Wine Pairing
Stockfish / Norwegian Lutefisk
Lutefisk means lye (used in soap making) fish.
It is dried cod (stockfish) soaked in a lye solution to rehydrate, until it gets a jello consistency.
Salty Norwegian Lutefisk makes a wine taste sweeter than it is.
Salty fish begs for wines from the seashore, but you must consider the side dishes.
Lutefisk is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, mashed green peas and fried bacon.
A dry white wine with good acidity will work best.
Wine is relatively new in Norway, so the traditional, viking drink is beer and Aquavit.
Pairing Suggestions
Aromatic Whites
Silvaner (Alsace)
Chenin Blanc (World)
Riesling Spätlese (Germany)
Herbaceous Whites
Grüner Veltliner (Austria)
Alvarinho (Portugal)
Albariño (Spain)
Pouilly Fumé (France)
Other Excellent Alternatives
Champagne (France)
Metodo Classico (Italy)
Prosecco (Italy)
Cava (Spain)
Sekt (Germany)
In Portugal
Bacalao is the Portuguese word for dried and salted cod.
There are numerous bacalao recipes. In Portugal it is said there are more than 365 ways to cook bacalao, one for every day of the year (some say there are 1,001 ways).
In Italy
Stockfish is normally called Stoccafisso in Italy, but in the Veneto region it is called Baccalà.
White Wine with Fish
White wine with fish is a golden rule. It is an easy pairing and many white wines are created with that in mind.
If the dish is simple, pick a light white wine such as a Pinot Bianc or Pinot Grigio to avoid overwhelming the delicate fish.
If the dish is rich, pick a richer white wine such a Chardonnay.
Red Wine with Fish
Red wines with fish is tricky, because tannins can react with the iron in the fish and cause a metallic taste.
Red wines can often overpower a delicate fish.
If you insist on red wine, pick a light red wine with low tannins.
Go Local if You Can
Pairing local wine with local food will enhance the dining experience by harmonizing the characteristics of the wine with the ingredients and cooking styles of the region.
Terroir
The environmental factors, soil, climate, and topography, that influence the characteristics of a wine, represent the Terroir of a region.
Culture and Tradition
Local wines are deeply intertwined with the culture and traditions of a region. Pairing local wine with local cuisine creates an authentic culinary experience.
Ask for Help
Let local chefs and winemakers create innovative pairings that showcase the best of the region.
