The Ultimate Guide to Red Wine and Salmon Pairings

By David Gadd | Published on 2022-02-06

: Welcome to the ultimate guide to red wine and salmon pairings! Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a novice wine enthusiast, you’ll find something to learn here. We’ll explore the perfect match of red wine and salmon, the best Sauvignon Blanc for salmon, Cabernet Sauvignon for classic red wine pairings, Rose wines for the best of both worlds, white wines for grilled, baked, and smoked salmon, Italian reds for bringing out the best in salmon dishes, and the best wines to serve with cedar plank or blackened salmon. We’ll also cover wine pairings for salmon tartare. So, grab a glass of your favorite red and let’s get started!

The Perfect Match: Red Wine and Salmon

When it comes to pairing red wine and salmon, the perfect match is something of an art form. Red wines, with their bold and complex flavors, can bring out the best in salmon dishes. From the light and fruity Pinot Noir to the full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, there are many different red wines that can be paired with salmon to create a truly delicious meal.

When selecting a red wine to pair with salmon, it's important to consider the type of salmon being used. For instance, a light, delicate Pinot Noir is a great choice for grilled or baked salmon, while a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is a better choice for smoked salmon. Additionally, the type of preparation can also influence the type of red wine that should be chosen. For example, a light, fruity Pinot Noir is a great choice for a salmon tartare, while a bolder Cabernet Sauvignon is better suited for a blackened salmon dish.

When pairing red wine and salmon, it's important to consider the flavors of both the wine and the salmon. A light, fruity red wine can bring out the delicate flavors of the salmon, while a bolder red wine can help to enhance the smoky, savory flavors of smoked salmon. Additionally, the type of preparation can also influence the type of red wine that should be chosen. For example, a light, fruity Pinot Noir is a great choice for a salmon tartare, while a bolder Cabernet Sauvignon is better suited for a blackened salmon dish. Ultimately, the key to finding the perfect pairing is to experiment and find the combination that best suits your taste.

Sauvignon Blanc: A Great White Wine for Salmon

Sauvignon Blanc is a great white wine for salmon. Its crisp, acidic nature makes it an ideal pairing for the rich, oily fish. It also has herbal and grassy notes that complement the delicate flavor of salmon. Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine that can be served with a variety of dishes, including salmon. It pairs well with grilled, baked, and smoked salmon, as well as salmon tartare.

When pairing Sauvignon Blanc with salmon, look for a wine with a good balance of acidity and fruit. A Sauvignon Blanc with citrus and tropical fruit notes will bring out the sweetness of the fish. If you’re serving a richer salmon dish, such as salmon tartare, opt for a Sauvignon Blanc with a hint of oak. The oak will add a layer of complexity to the dish.

When it comes to Sauvignon Blanc and salmon, the possibilities are endless. From a light and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to a more complex and oaky variety, there’s a Sauvignon Blanc for every salmon dish. So, the next time you’re looking for a white wine to pair with your salmon dish, reach for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. You won’t be disappointed.

Cabernet Sauvignon: A Classic Red Wine for Salmon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic red wine that pairs perfectly with salmon. This full-bodied red wine has a bold flavor that stands up to the richness of salmon. The tannins in the wine help to cut through the fat of the fish, creating a balanced and delicious pairing. The dark fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon, such as blackberry and plum, are a perfect complement to the delicate flavor of salmon.

When pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with salmon, it is important to consider the preparation of the fish. Grilled salmon pairs well with a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, while a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is best suited for baked or smoked salmon. The smoky flavors of the fish will be enhanced by the boldness of the wine. If you are serving a sauce with the salmon, such as a creamy dill sauce, try a Cabernet Sauvignon with a hint of oakiness, as the oak will add a nice complexity to the pairing.

When selecting a Cabernet Sauvignon for salmon, look for a wine with good acidity. The acidity will help to balance out the richness of the fish, creating a harmonious pairing. Cabernet Sauvignon from California, Chile, or Australia are all good choices for pairing with salmon. With its bold flavor and excellent acidity, Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic red wine that pairs perfectly with salmon.

Rose Wines: The Best of Both Worlds with Salmon

Rose wines are a great choice when it comes to pairing with salmon. They offer the best of both worlds, combining the fruitiness and lightness of white wines with the body and complexity of red wines. Rose wines are also versatile enough to pair with a variety of salmon dishes, from grilled to smoked.

When pairing rose wines with salmon, look for a dry rose with a light to medium body. A good example is a French rose from Provence. These wines are light and refreshing, with aromas of red fruit and a hint of minerality. They are perfect for pairing with grilled salmon, as their crisp acidity will cut through the richness of the fish.

For smoked salmon, look for a rose with a bit more body and complexity. A Spanish rose from Rioja is a great choice. These wines are fuller bodied, with aromas of red fruit and a hint of spice. They are perfect for pairing with smoked salmon, as their richness will complement the smoky flavor of the fish.

White Wines for Grilled, Baked, and Smoked Salmon

When it comes to pairing white wines with salmon, there are a few options that are sure to please. Grilled, baked, and smoked salmon all have their own unique flavor profiles, and the right white wine can really bring out the best in each dish.

For grilled salmon, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. Its bright acidity and herbal notes will pair perfectly with the smoky, charred flavors of the fish. For a more subtle pairing, a Chardonnay is a great option. Its buttery, oaky notes will complement the delicate flavors of the salmon.

For baked salmon, a Riesling is a great choice. Its sweet, fruity notes will bring out the sweetness of the fish, while its crisp acidity will cut through the richness of the dish. For smoked salmon, a Pinot Grigio is a great option. Its light body and subtle notes of citrus and stone fruit will pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of the fish.

Italian Reds: Bringing Out the Best in Salmon Dishes

Italian red wines are a great choice for pairing with salmon dishes. They are bold and flavorful, and can really bring out the best in a salmon dish. From light and fruity to full-bodied and robust, there is an Italian red wine to match any salmon dish.

For a light and fruity pairing, try a Pinot Grigio or a Chianti. These wines are light and refreshing, and can bring out the delicate flavors of a salmon dish. For a more full-bodied option, try a Barolo or a Brunello di Montalcino. These wines have a bold flavor that can stand up to the richness of a salmon dish.

For a unique pairing, try a Nero d'Avola. This Italian red is known for its intense fruit flavors, and can really bring out the flavors of a salmon dish. It is also a great choice for pairing with smoked salmon dishes. No matter what type of Italian red wine you choose, it is sure to bring out the best in your salmon dish.

The Best Wines to Serve with Cedar Plank or Blackened Salmon

Cedar plank or blackened salmon is a delicious way to enjoy the fish. The smoky flavor of the cedar plank or blackened seasoning pairs perfectly with a bold red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice for this type of dish, as its deep, dark fruit flavors and tannins will stand up to the smoky flavors of the salmon. Pinot Noir is another great option, as its bright fruit flavors will balance out the smokiness of the salmon.

For a white wine pairing, Sauvignon Blanc is a great option. Its crisp acidity and herbal notes will complement the smoky flavors of the salmon. Chardonnay is another great choice, as its creamy texture and oak notes will stand up to the smoky flavors of the salmon.

For a unique pairing, try a sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Champagne. The bright acidity and effervescence of these wines will cut through the smokiness of the salmon and bring out the flavors of the dish.

Wine Pairings for Salmon Tartare

Salmon tartare is a delicious and unique dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of wines. When selecting a wine to pair with salmon tartare, it is important to consider the flavors of the dish. Salmon tartare is typically served with a variety of condiments and seasonings, such as capers, dill, and lemon juice, which can all influence the flavor of the dish.

A light, crisp white wine is the perfect pairing for salmon tartare. Sauvignon Blanc is a great option, as its herbal and citrus notes will complement the tartare's flavors. Chardonnay is another good choice, as its buttery notes will balance out the tartness of the dish. For a more unique pairing, try a sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava. The bubbles will add a refreshing touch to the tartare, and the light fruit flavors will enhance the dish's flavor.

For a red wine pairing, Pinot Noir is a great choice. Its light body and fruity notes will pair nicely with the salmon tartare. Alternatively, a light-bodied Italian red, such as a Sangiovese or a Barbera, will also work well. These wines have bright acidity and subtle tannins that will bring out the flavors of the dish.

Conclusion

From Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon, Rose Wines to Italian Reds, this ultimate guide to red wine and salmon pairings has provided you with all the information you need to make the perfect match. With the right wine, you can bring out the best in your salmon dishes and create an unforgettable dining experience. So, the next time you’re looking for the perfect pairing for your salmon, you’ll know just what to do. Cheers!