I’ve put together a collection of some of my favourite fish & seafood dishes and hope you not only find them inspiring but also find a wine suggestion which peaks your interest, even the lesser-known variety.
In order to focus on the wine pairing suggestions, I haven’t offered a specific recipe for any of these dishes. They are very popular dishes so it will be easy to find various recipes for each online.
Greek salad topped with grilled salmon
This tasty mediterranean dish offers a combination of fresh and vibrant flavours. When selecting a wine to pair with this dish, you’ll want to consider the various components such as the crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and the rich flavour of grilled salmon. Here are a few wine options that complement the dish:
- Sauvignon Blanc: A Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty acidity and herbaceous notes can be a fantastic choice. It pairs well with the fresh vegetables in the salad, and its citrusy flavours can harmonise with the tanginess of the feta cheese.
- Rosé: A dry and crisp rosé can be a versatile option for a Greek salad with grilled salmon. Look for a rosé with good acidity and a hint of red fruit flavours. It can provide a refreshing complement to the dish and bridge the flavours of the vegetables and salmon.
- Pinot Noir: For those who prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can be a suitable choice. Opt for a fruit-forward and low-tannin style that won’t overpower the delicate flavours of the salad and salmon. The red fruit flavours can provide a pleasant contrast to the savoury elements.
- Assyrtiko: If you want to explore a Greek wine option, Assyrtiko can be an excellent match. The grape is native to Santorini (but is grown widely throughout Greece) and produces a white wine known for its crisp acidity and mineral character. It pairs well with seafood and can complement the flavours of the Greek salad and grilled salmon splendidly.
Linguine with Clams
Linguine with clams is a classic and flavourful dish, and the choice of wine can greatly enhance the dining experience. Since the recipe usually includes a small amount of garlic, you’ll want a wine that complements the delicate flavours of the clams without overpowering them. Here are a few wine options that pair well with linguine with clams:
- Vermentino: A white wine known for its crisp acidity and citrus flavours. It pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, including linguine with clams. Its bright and refreshing character can complement the briny flavours of the clams and the subtle garlic notes.
- Pinot Grigio/Grauburgunder: Pinot Grigio or Grauburgunder is a popular choice for seafood dishes due to its light and crisp profile. Look for a dry style with good acidity to balance the flavours. The wine’s subtle fruitiness can complement the clams and harmonise with the garlic.
- Chablis: Chablis is a region in France known for its unoaked Chardonnay. These wines typically have a crisp and mineral-driven profile that pairs well with seafood. A Chablis can provide a balanced and elegant pairing, allowing the delicate flavours of the clams and garlic to shine.
- Light-bodied Rosé: If you prefer a rosé, choose a dry and light-bodied option. Look for rosés with good acidity and a touch of fruitiness to complement the clams. A Provence rosé or a rosé from the Loire Valley can be excellent choices.
Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp is flavourful and aromatic, and the following wine suggestions can definitely complement the flavours of this savoury dish:
- Chardonnay: If the garlic shrimp has a creamy or buttery sauce, a medium-bodied Chardonnay can work well. Choose one with moderate oak influence and balanced acidity to complement the dish without overpowering it.
- Rosé: A dry or off-dry rosé can provide a refreshing and versatile pairing for garlic shrimp. Look for rosés with good acidity and fruitiness to complement the garlic and add a touch of brightness to the meal.
- Sparkling Wine: If you’re looking to add a celebratory touch to your meal, consider pairing garlic shrimp with a dry sparkling wine such as Champagne, Franciacorta, Sekt or Cava. The effervescence can help cleanse the palate and enhance the flavours of the dish.
- Light-bodied Red Wine: If you prefer red wine, opt for a light-bodied and fruity red wine such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. These wines can provide a nice contrast to the garlic flavours without overpowering the delicate nature of the shrimp.
As always, personal taste preferences should guide your wine pairing decisions. Consider the specific flavours of the dish, the dressings and sauces used, the cooking style and type of spices to find the combination that you enjoy the most. Enjoy.
If food & wine pairing is something you would like to learn about in more depth, please feel free to get in touch for more information regarding the my*somm bespoke group event which tackles this very subject: 089/ 32 88 22 11 or use the contact form.
