Wine Pairing
Grilled Salmon
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Pairing Suggestions
Pinot Noir (World)
Beaujolais (France)
Garnacha (Spain)
White Alternatives
Chardonnay (World)
Pinot Gris (France)
Sémillon (France)
Grüner Veltliner (Austria)
Rosé and Bubbles
Dry Rosé (World)
Champagne (France)
Metodo Classico (Italy)
Cava (Spain)
Description
Grilled Salmon and Pinot Noir is a classic pairing.
The light-bodied and earthy Pinot Noir picks up the richness of the Salmon, and the sweet, smocky taste of caramelized skin.
Look for fruit, smoke and earth.
If you go for a white wine, it should not be too oaked. Oak can overpower a delicate grilled Salmon.
But again, it all depends on the marinade, sauce and spices you use.
Sparkling and Rosé Wines are a super match: they please everybody!
Try a Saignée method Rosé, it's a bolder style Rosé, darker and more savory.
About Salmon
Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, therefore suggested in healthy diets, 1-2 times per week.
Farmed salmon is fed with processed fish feed, whereas wild salmon eats various invertebrates. This results in different flavor, fat content and color.
Wild Salmon is more expansive, the color is more orange than pink, and the meat is more savoury.
The wine choice depends on the Preparation Method and Sauce.
Bubbles are always a pleasure.
Salmon + Wine
Best Match: Sauce
| If the Sauce is: | The best Wine match is: |
|---|---|
| Herbs + Citrus | Sauvignon Blanc Vermentino |
| Asian Sweet + Sour | Pinot Gris Riesling |
| Mayonnaise Poached | Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc Chablis, Albarino |
| Hollandaise Sauce | White Burgundy Dry Rosé |
| Beurre Blanc Sauce | White Burgundy Dry Rosé |
| BBQ Cajun-Creole spices | Zinfandel, Côtes du Rhône Merlot |
| Teriyaki Sauce | New World Pinot Noir Fino Sherry, Sake |
| Yakitori Sauce | New World Pinot Noir Fino Sherry, Sake |
Salmon + Wine
Best Match: Preparation Method
| If the Salmon is: | The best Wine match is: |
|---|---|
| Pan Seared (Sauté) | White: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris Red: Chilled Pinot Noir |
| Smoked | Champagne Blanc de Blanc, Riesling Manzanilla Sherry |
| Sushi | Sancerre, Gruner Veltliner Rosé |
| Ceviche | Torrontes Soave |
| Fish Cakes | Pinot Blanc Sauvignon + Semillon Blend |
Go Local if You Can
Let local wines complement the flavors of local food.
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 Wine Terroir of a region. The ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques represent the Cuisine Terroir.
Culture and Tradition
Local wines are deeply intertwined with the culture and traditions of a region. Pairing them with local cuisine creates an authentic culinary experience. For example, if a region is known for its hearty, red meat dishes, a robust and full-bodied red wine from the region will enhance the dining experience.
Ask for Help
Let local chefs and winemakers collaborate to create innovative pairings that showcase the best of the region.
A good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the wine with the richness of the meat for the best pairing experience.
Examples
Pairing Italian Chianti with traditional Tuscan dishes like Pasta with Ragu or Beef Fiorentina.
Enjoy a Red Burgundy with classic French dishes like coq au vin or boeuf Bourguignon.
Matching Spanish Rioja with Paella or Tempranillo with Tapas.