what wine pairs with salmon

1 year ago 79

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be paired with a variety of wines depending on the preparation method and sauce. Here are some wine pairing suggestions for salmon:

Grilled salmon: Grilled salmon pairs well with a Pinot Noir or other low-tannin red wine. Oregon Pinot Noir has a spicy characteristic that is especially delicious with grilled salmon thats been slathered in BBQ sauce. Alternatively, try it with cedar plank salmon. Other red wines that pair well with salmon are Beaujolais and Gamay.
Sous vide salmon: Sous vide salmon pairs best with a bright, acidic wine like a Sauvignon Blanc.
Baked salmon with buttery sauce: Baked salmon served with a buttery sauce pairs best with a rich Chardonnay.
Plain salmon: Pair a plain and simple salmon with an oak-aged white wine or time-aged white wine, something with more robust Meyer lemon, nut, or brûlée notes that will spice and texture the fish. On the richer side, try a Sonoma Coast or Central Coast Chardonnay from California, a Viognier from Paso Robles, an aged white Rioja from Spain, an oak-aged Trebbiano/Chardonnay from Sicily, or an Australian Chardonnay from Victoria (maybe Mornington Peninsula) or a Sémillon from Hunter Valley. If you are looking for a more delicate pairing with more subtle green herbal notes to the wine, a few great choices include a Vermentino from Sardegna, a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley or a Chardonnay (Mâconnais) from Burgundy.
Smoked salmon: Blanc de blancs Champagne, English sparkling wine, Riesling, and manzanilla Sherry pair well with smoked salmon.
Salmon with cream sauce: Pair your salmon dinner with a Cabernet Sauvignon if thats what you enjoy. However, a good quality oak-aged (but not too oaky) Chardonnay or white Burgundy would be lovely with warm salmon with a hollandaise or beurre blanc sauce. Salmon en croute or fish pies with salmon are also likely to be rich and creamy, so Chardonnay should again hit the spot or try an old vine Chenin Blanc.