Wine Pairings with Fish starters

Fish starters are the perfect way to begin a refined meal. From tuna tartare to fish carpaccio and mixed fried dishes, each preparation calls for a wine that can bring out its flavours without overpowering them. Let's look at the best options for each type of seafood starter.

Characteristics of Fish Starters and General Pairings

Every fish starter has particular features that affect the choice of wine. Here are the main things to consider:

• Structure of the dish: light starters and raw dishes call for fresh, mineral wines, while more flavourful preparations, such as fried food, need more acidity and bubbles.
• Fat and unctuousness: richer dishes, such as tartare and carpaccio with bold dressings, go better with wines that have good freshness.
• Seasonings and spices: citrus, aromatic herbs and spices can have a considerable effect on the pairing.

Best Food and Wine Pairings for Fish Starters

Recommended White Wines

• Sauvignon Blanc – Perfect with tartare and carpaccio, thanks to its acidity and herbaceous notes.
• Vermentino di Sardegna DOC – Great for mixed seafood starters, thanks to its savouriness and freshness.
• Gavi DOCG – Ideal for seafood salads and light starters, for its elegance and minerality.

Recommended Sparkling Wines

• Champagne Brut – Perfect for fried fish, for its acidity and fine perlage.
• Franciacorta Satèn – Great for salmon or tuna tartare, for its softness.

Recommended Rosé Wines

• Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC – An excellent choice for tastier seafood starters, for its structure and freshness.
• Provence Rosé – Ideal for seafood salads and marinated prawns.

Mistakes to Avoid in Pairing

Avoid tannic red wines (e.g. Barolo, Chianti Riserva) because they overwhelm the delicacy of fish starters.Watch out for overly aromatic wines (e.g. Gewürztraminer) which can mask the natural flavour of the fish.Avoid wines that are too soft if the dish is particularly flavoursome or fried.

Specific Pairings for Some Famous Dishes

Tuna or salmon tartare → Sauvignon Blanc, Franciacorta Satèn White fish carpaccio → Gavi, Provence Rosé Mixed fried fish → Champagne Brut, Vermentino di Sardegna Seafood salad → Vermentino, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo