What wine should I pair with Salmon?
What wine should I pair with Salmon?
When pairing wine with salmon, a big question is how is the salmon prepared???
Grilled or Pan-Seared Salmon
You should be looking for a wine that has enough acidity to balance the richness of the fish, but also enough body to complement the smoky, charred flavors.
Pinot Noir: A classic pairing with any preparation!. Pinot Noir’s acidity and subtle fruitiness (think red berries like cherry or raspberry) beautifully balance the richness of the salmon without overwhelming it.
Chardonnay (unoaked): A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay with bright acidity and citrus notes will complement the slight smokiness and richness of the grilled salmon.
Baked or Roasted Salmon
When you bake or roast salmon, the flavors become deeper and the texture firmer, which allows you to pair it with slightly more full-bodied wines.
Barrel aged Chardonnay: A barrel aged Chardonnay, with its fuller body and hints of oak, pairs nicely with roasted salmon.
Sauvignon Blanc: If you're looking for something with a little more acidity, solid fruit(melon, grapefruit, pear) and a hint of herbaceousness a Sauvignon Blanc works well. It adds brightness without overpowering the dish..
Salmon with a Rich Sauce (cream sauce, beurre blanc)
You'll want a wine that can complement the richness of the dish while cutting through the creaminess.
Viognier: A white wine with a floral aroma and a rich mouthfeel, Viognier’s slightly spicy and fruity notes can complement the richness of the sauce while also balancing the salmon’s flavor.
Barrel aged Chardonnay: Again, a barrel aged Chardonnay is a great choice here for the same reasons as with roasted salmon. The wine’s body and rich qualities meld nicely with the creamy sauce.
Smoked Salmon
Search for a wine with enough acidity and structure to stand up to the smokey flavors.
Sparkling Wine: The crisp acidity and bubbles in sparkling wine provide a fantastic contrast to the smokiness of the fish.
Pinot Noir (light, cool-climate): A light-bodied Pinot Noir, especially one from a cool-climate region like Burgundy,Oregon or Dolores, CO, works well with smoked salmon. Its subtle fruitiness and low tannin content won’t overpower the smokiness, and it complements the richness of the fish.
In summary, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are consistently excellent choices for a wide range of salmon preparations. The best match will depend on the specific preparation and seasoning of the salmon, but these wines are versatile enough to cover most styles. Check out our shop to find the wines in this blog at great prices!
Cheers!!