For these cold cuts, choose a light, fresh, low-tannin red such as a Pinot Noir. A crisp white works too: its acidity cuts through the fat.
The perfect matchChoose a Lavaux Pinot Noir for country terrine
Country terrine is the classic: a thick slice, bread, gherkins. It's fatty but not heavy. A fine, fresh red suits it better than a powerful wine, which would drown out the spices.
Le Poète 2024 from Cave Champ de Clos in Chexbres is a Pinot Noir from Lavaux, in the canton of Vaud. Fresh red fruit, delicate floral notes, a silky texture and fine tannins: it refreshes the palate without hardening the filling. Serve it at 14 to 16°C. Great value for the pleasure.
Also greatWith game terrine, serve a northern Rhône Syrah
Game terrine has more flavour and more spice: it needs a red with character that still stays fresh. A peppery, easy-drinking northern Syrah does exactly that.
Syrah Les Hautes Ribaudes 2023 from Lionel Faury grows on the granite soils of the slopes above Chavanay, in the Rhône Valley. Raspberry, redcurrant, black pepper and a hint of smoked bacon on the nose; on the palate, freshness, delicate tannins and saline touches. At 12.5%, it stays light next to an already rich terrine.
Also greatGo for an Epesses Chasselas with pâté en croûte
With pâté en croûte, the pastry and the fatty filling call for freshness. In French-speaking Switzerland, especially in the canton of Vaud, meat pies were found in many cafés until the end of the 20th century, under a glass bell on the table or the counter, notes the Swiss Culinary Heritage inventory (in French).
The Epesses 2024 from Stéphane Porchet is a Chasselas from Lavaux. White flowers, subtle minerality, a fresh, delicate palate with lovely acidity that cuts through the fatty filling and cleans the palate after the pastry. Serve it well chilled. At this price, it's practically a gift.
Also greatA Burgundy Pinot Noir for duck terrine
Duck terrine has denser, more fragrant meat than pork terrine. A supple Pinot Noir follows its richness without hardening it.
The Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2022 from Domaine de Rochebin comes from Azé, in the Mâconnais. Fresh strawberry, morello cherry, blackcurrant and a herbaceous hint on the nose, a medium-bodied palate and soft tannins on the finish. Serve it slightly chilled.
The smart pickRustic pâté on the board: a Corsican Niellucciu
No neat slice on the plate here: this is the rustic homemade pâté you spread on bread in the middle of a sharing board. It needs a generous red with fruit and a bit of character.
The Niellucciu Rouge 2024 from Domaine Terra Vecchia in Aléria is made from Niellucciu, Corsica's old native grape. Prune, morello cherry, a touch of spice and scents of the maquis, then a tannic structure wrapped in ripe fruit: a balance between rustic and generous. It stays very affordable.
Search for «wine with terrine» online: you'll find plenty of advice on appellations, but hardly ever a Swiss bottle you can order right away. Here, the selection starts with a Lavaux Pinot and an Epesses Chasselas, bottles we actually have in stock.
Terrine or pâté? We won't settle that debate. In the Jura, gelée de ménage, a terrine of pork head in jelly, is even part of the St Martin's meal, according to the Swiss Culinary Heritage inventory (in French). Proof that a terrine never needed a grand wine, just a good one.
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Frequently asked questions
What wine goes with terrine?
A light, fresh red with fine tannins, such as a Pinot Noir. Our first choice is Le Poète 2024 from Cave Champ de Clos, a Pinot Noir from Lavaux: its fresh red fruit and silky texture go very well with a country terrine. For a game terrine, step up to a peppery Syrah.
Red or white wine with pâté?
Both work. A light red is the most versatile with country terrines and pâtés. A crisp white becomes the best choice with pâté en croûte, a very fatty terrine or rillettes: its acidity refreshes the palate between bites.
What wine goes with rillettes?
Rillettes are very fatty, so the wine needs to bring freshness. A crisp white such as a Chasselas from Lavaux works very well, for example the Epesses 2024 from Stéphane Porchet. If you prefer red, keep it light and low in tannin, like a slightly chilled Pinot Noir.
What wine goes with pâté en croûte?
A fresh, mineral white such as a Chasselas, or a light red. With the pastry and the filling, acidity matters most. In Switzerland, the best known is probably the pâté des Princes-Évêques from Ajoie: a large pâté en croûte with a liver and brain filling, described by the Swiss Culinary Heritage inventory (in French).
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