Which Wines Go Best With Seafood

A glass of wine can be the perfect thing to complete your seafood meal. But it's important to know which type of wine works best for the flavor profiles at hand. There are many different types of seafood, each of which has a certain type of wine which complements it best. This guide from The Wagyu Shop™ will walk you through some of the top wine pairings for various seafood dishes.

White Wines

For many types of seafood, white wine is the go-to option. However, there are many different options within the white wine categories, so it's important to consider what types of flavors will best complement your choice of seafood. Use this wine pairing guide to make sure you choose the right one:

• Dry and crisp white wines, like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, are great for leaner white fish like tilapia, halibut, Chilean sea bass and cod. These wines also pair well with oysters and clams.
• Sweeter white wines, such as Riesling and Marsanne, are great for spicy fish dishes. They also pair well with Asian flavor profiles.
• Moderate white wines that are somewhere in between dry and sweet, like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, are great for certain types of oilier seafood, such as mackerel, striped bass, crab and lobster.

Red Wines

Can you drink red wine with fish? This is a common question among seafood lovers since white wine is so often recommended as the drink of choice. The truth is that red wine and fish can go quite well together when you choose the right flavor profiles. Use these suggestions to pair your favorite red with a seafood dish:

• Lighter red wines, such as Pinot Noir and Gamay, work well with fattier, meatier fish. Instead of pairing tuna, swordfish or salmon and white wine, try these types of fish with red wine for an entirely different eating experience. These reds can also work well with any seafood in a tomato-based sauce.
• Roses and blush wines are a perfect choice for shrimp or grilled fish food and wine.

Sparkling Wines

Believe it or not, sparkling wines like Cava, Champagne and Prosecco can all pair up well with a seafood dish. The bubbly character of sparkling wines make fried fish and seafood taste lighter. Plus, it works equally well with any type of frying, including light tempuras and thick beer batters. Sparkling wine is also a classic pairing for high-quality caviar.

Some people also enjoy eating sushi alongside a glass of sparkling wine. However, for those who prefer a classic wine, Sauvignon Blanc is a good alternative that complements most sushi.

As a final tip, be sure to consider what type of cuisine you're enjoying when selecting a proper wine pairing. For example, a Spanish seafood dish is often best enjoyed with a Spanish wine, or an Italian dish with an Italian wine, etc. This can help you narrow down the options and find the best way to enjoy your favorite seafood dishes.