Wine Pairings with Fish

Fish: My personal top three
Go straight to: Fish starters - Fish carpaccio - Seafood - Fish in beurre blanc - Baked fish - Steamed fish - Grilled fish - Raw fish - Grilled fish - Oily fish - Elaborate fish dishes - Structured fish dishes - Fish soups

Fish is an extremely versatile food that can be prepared in many different ways. Choosing the right wine means respecting the delicacy of the flesh, bringing out its flavours and balancing any seasonings. Let's discover the best wines to pair with the various types of fish.

Characteristics of Fish and General Pairings

The choice of wine depends on several factors:
  • Type of fish: white fish is more delicate, while oily fish has a more intense, fattier flavour.
  • Cooking method: raw, baked, grilled or fried affect the ideal pairing.
  • Seasonings and sauces: simple preparations call for fresh, mineral wines, while dishes with sauces or spices need more structured wines.

Best Food and Wine Pairings for Fish

Recommended White Wines

  • Vermentino di Gallura DOCG – Perfect with grilled and raw fish, thanks to its savouriness.
  • Fiano di Avellino DOCG – Great for baked fish, for its structure and aromatic complexity.
  • Chablis – Ideal for any white fish, for its minerality and freshness.

Recommended Sparkling Wines

  • Champagne Blanc de Blancs – Perfect for shellfish and raw fish, bringing elegance and freshness.
  • Franciacorta Satèn – Excellent with delicate, oven-baked dishes.

Recommended Rosé Wines

  • Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC – An excellent choice for oily fish and tastier dishes.
  • Provence Rosé – Ideal for seafood salads and shellfish.

Mistakes to Avoid in Pairing

Avoid tannic 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 wines that are too soft if the dish is very flavoursome or fatty.

Specific Pairings for Some Famous Dishes

Raw fish and carpaccio → Chablis, Champagne Blanc de Blancs Baked fish with herbs → Fiano di Avellino, Franciacorta Satèn Grilled fish → Vermentino di Gallura, Provence Rosé Crustaceans and molluscs → Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo

Fish: My personal top three

  • 1
    Nonnenberg 2017 - Georg Breuer

    Nonnenberg 2017 - Georg Breuer

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Hesse, Germany, Rheingau
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  • 2
    Rully Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2020 - Vincent Girardin

    Rully Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2020 - Vincent Girardin

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Burgundy, France, Rully
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  • 3
    Saint-Joseph Blanc 2021 - Dard et Ribo

    Saint-Joseph Blanc 2021 - Dard et Ribo

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: France, Rhône, Saint-Joseph
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Fish: wines and territories

Fish starters:
Fish carpaccio:
Seafood: Shellfish - Oysters and seafood
Fish in beurre blanc:
Baked fish: Baked white fish
Steamed fish:
Grilled fish: Calamari - Grilled white fish
Raw fish: Ceviche - Sushi - Salmon or tuna tartare
Grilled fish:
Oily fish: Smoked salmon
Elaborate fish dishes:
Structured fish dishes:
Fish soups:

All those I have tried