Marsanne, also know as Ermitage, Hermitage, Grosse Roussette, Marzanne, white Hermitage and Zrmitazh. In Switzerland it mainly grows in the Valais region. It is thought to have originally come from the northern part of the Rhone valley in France, although it also grows in Spain and Australia where it was first planted in the 1860s. It can make sweet or dry wine.
Tasting notes: An immensely expressive complex nose of chestnuts, mixed citrus fruits, marmalade, white musk and insence. Delicious rich and nutty flavours combined with a slight peppery bite, a tad of bitterness and a lingering finish. A powerful bold wine, highly recommended.
Food & mood match: Even though it can be 30 degrees or more these days we still have the tendency to desire raclette in the middle of summer. So if you must have your summer raclette fix then opt for really tasty cheeses to liven things up. Head to your local laiterie (cheese shop) and buy an assortment. The ones I recently used were garlic, brebis (sheep), chevre (goat) and mustard raclette. Brebis and garlic worked the best. Did this with a good buddy after being caught in a hailstorm on a nice mountain walk. It was the perfect way to warm up inside and out. To make it a tad more summery have a fresh green salad on the side. If you’re definitely not a summer raclette eater then match with white meats, pâtés and meatloaf.
Tip: Swiss experts say not to drink anything cold whilst eating raclette, it will make the cheese turn into a hard ball in your stomach. Opt for herbal or black tea if you are a teetotaller.
Price: 23.30 chf
Available at: https://www.gilliard.ch
By Nina Bobillier
Nina Bobillier is a wine reviewer and guide. nina@lenews.ch