Wine Pairings with Grilled fish

Grilled fish is a preparation that brings out the natural flavour of the fish, adding light smoky notes. Pairing with the right wine should respect its delicacy and showcase the seasonings used. Let’s discover the best wines to pair with grilled fish.

Characteristics of Grilled Fish and General Pairings

The choice of wine depends on several factors:

• Type of fish: lean fish such as sea bass and sea bream call for fresh, mineral wines, while fattier fish such as tuna go with more structured wines.
• Cooking method: grilling adds smoky notes that go well with wines with a little structure.
• Seasonings and marinades: citrus, aromatic herbs or extra virgin olive oil can influence the choice of wine.

Best Wine and Food Pairings for Fish on the Grill

Recommended White Wines

• Vermentino di Gallura DOCG – Perfect for sea bass and sea bream, thanks to its salinity and freshness.
• Greco di Tufo DOCG – Excellent for fish with richer dressings, for its structure and balanced acidity.
• Chablis – Ideal for any grilled fish, thanks to its minerality.

Recommended Sparkling Wines

• Champagne Blanc de Blancs – Perfect for an elegant pairing with grilled fish.
• Franciacorta Brut – Gives freshness and structure, excellent for grilled fish with aromatic herbs.

Recommended Rosé Wines

• Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC – An excellent choice for tastier fish such as tuna and swordfish.
• Provence Rosé – Ideal for a touch of freshness without covering the flavour of the fish.

Mistakes to Avoid in Pairing

Avoid structured red wines (e.g. Barolo, Amarone) because they overpower the delicacy of the fish. Watch out for overly aromatic wines (e.g. Gewürztraminer) which can mask the natural flavours. Avoid excessively soft wines which could taste flat when grilled.

Specific Pairings for Some Famous Dishes

Grilled sea bass → Vermentino di Gallura, Chablis Grilled sea bream with citrus → Greco di Tufo, Franciacorta Brut Grilled swordfish → Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, Provence Rosé