Exploring the Perfect Wine and Salmon Pairing

There are few wine and food combinations as satisfying as the right wine and salmon pairing. Whether you’re having a fancy dinner party or just a cosy meal at home, understanding the nuances of wine and salmon can help you pair them properly and elevate your dining experience.

Why the right wine matters

Salmon is a versatile fish with a rich, oily texture. Balancing these flavours and the salmon’s textures requires an artful choice of wine.

The right wine can bring out the best in salmon, making your meal even more enjoyable.

Tips for pairing wine with salmon

When choosing the right wine for a salmon dish, consider how the salmon is prepared. If you’re having grilled or smoked salmon, opt for wines with higher acidity to balance the richness of the fish.

For creamy or buttery salmon dishes, go for fuller-bodied wines. Don’t be afraid to try different wines with your salmon. Maybe unconventional pairings are the ones that work for you!

1. White wine and salmon

The general rule of thumb when pairing wine with meat is that white wine goes with chicken and seafood. Salmon isn’t an exception to this rule and can benefit from being paired with a good white wine.

White wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay contains crispness and acidity that can cut through the richness of salmon, balancing it out perfectly. Sauvignon Blanc’s citrusy notes will pair well with a grilled or smoked salmon, while a buttery Chardonnay is great for a creamy salmon dish.

2. Rosé and salmon

If you’re looking for something less traditional, you can experiment by pairing your salmon with rosé. The wine’s light and fluffy character will complement the salmon’s delicate flavours, especially when served chilled.

For this reason, rosé is an excellent partner for cold salmon dishes like salmon tartare or a salmon salad. Its versatility makes it the perfect choice for light summer meals or outdoor dining.

3. Red wine and salmon

Although the conventional choice for salmon pairing is white wine, red wine can also be a surprising but delightful option.

Try accompanying your grilled or baked salmon with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. Its soft tannins and earthy flavours can complement the fish without overpowering its richness.

To successfully pair a red wine with salmon, choose a wine that isn’t too bold or tannic. This allows the salmon’s delicate flavours to still shine through.

4. Sparkling wine and salmon

It may be that you’re having salmon to celebrate. In this case, why not have a celebratory drink as well?

Consider pairing salmon with sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Champagne. The effervescence of the wine’s bubbles pairs well with smoked salmon or salmon canapés. These bubbles cleans the palate, making each bite of salmon feel like the first bite.

Whatever type of wine you pair your salmon with, there’s a perfect match for every salmon dish. Now that you understand the basic principles of wine and salmon pairing, you can improve your wine experiences and enjoy all the flavours that these pairings offer.

Looking for the right wine for your salmon dish? Check out the wide array of wines we have at a Red and White store near you!