We all know wine is a great pairing for seafood. We’ve learned to enjoy wine with fish dishes, but what wine goes best with seafood? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think.
Best Wine for Seafood
It turns out that wine can pair well with both redfish and white fish alike, depending on the wine type.
For instance, dry red wines are often paired with grilled or seared meats like salmon, while crisp whites tend to go better alongside shellfish-based dishes like lobster bisque or shrimp scampi.
However, there are five wine varieties that tend to do well with most seafood dishes. They’re not always the first wine varietals you think of when it comes to pairing wine and seafood, but these options will give your dish a deeper flavor profile than what you might get from typical red or white wine.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a great wine to start with if you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
This white wine has citrus flavors that will compliment seafood dishes with a tartness or acidity, like ceviche.
Sauvignon Blanc can also be a good choice if you’re serving fish tacos or fish and chips – the acidity in the wine will cut through the crispy coating on these dishes.
Tip: Serve Sauvignon Blanc chilled for best results.
Chardonnay
If you want a wine that can handle the richness of a gourmet seafood dish like grilled swordfish, Chardonnay is your best bet.
With buttery undertones and hints of vanilla, this wine will complement seafood pairings like lobster, crab legs, and even salmon very well. Just make sure not to select a very oaky Chardonnay, as the woody flavors can overpower delicate fish dishes.
Tip: Serve Chardonnay at room temperature
Riesling
Riesling is a great option for seafood because it has a fruity and floral taste that pairs well with most seafood dishes.
It also has a slightly sweet flavor, which helps to balance out the salty flavors in seafood dishes. If you’re looking for a wine that will enhance the flavor of your seafood dish, look no further than Riesling!
If you’re not sure what type of Riesling to choose, we recommend opting for a dry Riesling. This variety has a more subtle sweetness and a slightly tart flavor that pairs well with seafood.
If you’re searching for a wine to go with fried seafood or oily fish, we recommend choosing a sweeter Riesling. This will balance the fattiness in the dish.
Pinot Grigio
Another great wine option for seafood is Pinot Grigio.
This wine has a light and refreshing taste that pairs well with most types of seafood. It also has a slightly fruity flavor, which makes it the perfect wine to pair with fish dishes.
If you’re searching for a versatile wine that can be paired with both light and heavy seafood dishes, we recommend choosing Pinot Grigio.
This wine goes well with both delicate and hearty seafood dishes, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.
If you desire a wine to accompany shellfish, we recommend choosing a Pinot Grigio that is on the drier side to even out the sweetness of the shellfish.
Moscato
Do you love wine that is a little bit sweeter? If so, Moscato might be the perfect wine for your seafood dinner! This wine has a sweet and slightly bubbly taste. It also pairs well with most types of fish or shellfish dishes because it balances out their saltiness without overpowering them.
For an easy wine option to pair with any type of seafood dish, we recommend choosing Moscato. We believe this wine will become one of your go-to wines in no time flat!
The best part about pairing wine with seafood dishes is that there are many different options available to choose from. Whether you prefer dry white wines or fruity reds, we guarantee that there is a wine out there that will pair perfectly with your seafood dinner. So, get creative and experiment with different wine and seafood combinations! You might just find a new favorite pairing.
Chenin Blanc
For a wine that is light, fruity, and floral, Chenin Blanc might be the perfect choice for you. This wine has a delicate flavor that pairs well with most seafood dishes. It also has a slightly sweet taste, which helps to balance out the salty flavors in seafood dishes.
If you’re looking for a wine that will pair well with both fish and shellfish dishes, we recommend choosing Chenin Blanc. This wine has a delicate flavor that won’t overpower either type of seafood dish. Plus, its sweet taste will help to even out the saltiness of the dish.
The right type of wine can make a huge difference in your seafood experience.
If you’re not sure what to do next time, remember these rules and the go-to types of white wine for fish or seafood dishes. You’ll likely be happy with any one of these options.
Remember – rules are made to be broken, so if there’s something else that sounds good on the menu, don’t hesitate to experiment with it. Results will always depend on your personal preference as well as which dish is being served.
What other tips would you give when pairing wine with seafood?