6 Best Wines to Pair with Salmon

When you think of salmon pairings, does your mind immediately travel to an extensive wine list? You’re on the right track – the perfect wine pairing for salmon brings the dish together.

However, choosing a wine to pair with salmon can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the different options. Whether ordering out at a fine dining restaurant or preparing a meal at home, knowing what wine pairs with salmon can make for a complete dining experience.

6 Best Wines to Pair with Salmon

Pairing wine with salmon can be a delightful experience as long as you consider the flavors and preparation of the salmon. Here are some wine options that generally complement salmon dishes well:

• Best for Grilled Salmon: Pinot Noir
• Best for Salmon Dishes with Butter or Creamy Sauces: Chardonnay
• Best for Herb-Crusted Salmon: Sauvignon Blanc
• Best for Pouched or Steamed Salmon: Rosé
• Best for Smoked Salmon: Syrah/Shiraz
• Best for Spicy Salmon: Riesling

1. Pinot Noir

This is a classic choice for salmon, especially with a lighter sauce or seasoning. Pinot Noir's red fruit flavors, moderate acidity, and gentle tannins harmonize beautifully with the richness of salmon.

2. Chardonnay

Chardonnay can work wonderfully with salmon for a white wine option, especially if the dish includes buttery or creamy elements. Look for a full-bodied Chardonnay with moderate oak influence and good acidity to balance the salmon's richness.

3. Sauvignon Blanc

A crisp and citrusy Sauvignon Blanc can be a refreshing choice if the salmon is prepared with light, zesty flavors. The acidity in the wine will help cut through the richness of the fish.

4. Rosé

A dry rosé can be a versatile option for salmon, particularly during the warmer months. Its fruit-forward and slightly acidic profile can complement a variety of salmon preparations.

Try a glass of rose with a salmon burger or sweet fillet.

5. Syrah/Shiraz

A Syrah (also known as Shiraz) can be an excellent red wine choice if the salmon is prepared with bolder flavors like smoky or spicy elements. Its bold fruit flavors and peppery notes can match the dish's intensity.

6. Riesling

For sweeter preparations of salmon, such as teriyaki-glazed or honey-glazed, a slightly off-dry Riesling can create a harmonious balance of flavors and is the perfect way to tone down a spicy salmon dish.

Kyle’s Tips When Pairing Wine with Salmon

When pairing wine with salmon, you must consider the flavors and characteristics of both the fish and the wine to create a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind:

• Consider the salmon's preparation: The cooking method and seasoning of the salmon can significantly impact the flavor. Grilled, baked, smoked, or poached salmon will have different taste profiles, so choose a wine that complements the specific preparation. A dry riesling, for instance, does an excellent job balancing spicy salmon dishes.
• Balance intensity: Match the weight and intensity of the wine with the salmon dish. For lighter salmon dishes, opt for lighter-bodied wines. If the salmon preparation is richer and more flavorful, go for wines with more depth and complexity.
• Note the acidity: Salmon has natural oiliness, and wines with good acidity can help cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of the fish. Wines with crisp acidity can be excellent choices.
• Complement flavors: Consider accompanying sauces or side dishes. Choose a wine that complements or enhances these flavors rather than conflicting with them. For example, a citrusy wine can work well with a lemon-infused salmon dish.
• Experiment and taste: Wine pairing is subjective, and individual tastes vary. Feel free to experiment and try different wines with your salmon dishes. Taste the wine alongside the food to see how they interact on your palate.
• Get the right temperature: Serve the wine at the appropriate temperature. Whites, like Chardonnay, should generally be served chilled, while reds, like Pinot Noir, can be served slightly cooler than room temperature to enhance their flavors.
• Balance wine and sauce: If the salmon has a rich sauce, consider a wine that can withstand the sauce's flavors without overpowering the fish.

Salmon Wine Pairing FAQs

What is the best wine to pair with salmon?

It depends on the specific preparation of the salmon and personal preferences. Generally, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are popular choices for salmon, but other wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Riesling, and Rosé can also work well, depending on the dish's flavors.

Does it matter if the salmon is grilled, baked, or smoked for wine pairing?

Yes, cooking methods matter. Different techniques impart distinct flavors to the salmon, interacting differently with the wine. For example, grilled salmon may pair better with a fruity wine to balance its charred taste.

Should I choose a red or white wine for salmon?

It depends on personal preference and the specific preparation of the salmon. Red wines like Pinot Noir or Syrah can work well with heartier or spicier salmon dishes, while white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc can complement lighter preparations. Rosé can also be a versatile option for salmon.

Can I pair sweet wines with salmon?

Sweet wines, like slightly off-dry Rieslings, can work well with sweeter preparations of salmon, such as teriyaki-glazed or honey-glazed salmon. The sweetness of the wine can harmonize with the sweet elements of the dish.

How will the wine complement the flavors of the salmon dish?

Tasting the wine alongside the salmon dish is the best way to determine if they complement each other. Take a sip of wine, then a bite of the salmon, and observe how the flavors interact on your palate.

Are there non-alcoholic alternatives for pairing with salmon?

Absolutely! If you prefer non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling water with a splash of citrus or a non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice. These beverages can provide a similar refreshing effect as wine without the alcohol content.

Summary

It may seem like you can pair a salmon dish with virtually any wine, but finding the perfect complement can elevate your dish in ways you wouldn’t expect. By matching your cooking method to the appropriate wine profile, you can bring out the best flavors of this rich and buttery fish.

Bring your culinary ideas together with the perfect base – our wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon, fresh from Alaskan waters.