Salmon is a versatile and healthy protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From simple baked fillets to elaborate teriyaki glazes salmon brings rich umami flavor and supple texture to any meal. While salmon is delicious on its own pairing it with wine can truly bring the dining experience to the next level. But with the wide world of wine, how do you know what kind goes best with baked salmon?
In this article, we’ll explore the nature of salmon, how it interacts with wine, and specific bottle recommendations for white, red, sparkling and rosé wines to try with your next baked salmon dish With a few tips on harmonizing sauces and sides, you’ll be ready to embark on your quest for the perfect salmon and wine pairing Let’s get started!
Why Salmon and Wine Pair So Well
There are a few key reasons why rich and flaky baked salmon makes such a seamless pairing for wine:
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Fatty texture – As an oily, fatty fish, salmon can stand up to wines with higher alcohol contents and fuller body without being overpowered.
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Umami richness – Salmon has very savory, umami flavors that oak-aged wines in particular help bring out.
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Subtle flavors – Wild salmon has delicate flavors that allow the nuances of a complex wine to shine. Farmed salmon is milder and benefits from fruity wines.
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Versatile ingredient – Simple baked salmon absorbs other flavors easily, working well with light whites or fuller reds depending on preparation.
Overall, the supple and fatty texture, umami richness, and subtle to mild flavors make salmon extremely flexible when it comes to finding a wine match.
General Tips for Pairing Wine with Baked Salmon
When embarking on your search for the perfect wine pairing, keep these general guidelines in mind:
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Lighter salmon, lighter wine – Wild or grilled salmon works best with light, crisp whites like Pinot Grigio.
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Richer salmon, bolder wine – Fattier farmed or baked salmon can handle fuller-bodied oaked whites and light reds.
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Consider the sauce – Creamy sauces pair better with buttery Chardonnay. Citrus sauces need a tangy white like Sauvignon Blanc.
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Don’t overpower – Avoid big, tannic reds that will mask the salmon’s delicate flavors.
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Prioritize acidity – Wines with bright acidity help cut through salmon’s richness.
Thinking about the salmon’s preparation and sauce as well as the wine’s body, flavors and acidity helps narrow down the options. Now let’s dive into specific wine recommendations.
Best White Wines for Baked Salmon
For white wine lovers, these are some excellent options to try with baked salmon:
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Buttery Chardonnay – The oak and buttery notes mirror salmon’s richness. Unoaked styles have brightness.
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Sauvignon Blanc – Zippy acidity contrasts the oiliness. Citrus flavors complement dill or lemon.
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Albariño – Medium body with salinity works well. Fresh stone fruit flavors.
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Italian whites – Light Pinot Grigio or Gavi bring acidity without overwhelming.
Aim for whites with medium to full body and bright acidity to complement the salmon without overpowering.
Best Red Wines for Baked Salmon
While robust reds and salmon may seem like strange bedfellows, the right light and medium-bodied reds can pair beautifully:
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Pinot Noir – Earthy flavors won’t compete with salmon. Silky tannins match the texture.
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Beaujolais – Bright, low-tannin Gamay lets the salmon shine. Ethereal pairing.
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Grenache – Medium body with fresh red fruit stands up to salmon’s richness.
Prioritize bright fruit flavors and minimal tannins when choosing a red to complement the delicacy of the salmon.
Best Sparkling Wines for Baked Salmon
Don’t overlook bubbles when pairing wine with salmon! Here are some excellent sparkling options:
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Champagne – Tiny bubbles cut through salmon’s fattiness. Blanc de blancs matches the richness.
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Rosé sparkling – Berry flavors contrast salmon’s umami. Cremant brings affordability.
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Lambrusco – The Italian bubbly comes in dry styles with berry and blossom notes.
The palate-cleansing bubbles and acidity of sparkling wines do a great job of cutting through salmon’s oiliness.
Best Wine and Sauce Pairings
If your baked salmon recipe includes a sauce, make sure to take that into account with your wine pairing:
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Creamy sauces – Complement rich cream or cheese sauces with oaked Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir. Avoid higher acid wines.
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Citrus-based sauces – The acidity calls for an equally acidic wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño. Bubbles also work well.
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Pesto or herb sauces – Herbaceous notes pair nicely with a fresh white like Vinho Verde or a pale Rosado.
Think about how the sauce flavors interact with the salmon and choose a wine that harmonizes or contrasts accordingly.
Discovering Your Perfect Match
With these tips for selecting a wine that complements baked salmon’s richness, umami flavors and sauces, you’re ready to start tasting and finding that perfect pairing! Not every wine works with every preparation, so have fun experimenting with different bottles to discover what combination really makes both the wine and the salmon shine. Your palate is the best judge for determining a match made in heaven. Happy sipping, and enjoy your wine and salmon pairing journey!
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BEST WINE WITH SALMON: WINE PAIRINGS AND RECIPES
All you party hosts out there are constantly raising the question of, “What dish can I serve that can pair well with any wine?” Salmon is your go-to dish that can be served in so many different ways and therefore match with an array of wines. From whites to reds, and even rosé, salmon is one of the most versatile foods to serve no matter what kind of wine you like – and its healthy! To find the best wine with salmon, it is important to pick your wine depending on how your salmon is prepared. Here are some tips on how to pair your wine and salmon dish, and some recipes to help you out with the cooking side of things!
Best White Wine With Salmon:
White wines are great for salmon dishes, because they can pair with many different types of seasonings and creamy sauces, in which a typical salmon dish contains. A crisp, citrus, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc will leave you satisfied with a salmon recipe that is full of fresh herbs. If the salmon dish has a butter or cream sauce in the recipe, it is best to pair it with a full-bodied, oaky Chardonnay that will complement the rich flavors of your salmon dish. The famous Ina Garten has a roasted salmon with green herbs recipe that is easy to make, and will be delicious with a Sauvignon Blanc. If youre preparing a spicy salmon dish that has a bit of a kick, give Viognier a try – a lesser known wine that often combines aspects of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.
Best Rosé Wine With Salmon:
The characteristics of rosé wine are dry, fruity, and just enough acidity to be a match made in heaven for a wide variety of salmon dishes. Whether you want to grill, smoke, or poach it, rose is often best wine with salmon. If you want to step up your game a notch, try a Sparking Brut Rosé with bright acidity to balance out the rich, oily layers of the salmon. McFadden Vineyard produces a beautiful, organic Sparkling Brut Rosé that we highly recommend. If you are looking to prepare a healthy and simple salmon recipe, poached salmon is the way to go!
Best Red Wine With Salmon:
All you Pinot Noir lovers will be overjoyed when I tell you that it is the number one red wine pick to pair with salmon. With the characteristics of red fruit, faint tannin, acidity, and sometimes earthy tones, Pinot Noir could not be a better choice when you are cooking up your grilled, herb crusted, or simply baked salmon. A dish that will make a great tandem with Pinot Noir is Claire Robinsons easy-to-make herb crusted salmon recipe from the food network. Other red wine options for a blackened, smoked, or pan-seared salmon recipes include Zinfandel and Grenache that have the smoky and spicy notes you need to perfect this pairing. These wines pair really well with this simple cedar plank salmon recipe that our resident grill master prepares on a regular basis.
No matter what wine someone brings to your table, youll have some recipes up your sleeve to please your guests with the best wine with salmon pairing they have ever come across. Cheers!
What Wine Goes With Salmon?: Thumbs Up Wine Pairing
FAQ
What wines pair well with baked salmon?
- Chardonnay : A full-bodied white wine, especially those that are oaked, complements the richness of salmon.
- Pinot Noir : This light red wine is a classic pairing for salmon.
- Sauvignon Blanc : If your salmon is seasoned with herbs or citrus, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can enhance those flavors beautifully.
- Riesling
Is salmon good with red or white wine?
We’ve found that the best red wine for salmon is anything with less tannins. Low-tannin wines—like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, or light Valpolicella or Frappato—will pair nicely with the fish, but without overwhelming your palate with a metallic taste.
What goes well with baked salmon?