Wine Pairing: fish

If you believe that one single type of white wine will do justice to the huge variety of seafood that is currently available, you might need to expand your pescatarian repertoire. With a little care and attention, great seafood can be accompanied by vibrant white wines, delicate rosé and even, in the right environment, a well chosen bottle of red. Whether it be tuna, sea bass, salmon or the comforting joys of a perfect fish pie, there are a surprising variety of bottles that will match your selection perfectly.

The first thing to consider is the type of fish in question and how its dominant characteristics would be best enhanced, rather than overwhelmed, by your choice of wine. If you’re going for a flaky plaice or sole, this is considered a lean fish. Medium texture is trout, sea bass, haddock and cod. Salmon, tuna or swordfish are much meatier. At the top of the scale are the real heavy hitters flavorwise – the oily, fermented intensity of sardines, anchovies, herring and mackerel.

How you’re going to prepare the fish is just as important as the raw ingredients themselves. Whether simply under the grill, on a barbeque, or right up to an elaborate concoction involving a sous vide machine and rich sauces, think about how the cooking methods affect the flavour of the final dish.

Wine to pair with salmon
There’s a reason that salmon remains a fantastic choice – for everything from royal engagements to country weddings, it’s both luxurious and a comfort food at the same time. The best wines have enough complexity to pique your interest, stand up against whichever sauces are accompanying it and also complementary flavours. Try the Domaine du Vaux St Georges Sauvignon Blanc from Touraine in the Loire Valley – a refreshing white with plenty of zingy citrus flavour that will cut through the richness of the dish.

Wine to pair with tuna
Tuna is a more robust meat compared to many other fish. If you’ve ever seen the full-sized specimens at a market, you’ll marvel at how such a huge creature can be filleted so deftly. As such, tuna can cope with a rich rosé such as Whispering Angel, or even light reds like those from Beaujolais. Try one of the region’s most iconic producers, Georges Duboeuf 'Flower Label' Fleurie, for a real treat.

Wine to pair with sea bass
Sea bass has evolved from being a restaurant rarity to a gastropub favourite, and is now increasingly cooked at home. A crisp unoaked white makes for a great match. Think: Chardonnay, Albarino, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. A pale rosé will pair wonderfully and if the sea bass is prepared with soy sauce or similar Asian-style flavours, try Gruner Veltliner or dry Riesling. This exclusive bottle is high on our list of favourite options: Domäne Wachau 'Smaragd' Grüner Veltliner

Which red wines work with fish?
The rule might be white wine with fish but much like many wine “rules”, they’re there to be broken – our matches for tuna are the perfect example. If you consider the variety of sides that go with fish: vegetables, sauces, and other flavoursome additions like bacon, then you know that it can be paired with almost anything. It also underplays how subtle and delicate some red wines can be. Meaty fish and red wine can make an incredible match that would make a great surprise for your fellow diners: try a fruity Barbera d’Alba or a juicy Austrian Zweigelt.