Seafood Pairing Wine

By Dirk Smits

What are the best wines to pair with seafood?

Seafood does not always have to be paired with white wine. Actually, some fish and shellfish dishes go quite well with varietals such as Pinot Noir and Merlot. Don’t be afraid to pair wine with sake, either!

This list will help you plan which wines to pair with your next seafood dish.

> Check out GAYOT’s:
Best Wines for Pairing with Seafood
Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines
Best Chardonnay Wines
Fish & Seafood Guide: All About Fish, Caviar, Shellfish and More.

Clams (Raw or Casino)
Sauvignon (Fumé) Blanc, Brut Sparkling Wine, (Dry) Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Seyval Blanc
Crab
Sauvignon (Fumé) Blanc, Brut Sparkling Wine, Chardonnay, Sake, White Rhône Varietals (e.g. Roussanne, Marsanne)
Lobster
Brut Sparkling Wine, Chardonnay, Sake, White Rhône Varietals (e.g. Roussanne, Marsanne)
Mussels
Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon (Fumé) Blanc
Oysters (Raw) > More about pairing with oysters
Sauvignon (Fumé) Blanc, Brut Sparkling Wine, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc
Red Snapper
Chardonnay, Sauvignon (Fumé) Blanc
Salmon
Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sémillon, Vin Gris
Salmon Tartare
Brut Sparkling Wine, Pinot Gris, Sake
Sashimi & Sushi
Brut Sparkling Wine, Semi-Dry Riesling, Saké
Scallops
Sauvignon (Fumé) Blanc, Chardonnay, Brut Sparkling Wine, Pinot Noir, Sémillon
Shrimp
Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon (Fumé) Blanc, Chardonnay, Colombard, Vidal Blanc
Striped Bass
Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Dry Vignoles
Swordfish
Sauvignon (Fumé) Blanc, Brut Sparkling Wine, Vin Gris, Pinot Noir
Tuna
Sauvignon (Fumé) Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Vin Gris, Chardonnay
White Fish (Other)
Chardonnay, Viognier, Dry Riesling, Sémillon