Complete your vicarious tour of Switzerland with these wines chosen to complement our Swiss menus
Switzerland produces delicious crisp white wines and soft reds that pair perfectly with the dairy-rich dishes of Swiss cuisine. Unfortunately, they’re virtually all consumed locally and rarely seen outside Switzerland. So Roberto’s given us four crisp white wines from neighbouring northern Italy. If I tasted them blind, I may just think they were Swiss!
Menu 1 – 2017 Kettmeir Müller Thurgau, Alto Adige-Südtirol DOC
From the German-speaking Italian region of Trentino Alto-Adige, which shares Switzerland’s Alpine love for all things dairy, comes this pale golden beauty. Its age gives it lovely depth to harmonise with the rich Gruyère and wine combo of this week’s fondue. I like a glass with the nüsslisalat too.
Menu 2 – 2021 Torre Rosazza Friulano, Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
There’s delicious crisp green apple on the nose and palate of this bright young wine from north-eastern Italy. It has a crunchy, slightly bitter finish, which balances the creamy mushroom sauce and harmonises with the fennel salad in this week’s geschnetzeltes menu.
Menu 3 – 2021 Torre Rosazza Pinot Grigio, Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
From the same producer comes this floral pinot grigio. Lighter and more aromatic than the friulano, with a touch of citrus and good length, it pairs beautifully with our delicate fish fillets in a rich butter sauce.
Menu 4 – 2021 Italo Cescon Chardonnay, Veneto IGT
Typical, yet restrained, buttery chardonnay notes make this my pick with our chicken voressen. The rich stone fruit aromas and mouth-filling palate work so well with the sweet carrots, crisp green peas and creamy chicken.
