The Best Wines to Pair with Seafood This Summer
There’s nothing better on a summer day than relaxing with a glass of wine and a tasty seafood dish. Pairing wine with food is something that some people excel at, while others feel totally lost when they see all of the options on a menu. You can always ask your waiter for a wine suggestion based on what you order, but it’s nice to have a rough idea of what pairs well together! Let’s take a look at some of the best wines you can pair with different types of seafood next time you’re ordering out!
Pairing with Light Fish
Lighter fish includes catches such as sea bass and branzino. These types of fish are flaky with a mild texture. A light wine pairs best with light fish to compliment the flavors without overwhelming them. Pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, and gruner veltliner are some of the most popular light white wines that you’ll find on almost any menu.
Pairing with Heavier Fish Dishes
Tuna, salmon, and other fish that have a heavier texture pair well with a white wine that’s rich in flavor or a light red wine. Pinot noir and chardonnay are among the most common wines that are bold enough to pair with these types of fish, but not so bold it overpowers them.
Pairing with Strong Flavored Fish
The fishier fish, such as trout and catfish, need to be paired with a wine that’s aromatic and full-bodied. This will tone down the fishy flavor without losing it completely. A white rioja or semillion are both great options!
Pairing with Shellfish
Pairing wine with shellfish has more to do with the sauce that’s used than the fish itself. For a safe choice that pairs with pretty much any shellfish, you can order an unoaked chardonnay or German Riesling. A spicy sauce should be paired with a semi-sweet wine, such as a Moscato, to tone down the spice. Sweet sauces, like teriyaki, go well with the sweeter wines. Off-dry rosé offers the perfect level of sweetness to compliment an already sweet sauce. A basic herb-based sauce pairs well with a classic white Torrontés or sauvignon blanc that holds its own herb-based flavor palette.
Book a Reservation at Summer Shack
Now that we’ve got your tastebuds excited and you’re ready to try some of these pairings, come join us at Summer Shack! We have a wide selection of tasty seafood dishes and wines to choose from. As the best seafood restaurant in Boston, you can’t go wrong! We pride ourselves on using only the freshest seafood and best preparation methods to ensure every plate that gets served to a customer will be the best seafood they’ve ever had. Our wait staff can offer an array of wine suggestions to pair with any seafood you order while still fitting your personal flavor preferences. Contact Summer Shack today to make your reservation at our Boston, Cambridge, or Mohegan Sun location!