Pairing Wine and Fish
We've all heard that certain wines are considered more suitable than others for pairing with fish. Just how true is this? Does the choice of wine depend on the type of fish or the type of occasion?
Red Wine and Fish
Most people don't consider red wine to be the perfect accompaniment for fish. As a general rule this is true. However, there are exceptions to every rule!
Silky smooth red wines, such as those made from the pinot noir grape, are suitable accompaniments for fish, such as salmon or tuna.
Of the Italian reds, Valpolicella, which has a low-tannin content, can be a great wine to accompany lighter grilled fish dishes.
Although matching red wine with fish is largely a matter of personal taste, intense red wines such as those based on cabernet sauvignon and merlot are simply too overpowering for most fish dishes, and are therefore best avoided.
White Wine and Fish
White wine is the traditional accompaniment for fish dishes. Dry wines such as muscadet and unoaked chardonnay are a great choice for fish (and shellfish) that has been plainly cooked. If in doubt, dry wines such as these make a great accompaniment for any fish dish.
Another safe choice for most fish dishes, particularly those cooked in a tomato sauce, are wines such as sauvignon blanc, sancerre and riesling. These wines are slightly more acidic, so the choice is more down to personal preference than the actual fish dish they are being served alongside.
More aromatic wines, such as dry muscat, gewürztraminer and viognier, are best suited to strong flavoured dishes such as smoked salmon. In fact, any smoked fish dish pairs well with an aromatic white.
Plainer, grilled fish or fish cooked in white wine goes extremely well with white burgundy, chardonnay and semillon. These oaky and fruity wines can also pair reasonably well with smoked fish. But, a word of caution - a very strongly oak- flavored wine is not a brilliant choice to accompany very delicate tasting fish, which may be overwhelmed.
Sparking and Rosé with Fish
Rosé wine is a brilliant choice for almost any fish dish, from delicate to rich. If in doubt - rosé is a winner! Another great all-rounder is sparkling wine, particularly the dryer varieties. Sparkling wine is particularly good with shellfish and smoked fish.