Pour & Pair — A Versatile Guide to Seafood
Wine Pairings

5 min read

Posted on 12/05/2024

Did You Know

Recipe

Sea Food

Wine

Quick Summary

Planning a seafood feast? Seafood pairs well with reds, whites, Rosés, Sparkling wines, and even Champagne, adding a touch of celebration to any meal. Learn how wine adds an extra layer of enjoyment to these meals, with handy tips on the best wine pairings for different dishes. Join us as we explore the joy of combining flavours and creating memorable moments around the table, celebrating the harmony of food and wine.

Deep Dive

Planning a seafood dinner? While your initial thought may lean towards serving white wine, there are plenty of other exciting options to explore. As far as tradition goes, white wine is served with any food that does not involve red meat, especially seafood. The best thing about seafood is that it pairs well with whatever you choose to drink: red, white, rose, sparkling wines and even Champagne, which can turn a simple meal into a special occasion.

When selecting a wine to accompany your meal, there are two important things to keep in mind. First, the type of fish or shellfish you’re serving. Second, the type of sauce, which would typically be butter, tomato, reduced red wine, etc. While delicate raw dishes and light briny shellfish go with light white wines, darker and oilier fish go well with a more substantial white or red wine. Whether you have red or white wine, we will tell you all about lip-smacking dishes that pair well with different wines — turning any regular meal into a meal to remember.

Grilled Salmon With Ginger Soy Butter

The tangy flavour of the ginger soy butter elevates this oh-so-healthy dish. Here is a quick recipe:

What you will need

· 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

· 1⁄2 Tbsp minced chives

· 1⁄2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger

· Juice of 1 lemon

· 1⁄2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

· 4 salmon fillets

· Salt and black pepper to taste

· 1 Tbsp olive oil

How to make it

· Combine softened butter, minced chives, grated fresh ginger, lemon juice, and low-sodium soy sauce in a bowl. Set aside.

· Preheat your grill or grill pan.

· Season salmon fillets with salt and black pepper, then rub them with olive oil.

· Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them with a paper towel.

· Place the salmon skin side down on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is lightly charred and crispy.

· Flip the salmon and cook on the flesh side for another 2 to 3 minutes until it flakes easily with gentle pressure but remains slightly translucent in the centre.

· Remove the salmon from the grill and serve with a generous spoonful of the prepared ginger soy butter, allowing it to melt over the hot fish.

Consider a versatile white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for pairing with Grilled Salmon with Ginger Soy Butter. The dish's buttery texture and subtle spice complement the fruity notes and acidity of these wines, enhancing the overall dining experience. If you prefer red wine, opt for a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a fruity Merlot, as they won't overpower the delicate flavours of the salmon but still add depth to the meal. A crisp sparkling wine or Champagne can elevate the occasion with a touch of luxury, making it a perfect match for this delectable seafood dish.

Wine That Goes Best With Some Popular Dishes

Pizza

A light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Chianti can be an excellent choice for Margherita or vegetarian pizzas, which often feature tomato sauce and cheese. These wines complement the flavours of the tomato sauce and cheese without overwhelming the palate. On the other hand, if you're enjoying a meat lovers' pizza with robust toppings like pepperoni or sausage, consider a medium to full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These wines add depth and richness to the savoury meat flavours.

Pasta

Cream-based pasta dishes like Alfredo or Carbonara call for medium to full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay or Viognier. The buttery texture of these wines harmonises beautifully with the creamy sauces, creating a luxurious dining experience. Conversely, pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces like marinara or arrabbiata pair well with light to medium-bodied red wines like Sangiovese or Barbera. These red wines complement the acidity and richness of the tomato sauce, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the dish.

Chicken

Both white and red wines can be delightful companions when it comes to chicken dishes, such as grilled or roasted chicken. For white wine enthusiasts, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a slightly oaked Chardonnay complements the flavours of the chicken, especially when prepared with herbs or light sauces. On the red wine side, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a versatile Merlot can be excellent choices, adding a layer of complexity to the chicken's taste.

For spicier or tangier chicken dishes like chicken curry or lemon chicken, consider off-dry white wines such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer. These wines provide a sweet touch that balances the dish's spices or acidity, creating a harmonious pairing that delights the palate.

Sip, Swirl and Savour

Whether you're enjoying a cosy dinner at home or hosting a gathering with friends, a well-matched wine can truly elevate the dining experience. From light and refreshing whites to bold and robust reds, there's a wine for every flavour profile and occasion. So, the next time you plan a meal, don't forget to consider the magic of wine pairing — it's like adding a special ingredient that brings out the best in your food. Here's to delicious moments shared over great food and wine!

blurb

White wine is best paired with any food that does not involve red meat — especially seafood.

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a slightly oaked Chardonnay complements the flavours of chicken-based dishes.

A light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Chianti is an excellent choice for Margherita pizzas.