Guest post by Chef blogger, Kevin Krømcke
I still remember when I was younger I didn’t like fish, every time we had it for dinner I resisted and told my mother no. I was quite a stubborn kid! Until she made it with a thick and rich bechamel sauce, which tasted amazing. It was around that time that my admiration for fish started. Now, 14 years later I’m a Professional chef.
Wine and seafood have long been recognized as a classic pairing, with the right wine complementing the flavours and textures of the fish dish to create a harmonious dining experience. But there are a lot of varieties of wine available on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one to serve with fish. In this article, we will explore the top 5 best wines for fish, along with the characteristics that make each wine an ideal pairing.
Pairing wine with fish can be a game-changer when it comes to enjoying your meal. Choosing the correct wine will add depth and complement the dish, and dive deep into its richness. On the other hand, an ill-matched wine can overpower the dish, leaving you with a less-than-ideal dining experience.
When pairing wine with fish, it’s essential to consider the type of fish, the cooking techniques, and the seasonings used. A successful wine pairing can elevate the overall dining experience, creating a harmonious and enjoyable balance in the dish.
The Winemaking Process
Some winemakers may add sugar to the grape juice before or during fermentation to increase the level of residual sugar in the finished wine. This is known as chaptalization and is a technique used in winemaking to increase the alcohol in the wine.
Some grape varieties are also naturally sweeter than others. For example, Muscat grapes are known for their naturally sweet flavour. Ultimately, the levels in a glass of wine depend on a variety of factors, including the grape variety, winemaking techniques, and the winemaker’s desired flavour profile for the final product.
Sauvignon Blanc
This acidic wine is an excellent pairing with all types of fish, from delicate white fish like cod to richer fish like salmon. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or California for the best match.
This wine is known for its bright acidity and crispness, making it an excellent match for fish dishes. This wine typically has flavours of green apple, citrus, and tropical fruits, along with grassy and herbal notes.
This is delicious to serve with some grilled shrimp and lots of seafood topped with some fresh herbs but can also be with oily fish if you are one of the people that enjoy creamy sauce for your fish
Chardonnay
This full-bodied creamy texture has notes of tropical fruit and oak which can be a great match for seafood and especially for richer fish dishes like salmon, halibut, or sea bass. Chardonnay is a popular white wine that is known for its Flexibility, as it can be produced in a range of styles from light to full-bodied and oaky.
The flavour profile of Chardonnay has apple, pear, and lemon, along with buttery and toasty notes if it has been aged in oak barrels. It is also a relatively low-acid wine, which makes it an excellent match for richer fish dishes like salmon, halibut, or sea bass.
Look for wines from regions like Burgundy in France, or Margaret River in Australia, which are famous for their high quality and influence throughout the wine world.
Pinot Grigio
Another light and crisp white wine, Pinot Grigio is a versatile choice with a variety of fish dishes, especially those with light sauces or lemon and herb seasoning. The Pinot Grigio is a white wine that is typically produced in Italy, although it can be made in other countries as well.
Pinot Grigio is known for its crisp, light-bodied taste and refreshing acid making it a popular choice for warm weather or as an aperitif. It is made from the Pinot Grigio grape, which has a grayish-blue colour and is known for producing wines with subtle fruit flavours and floral aromas. Pinot Grigio is often unoaked, which allows the fruit flavours and acid to shine through, and is generally best served chilled.
Rosé
A dry wine with notes of strawberry and watermelon can be unexpected but delicious when paired with lighter fish dishes, especially those with a citrusy or herbaceous seasoning.
This is a pink wine that is made by leaving the grape skins in contact with the juice for a short time, giving it a range of hues from pale pink to deep salmon. This wine can be produced using a variety of grape varieties, and it can range in style from bone-dry to sweet, depending on the winemaker’s preference.
Rosé typically has flavours of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, along with floral and herbal notes. This wine is versatile and can pair well with a range of fish dishes, especially those with lighter preparations like grilled or poached fish. Its bright acidity and fruity flavours make it a great match for fish tacos, ceviche, or sushi rolls.
Other great pairings
There are many other wines out there for good and better wine pairings. You can, for example, serve Pinot Noir with fried fish or enjoy a nice sparkling wine that pairs better with different fishes. Some enjoy white wine for spice and some enjoy just eating almost anything with lobster depending on their palate.
Some people will enjoy eating spicy lobster served with german riesling.
Some may enjoy other foods for example trout and tuna with more citrus in the recipes, which matches well with the classical Portuguese Vinho Verde.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great choices for picking what you are drinking, knowing the right wine to pair with fish is a skill of utmost importance. This skill can greatly enhance your dining experience. The five wines discussed in this article – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, and Pinot Noir – offer a range of flavours and characteristics that can complement a variety of fish dishes.
All the flavours
From light and crisp to rich and full-bodied, these wines can provide the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and complexity to enhance the flavours of the fish. Ultimately, the best wine for your fish dish will depend on the preparation, seasonings, and personal taste preferences.
However, with a better understanding of the characteristics of each wine, you can confidently select a bottle that will take your fish dinner to the next level.
Have a nice dining experience and don’t forget to keep up with the latest wine news
About the Author
Kevin is a professional chef with 5 years of experience in kitchen hotels in Norway. In his blog https://kevinkr.com/ he seeks to educate and guide people through his realms of interests.
Kevin Krømcke, Chef blogger
