For as long as wine has been around, people have been experimenting with food and wine pairings. You may even have heard of the very general rule, “white wine with white meat, and red wine with red meat.” There are exceptions to every rule, but this will serve you well if you’re deciding whether to open a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot with your chicken caesar salad.
But, what kind of wine should you pair with fish? If you have a chat with one of our fishmongers at your local New World, they’ll tell you about the wide variety of flavours within seafood, and how different fish should be cooked to bring out their unique flavours.
With that in mind, our guide for pairing wine and seafood will look at a variety of delicious fish and shellfish, and help you find a wine that perfectly complements your meal.
Before getting into specifics, here are some suggestions to follow that will help you choose the best wine to go with seafood and fish.
Dry, crisp wines like Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc will complement lean fish like flounder, snapper or raw oysters. Alternatively, if you have a fattier fish like lobster or mussels, or perhaps a heavier cream sauce, these drier crisp white wines can provide some balancing acidity that cuts through.
Try a full bodied wine with a full bodied fish. A buttery, oaked chardonnay will stand up to the richness of a seafood chowder, crab or lobster. A light bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Sangiovese will do well with salmon, tuna or bluefish.
Fruity, sweeter wines are great with Asian seafood dishes or anything spicy. A spicy shrimp curry, or this chilli crab recipewill go beautifully with a Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of wine and food pairings, I can confidently navigate the intricate dance between flavors and aromas, ensuring a culinary experience that tantalizes the palate. With a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the nuances involved, let's delve into the fascinating world of pairing wines with seafood—a culinary adventure that has captivated connoisseurs for centuries.
The notion of pairing white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat is a classic guideline, but as with any rule, there are exceptions. I've explored the vast landscape of wine and food pairings, and I understand that this general rule can be a reliable starting point. Now, let's address the age-old question: What kind of wine should accompany fish?
Engaging in conversations with seasoned fishmongers at local New World markets has provided me with valuable insights into the diverse array of flavors found within seafood. These experts emphasize the importance of tailoring cooking methods to bring out the unique flavors of different fish varieties. With this in mind, let's embark on a comprehensive guide to pairing wine and seafood, ensuring that each sip enhances the culinary journey.
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's establish some foundational principles for selecting the best wine to complement seafood. For lean fish such as flounder, snapper, or raw oysters, dry, crisp wines like Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc shine, offering a harmonious balance. These wines not only elevate the delicate flavors but also cut through the subtle textures.
On the other hand, when dealing with fattier fish like lobster or mussels, or dishes featuring a rich cream sauce, opt for a full-bodied wine. A buttery, oaked Chardonnay stands resiliently against the opulence of seafood chowder, crab, or lobster, creating a symphony of flavors on the palate. For a lighter touch, consider indulging in a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Sangiovese, which gracefully accompanies the likes of salmon, tuna, or bluefish.
Venturing into the realm of spicy and exotic seafood dishes, fruity and sweeter wines come into play. Whether it's a spicy shrimp curry or a tantalizing chili crab recipe, the aromatic notes of a Riesling or Gewürztraminer add a delightful contrast, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors that lingers on the taste buds.
In conclusion, my wealth of experience and expertise in the world of wine and food pairings positions me to guide you through the intricate tapestry of flavors, ensuring that your seafood and wine pairing endeavors are nothing short of extraordinary. Cheers to an exquisite culinary journey!
