Salmon is one of the most versatile and delicious fish that pairs well with a variety of wines. The rich fatty texture and flavor of salmon make it a unique fish that complements many different wine styles, from crisp whites to light reds. In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore the best wine options to elevate your salmon dining experience.
Overview of Salmon’s Flavor Profile
Before delving into wine pairings, it’s important to understand the inherent flavors and textures of salmon that make it stand out from other fish:
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Rich and oily texture – Salmon is an oilier fish, so it has a lush, fatty mouthfeel that calls for wines with good acidity
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Omega-3 content – The healthy omega-3 fatty acids give salmon a deeper, fuller flavor compared to white fish.
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Subtle sweetness – During cooking, the oils distribute more evenly, creating a delicate sweetness.
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Umami flavors – Salmon develops savory umami flavors when roasted or grilled at high heat.
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Versatile protein – Its firm texture allows salmon to be prepared in many ways like baking, poaching, grilling, smoking, etc.
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Subtle flavors – When cooked properly, the taste should not be fishy or overpowering. The natural flavors are delicate and balanced.
Considering these characteristics, the ideal wine should be able to stand up to salmon’s richness but not overwhelm its subtle flavors. Acidity, body, and savoriness are key factors in selecting a complementary wine.
Top Wine Styles for Salmon Pairings
Full-bodied oaky whites like Chardonnay and Viognier tend to be crowd-pleasing options, matching the body and richness of salmon. Their vanilla-tinged oakiness offsets the oiliness.
Unoaked whites like Sauvignon Blanc offer acidity and herbaceous notes, cutting through the fish’s richness and cleansing the palate. Their minerality complements salmon’s savory qualities.
Rosés particularly dry, aromatic styles bridge the gap between white wines and light reds. Their berry flavors and zippy acidity refresh the palate after the salmon’s fattiness.
Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais work with richer salmon preparations. Their soft tannins and fruitiness contrast the strong fish flavors.
Beyond these broad categories, the preparation method, sauce, and seasoning can steer the pairing in more specific directions. Let’s look at how to approach pairing wines with popular salmon dishes.
Wine Pairings for Common Salmon Dishes
Simple Roasted/Poached Salmon
- Oaky Chardonnay – California, Australia, Washington
- White Rioja – Oak-aged Spanish white
- White Burgundy – French Chardonnay with oak hints
The creamy oak and bruleed flavors complement the tender salmon flavors
Salmon with Lemon Herb Sauce
- ** Sauvignon Blanc** – Loire Valley, New Zealand, Friuli
- Vermentino – From Sardinia, Tuscany
- Grüner Veltliner – Austrian white with green herb notes
The zippy acidity cuts through the sauce’s richness
Salmon with Béarnaise or Hollandaise Sauce
- Chardonnay – Buttery California or Australia
- Viognier – White Rhone grape with stone fruit hints
- Sémillon – Hunter Valley, Australia
Buttery whites work with the classic French sauces
Crispy Skin Salmon
- Rosé – Especially dry Provencal style
- Pinot Noir – Oregon or California
- Beaujolais – Light, fruity red
The fruitiness balances the crispy texture
Smoked Salmon
- Sparkling Rosé – Fruity bubbles cut through smoke
- Riesling – Dry German style
- Sauvignon Blanc – Lean, zippy New Zealand
High acid is key with smoked salmon
Glazed or Teriyaki Salmon
- Riesling – Off-dry German Kabinett
- Gewurztraminer – Floral spice pairs well
- Moscato – Sweet Italian white to match glaze
A touch of sweetness complements the glazed salmon
Salmon Burgers or Salmon Cakes
- Beaujolais – Fruity, low tannin red
- Rosé – Especially a bolder, drier style
- Pinot Noir – Earthy red matches rich burger
The dressed up salmon texture calls for a lighter red
Key Considerations for Pairing Wine with Salmon
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Richness – The fattier style of salmon needs a wine with refreshing acidity as contrast. Leaner preparations can take an oaky, full-bodied white.
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Preparation – Grilled and smoked salmon do well with zesty whites. Roasted and poached styles match richer oaky whites.
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Sauces – Creamy sauces pair best with big buttery Chardonnay or Viognier. Citrusy sauces need a crisper, brighter white.
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Don’t overpower – Lighter reds can work but beware of tannins overpowering the delicate salmon flavors.
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Match intensities – If the salmon is the star, choose a complementary wine that elevates it. More assertive preparations can handle bolder wines.
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Taste different options – Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wines to find your perfect pairing!
Alternative Beverage Options Beyond Wine
While wine may be the classic choice, other beverage options can also accentuate salmon:
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Sparkling water – The effervescence and minerality refresh the palate. Citrus or herbal essences add complexity.
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Iced tea – Fruity black tea or nutty green tea contrasts the oily texture.
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Sake – The umami flavors and acidity of Japanese rice wine work well with salmon.
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Beer – Wheat beers and pilsners have a crispness that cuts through the richness.
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Cider – Dry hard apple cider provides an appley tartness to balance salmon.
At the end of the day, trust your personal preferences! The right beverage for you is the one that you find most delicious and satisfying with your meal. Don’t be afraid to think beyond wine and discover your perfect pairings.
Salmon is a versatile protein that can be elevated to new heights with a thoughtfully paired wine or beverage. Consider the salmon’s preparation method and any sauces or sides. Lighter salmon dishes tend to work better with bright, acidic whites. Richer salmon preparations can handle lightly oaked Chardonnay or Viognier. For something different, try a fruity rosé or light red like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais. Keep the wine’s intensity in balance with the salmon flavors. Taste different options and have fun discovering your favorite combinations!
Best Wines with Salmon | Pairing wine and salmon made easy!
FAQ
What kind of wine goes best with salmon?
What drink is best with salmon?
Contrast the salmon dish with a beverage that has high acidity. White wines with high acidity could be German Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, dry sparkling or the Greek Assyrtiko, which has an abundance of citrus flavors. They act more like a palate-cleanser to the richness of the salmon.Nov 2, 2022
What is a good combination with salmon?
Asparagus may be the most common vegetable pairing for salmon, but this dish of bacon-braised string beans, or some spicier Sichuan-style dry-fried green beans can be pretty killer, too. Or keep things ultra-simple and give some braised long beans with tomato and garlic a shot.
What wine goes with salmon?
When wine writer Wanda Mann, the East Coast editor of the Somm Journal, “starts with a beautiful piece of wild salmon that is naturally rich in good fats and has a subtle sweetness, I don’t want a wine that will overpower those flavors,” she says. She reaches for Pinot Noir, a classic pairing with salmon and for good reason.
Can you drink red wine with salmon?
Should you drink red or white wine with salmon? Salmon goes well with red or white wine, and even a rosé, depending on your taste preference. Grilled, baked, and blackened salmon pairs well with red wine, while poached, curried, and glazed salmon is a good match with white wine.
How do you pair rosé wine with salmon?
Rosé makes your salmon wine pairing easy-breezy. If you choose rosé, go with a dry rosé that’s refreshing, light, and acidic. Try rosé wines with herby, lemon salmon recipes or salmon burgers. To ensure that your salmon wine pairing is as successful as it can be, remember to:
How do you choose a white wine for salmon?
When choosing a white wine for salmon, aim for one that has enough body to stand up to the fish; a creamy Chardonnay, for example, will complement the fish’s supple texture and a buttery sauce. (Lucy Schaeffer) We like culinary rules because they guide us and help preserve order. But every rule comes with valid exceptions.
What wine goes with cedar plank salmon?
Cedar plank salmon with glou glou wine is a must try. White wines and salmon are an effortless pairing. When it comes to deciding what wine pairs with salmon, you’ve got a ton of options. There are so many white wines that work with this popular fish – from light to medium-bodied bottles.
What wine goes well with fish?
A fatty fish like salmon can hold its own against a wide range of wines, including reds. Sticking to light-bodied reds like pinot noir, gamay and grenache is always a good idea when you want to serve a red with fish. That said, plan to steer clear of high tannin wines.