5 Wines to Pair With Fresh Fish

From fresh hake to tender salmon, nothing goes better with fish than a nice glass of wine. When considering a dinner menu that incorporates wine and fish, it’s important to stop and think about what type of fish you are planning to serve or order at a restaurant. While dry white wine and mild white fish do make an excellent pairing, there are many additional combinations that are just as mouthwatering and complex to the palate.

It’s also important to consider the accompaniments and sauces when pairing wine. Certain fattier fish like salmon and tuna can take lighter bodied/low tannin reds like Pinot Noir, for instance. For fish served with lighter sauces, sauces with herbs, or dishes containing lots of vegetables, rather opt for wines like Sauvignon Blanc.

It’s time to go beyond the dry white wine and consider the whole rainbow of wine offerings when serving fish as the centerpiece of your meal.

Ceviche with Sauvignon Blanc

A light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect choice for ceviche. The characteristic of the wine should not overpower this refreshing and zesty dish. The acidity of the wine plays an important role here.  If the wine doesn’t have as much acidity as the dish, the wine can fall flat and taste sweet.

Feasting on Ceviche at Home

A simple and delicious Ceviche Recipe made with fresh fish, chili, lime, cilantro, avocado, tomato and cucumber.

Fried Fish with Prosecco

This sweet Italian sparkling white wine works well with a salty fish dish. Standards like fried fish and chips, which is traditionally made with cod or haddock, provide the perfect complement to Prosecco’s crispy, citrusy sweetness. The savory beer battered coating is elevated by the acidity and effervescence of this sweet wine.

Crispy Fish in Beer Batter and Chips

Make chip shop quality meals in your own home with this quick and simple recipe.

Spicy Fish with Moscato

Low in alcohol, sweet and a tiny bit fizzy, Moscato wine is filled with aromas like vanilla, peach, and jasmine. To balance its sweet flavour, try pairing Moscato with spicy fish tacos or curry fish. The typical fish used in these dishes is normally a mild white fish like sole or snapper. The sharpness of the wine helps control the spice a bit if it gets overwhelming.

Southern Indian Fish Curry

Who says fish demands white wine? Not Justine Drake.

Tuna with White Zinfandel

White Zinfandel is known for its sweet taste and its ease of drinking. To subdue some of the sweetness of win, try pairing it with a firm, dense fish such as tuna, preferably grilled and in steak form. With this fish, the hidden flavors of the wine begin to make an appearance.

Grilled Tuna Steaks with Grape and Caper Salsa

This is a great summer dish to serve to family and friends. Make sure to rinse the capers well

Freshwater Fish with Pinot Noir

You may have always heard to never drink red wine with fish, but that’s not always the case. Some red wines can be paired with specific types of fish, and actually strengthen the tastes from both the wine and the fish. One such versatile red wine is Pinot Noir. Its lower amounts of tannins contribute to the idea that you can pair it with lighter foods such as seafood. In fact, some say that Pinot Noir can be paired with almost anything. For fish, it’s best to go with a freshwater fish like salmon or trout that has dense, meaty flesh. Additionally, your fish dish should be on the heavy side served with a thick tomato or cream based sauce. Most pasta dishes that incorporate fish into them would work well with a Pinot Noir.

Salmon fish fingers with lemon and parsley dip

Homemade fish fingers are quick and easy to make and you can use any species of fish. Great served with a salad or chips and peas.