There’s perhaps no dish that pairs as well with wine as salmon. Whether you’re enjoying a simple grilled salmon or one with a heavy cream sauce, the possibilities for the best wine pairings with salmon are endless. Here are 14 different wines that have proven to be excellent choices for your next salmon dish.
Can You Drink Red Wine With Salmon?
Yes, low-tannin red wines can make a good pairing with a fish like Salmon. Despite the general rule of “white wine with fish,” Salmon is an exception.
Salmon is a fatty, oily fish with robust, rich flavors. This richness means certain red wines, particularly lighter-bodied options like Pinot Noir and Gamay, can pair well without being overwhelming. These lighter red wines are a good match for salmon because they’re not too strong and have a nice tanginess. On the contrary, full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon would overpower most salmon dishes.
White Wines
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a highly versatile white wine, well-suited for a variety of occasions and meals. Originating from the prestigious Burgundy region in France, this grape varietal has found a home in vineyards across the globe, from sunny California to the fertile lands of Australia. The wine’s flavor profile is rich and complex, often dominated by crisp notes of green apple and invigorating citrus, which can elevate the natural flavors of a dish like salmon.
Oaked Chardonnay, with buttery or oaky undertones, further enhances its compatibility with richer foods like Salmon. A buttery Chardonnay from California enjoyed with a salmon dish served with a rich sauce, is a perfect pairing. Its moderate to high acidity acts as a palate cleanser, skillfully cutting through the fatty richness of salmon and balancing the overall flavor profile of your meal. Whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner or hosting a more formal event, a well-chosen Chardonnay can make your salmon dish truly unforgettable.
Sauvignon Blanc
For a white wine with high acidity and multifaceted flavor profile, Sauvignon Blanc is a preferred choice. Expect a burst of green apple, lime, and even tropical fruit, depending on the wine’s origin. These vibrant notes make Sauvignon Blanc an excellent choice for pairing with salmon, especially when the fish is prepared with fresh herbs or adorned with a tangy sauce.
The wine’s acidity levels out the rich, fatty nature of salmon, creating a harmonious interplay between the two. If you’re serving salmon with a herbaceous garnish or sauce, the green fruit and herb-like qualities of a Sauvignon Blanc can elevate those flavors, creating a well-rounded and unforgettable meal.
Riesling
Riesling is perhaps the most dynamic white wine on our list that retains a strong versatility. This grape has been cultivated in various parts of the world, including Alsace in France and regions in Australia. Known for its crisp green apple and succulent peach flavors, Riesling can also carry a hint of minerality, adding a unique complexity to its profile.
When paired with salmon, Riesling shines particularly well with spicy or sweet-glazed preparations. A slightly off-dry Riesling can temper the heat of a spicy salmon dish, while its refreshing acidity complements a sweet glaze.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris, also called Pinot Grigio when grown in Italy, is a white grape varietal celebrated for its crisp, light, and refreshing flavors. Though originally from France, particularly the Alsace region, the grape is right at home in Oregon and Italy as well. Pinot Gris can range from rich and full-bodied, featuring honey and spice notes as seen in Alsace, to light and crisp as is often the case in Italy.
Due to its acidity, Pinot Gris can act like a squeeze of fresh lemon and enhance the flavors of the fish. Its lighter body is a perfect match for the salmon’s flaky texture, while the flavors of green apple and pear meld seamlessly with a range of sauces and cooking methods.
Albariño
Hailing primarily from the coastal region of Rías Baixas in northwestern Spain, Albariño is known as an aromatic wine, Albariño often carries a unique saline note that evokes the sea itself. This makes it an excellent match for oceanic delights like salmon. Whether your salmon is grilled to smoky perfection or delicately smoked, Albariño’s citrus and herbal notes can bring out the best in your dish. Its salty minerality can even echo the natural saltiness in the fish, creating a harmonious and memorable meal.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is a highly aromatic white wine first grown in Alsace, France. It features notes of lychee, rose petals, and occasional spicy undertones, making it a unique choice for pairing with salmon.
This wine shines when paired with salmon dishes with Asian notes, including miso salmon and sweet-and-sour glazes. Its oily texture complements the fatty richness of the fish, and its spicier notes can elevate dishes featuring ginger or soy sauce. Gewürztraminer is also the perfect wine to enjoy with raw Salmon sushi.
Viognier
Viognier is a full-bodied white wine recognized for its fragrant aromas of stone fruits and blossoms. With its origins in France’s Rhône Valley, this grape has also found a home in New World regions like California and Australia. When salmon is adorned with fruit-based sauces or glazes, Viognier can be a heavenly companion. Its full body and aromatic complexity provide a counterbalance to the richness of the fish, while its floral notes can elevate a fruit-accented salmon dish to new heights.
Sancerre
Sancerre is a refined French white wine from the Loire Valley, primarily made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It stands out for its crisp acidity and distinctive mineral undertones, making it a more sophisticated relative of general Sauvignon Blancs. Sancerre is an excellent choice for herb-infused salmon dishes or those served alongside green vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Sancerre’s flinty minerality complements grilled or smoked salmon particularly well, enhancing the smoky flavors in the fish.
White Zinfandel
Zinfandel Rosé, commonly known as White Zinfandel, is a sweet Rosé wine primarily crafted in California. Its light, fruity, and often sweet character makes it ideal for those who prefer a touch of sweetness in their wine pairings. The strawberry and watermelon notes in the wine can beautifully complement salmon dishes with a sweet glaze or a fruity salsa topping. The wine’s sweetness helps to balance the savory and fatty elements in the salmon, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable meal.
Pinot Gris
Oregon Pinot Gris offers a distinct, richer style compared to its European counterparts. This American take on the grape often carries a subtle spiciness that pairs wonderfully with salmon dishes that have a bit of heat. Whether your salmon is blackened, grilled, or adorned with a spicy sauce, Oregon Pinot Gris provides a fruitful and spicy counterpoint that enhances the dish. Its richness also holds its own against more robust salmon preparations, such as those featuring creamy sauces or hearty spices.
Red Wines For Salmon
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is an elegant, light-bodied red wine known for its smooth flavors and complexity. With roots in France’s esteemed Burgundy region, this grape varietal has also made a name for itself in American locales like Oregon and California. The wine’s palate is defined by red berry fruits, such as strawberries and cherries, often accompanied by subtle, earthy undertones that can add depth to a variety of dishes.
When it comes to salmon, Pinot Noir offers a delightful alternative to traditional white wine pairings. Its lighter body ensures that the wine won’t overshadow the fish’s delicate flavors. Whether your salmon is grilled to perfection or luxuriously smoked, the berry notes and earthiness of Pinot Noir can bring an additional layer of sophistication to your meal. Served between 55-60°F, its moderate tannins offer just enough structure to complement the fish without overwhelming its natural flavors.
Gamay
Gamay is a red grape varietal most famously grown in the Beaujolais region of France, although it has also found homes in the Loire Valley and certain New World wine regions. Characterized by its light body, high acidity, and low tannins, Gamay offers a palate filled with red fruits like cherry and raspberry, along with floral notes and sometimes a subtle earthiness. This unique profile makes it a surprising but rewarding choice for pairing with salmon. The high acidity of the wine is an excellent match for the fatty richness of salmon, cutting through it to offer a balanced mouthfeel. The wine’s red fruit flavors can add a delightful contrast to the savory, oily nature of the fish, elevating the entire dining experience. Whether your salmon is simply grilled, seasoned with herbs, or even prepared with a fruit-based glaze, Gamay can bring an unexpected harmony to your meal. For the best tasting experience, serve Gamay slightly chilled, between 55-60°F, which allows the full bouquet of flavors to unfold.
Merlot
A softer, fruit-forward Merlot can be a good match for salmon, especially if the wine is not overly tannic. Flavors of plum, black cherry, and herbal notes can complement many salmon preparations.
Sparkling Wine
Champagne
As the quintessential sparkling wine from the eponymous region in France, Champagne is a remarkably versatile pairing option. It offers a complex flavor profile that includes notes of green apple, citrus, and often a touch of brioche or minerality. When it comes to pairing with salmon, Champagne’s high acidity cleanses the palate and balances the oily richness of the fish.
Picking the right wine for salmon pairing is simpler than it seems. With some many choices, there’s something for everyone. Just think about how your salmon is cooked or if it has a cream sauce to choose the best match. Our list of 14 wines gives you plenty of options to make your next salmon meal even better.
