, boiled potatoes, cornichons and cured meats. Don’t forget a green salad with vinaigrette to lighten things up.
- Cook something warm – Bake a Tartiflette or use Reblochon in a gratin-style dish. Let the cheese melt and crisp in the oven for some delicious golden top.
- Offer pairings – Give your guests the chance to sample different wines and see which ones they enjoy most with the cheese.
By focusing on simple, quality ingredients from France, you’re creating an authentic experience. At the end of the night, you’ll understand why people in the Alps have these meals in the colder months – or any time really!
Other Alpine Cheeses That Go Well with Wine
Reblochon is something special, but it’s just one of many fantastic cheeses from the French Alps. If you love exploring flavours, you might enjoy these too:
- Tomme de Savoie – This is a semi-soft cow’s milk cheese with a firm texture and earthy rind. It pairs beautifully with lighter red wines due to its nutty, rural flavour.
- Raclette – This is another Alpine treasure that melts like a dream. Often used as part of a hot meal, sliced and melted over boiled potatoes and meats. White wines like Riesling or Pinot Gris go really well with it.
If you’re trying to design a cheese board for sharing, we suggest mixing one soft cheese like Reblochon with a firmer one like Tomme de Savoie. Add some fresh grapes or figs, nuts and your drink of choice.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, you can find each of these cheeses ready to be shipped directly to your door.
FAQs
Can I eat the rind on Reblochon?
Yes, the rind on Reblochon is edible and adds to the flavour. It’s soft, slightly sticky, and full of character.
Should I serve Reblochon at room temperature?
Always. Take it out of the fridge a good 30 to 45 minutes before serving. The texture softens, and the flavours become much stronger.
Is Reblochon vegetarian?
Reblochon AOC is traditionally made with animal rennet, so it’s not vegetarian-friendly in its original form.
How should I store leftover Reblochon?
Wrap it in wax paper or baking parchment and then place in an airtight container in the fridge. Avoid plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and affect the taste.
What meats go well with Reblochon on a sharing board?
Cured meats like saucisson, prosciutto and smoked ham match nicely. Their saltiness works well next to the creamy texture of the cheese.
Our Favourite Wine and Cheese Combos with Reblochon
Here are a few serving ideas we’ve tried and loved:
- Reblochon + Apremont + Tartiflette – Pure Alpine comfort
- Reblochon + Beaujolais + Crusty Bread and Pickles – A casual but tasty pairing
- Raclette + Pinot Gris + Boiled Potatoes – For raclette grills or fondue nights
- Tomme de Savoie + Pinot Noir + Fresh Grapes – Earthy and gentle
You can get all of our featured cheeses direct from our French Cheese collection at Cheese Shop Nantwich.
Taste the Alps with Every Bite
Pairing wine with Reblochon doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to light, crisp whites and soft reds, serve the cheese warm or at room temperature, and keep things simple and traditional. Whether you’re cooking a tartiflette or preparing a platter for guests, the right wine turns cheese into a feast.
To get started, explore our full range of French cheeses at Cheese Shop Nantwich. Bring French flavour to your table, and share the joy with good food, good company and the perfect glass of wine.
Go on, try something new tonight. Your taste buds will be glad you did.
