Wine Pairings with Salmon or tuna tartare

Salmon or tuna tartare is a refined, fresh dish in which the flavour of the raw fish is lifted by light dressings such as citrus, extra virgin olive oil and herbs. Pairing it with the right wine should bring out the delicacy of the tartare without overpowering its aromas. Let's discover the best wines to pair with salmon or tuna tartare.

Characteristics of Salmon or Tuna Tartare and General Pairings

The choice of wine depends on several factors:

• Type of fish: salmon has a richer, fattier taste than tuna, which is more delicate and savoury.
• Seasonings: the presence of citrus or spices can affect the choice of wine.
• Structure of the dish: creamier tartare needs wines with more freshness and acidity.

Best Food and Wine Pairings for Salmon or Tuna Tartare

Recommended White Wines

• Sauvignon Blanc – Perfect with tartare dressed with citrus, thanks to its acidity and freshness.
• Alsace Riesling – Excellent with salmon tartare, for its minerality and slightly sweet note.
• Vermentino di Gallura DOCG – Ideal for tartare with avocado and sesame, thanks to its savouriness and structure.

Recommended Sparkling Wines

• Champagne Blanc de Blancs – Perfect for an elegant pairing with fish tartare.
• Franciacorta Brut – Great for tuna tartare with light spices.

Recommended Rosé Wines

• Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC – An excellent choice for tuna tartare, for its freshness and light tannic structure.
• Provence Rosé – Ideal for tartare with raw fish and delicate dressings.

Mistakes to Avoid in Pairing

Avoid tannic red wines (e.g. Barolo, Amarone) because they overpower the delicacy of raw fish. Watch out for overly aromatic wines (e.g. Gewürztraminer) which can mask the delicate flavour of the fish. Avoid wines that are too soft if the tartare is served with citrus or spices.

Specific Pairings for Certain Types of Tartare

Salmon tartare with citrus → Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne Blanc de Blancs Tuna tartare with avocado → Alsace Riesling, Franciacorta Brut Tuna tartare with sesame and soy → Vermentino di Gallura, Provence Rosé Salmon tartare with aromatic herbs → Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, Sauvignon Blanc