Pairing Guide: Best Wines to Pair with Salmon

Planning a dinner? Or just a quick nutritious meal? Salmon, with its rich, buttery flesh and delicate flavor is a versatile main course for any occasion. But when it comes to choosing the perfect beverage to complement this superstar fish, the options can seem endless. So, how best to pair salmon and wine? Which wines pair best?

While white is the classic choice. But if you are in an adventurous mood, salmon is versatile enough to pair well with a rosé or a red wine (yes, red). It also depends on the style of cooking.

Basic Wine Pairing Rules

While white wine is the classic choice, there’s a much larger list of options. The general rule is to match the intensity of the richness of the dish, to the body of the wine (see Wine and Food Pairing Made Easy). So for rich, oily fish such as salmon, the usual pairing are rich, full-bodied wines. However, salmon is a fairly versatile fish. And depending on the cooking method, preparation, and sauces, it could easily pair with a lighter bodied wine, red wine, or a rosé.

The Classics: White Wine with Salmon

Let’s start with the easy, tried-and-true pairings: white wine and salmon (or fish in general). A pretty safe choice, but nonetheless white wine does complement amazingly well salmon.
If you are considering to pair your salmon with a white, here are some options:

1. Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the salmon, while fruity notes complement the fish’s natural sweetness. Overall, it’s a wine that pairs well with the delicate taste of salmon, especially when prepared with lighter seasonings or herb-infused sauces. Try expressions from New Zealand or Sancerre for an invigorating pairing.
   Try with: Grilled Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter
   
2. Chardonnay: An unoaked (or lightly oaked Chardonnay), with its crisp acidity and subtle fruit notes, beautifully complements the richness of salmon without overpowering its delicate flavor. Think citrus, melon, and a touch of minerality.
   Unoaked Chardonnay is in general the safest choice, but experiment and see which suits more your palate.
   If you enjoy bold, buttery flavors, opt for an oaked chardonnay. This goes well with richly sauced salmon dishes with creamy sauces like Hollandaise or beurre blanc. If you prefer lighter, crisper wines, choose an unoaked chardonnay.
   Try with: Grilled Salmon with Hollandaise
   

The Bold: Red Wines with Salmon

While white wines often take center stage with salmon, reds can also be surprising and delightful partners.
Red wines can be paired with salmon, but it’s important to choose lighter and more versatile reds to complement the flavors without overpowering the delicate taste of the fish. Here are some red wines and their ideal salmon pairings:

1. Pinot Noir: Known for its versatility, Pinot Noir is a red wine that pairs exceptionally well with salmon. Its light to medium body, red fruits undertones, and subtle tannins complement both grilled, baked or lightly seasoned salmon dishes. It can surprisingly complement smoked salmon. Try Lighter expressions from Oregon or Burgundy, with their light body and elegant fruitiness with hints of earthiness and smoke.
   Try with: Grilled Salmon with a Balsamic Glaze
   
2. Merlot: While often overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot offers a softer, fruitier approach, making it a delightful partner for various salmon preparations. A soft and velvety Merlot can enhance the savory aspects of salmon, making it an ideal pairing for salmon prepared with earthy herbs or roasted vegetables. You can also pair it with warm spices like cumin and paprika echo the plum and spice notes of Merlot.
   Try with: Blackened Cajun-Style Salmon

Not Just For Summer: Rosé Wines with Salmon

Rosés, often relegated to warm weather sipping, can be delightful partners for salmon year-round. Rosé wines, with their versatility and refreshing acidity, can pair wonderfully with a variety of salmon dishes.

1. Dry Provençal Rosé: These French rosés boast vibrant notes of strawberry, grapefruit, herbs and a crisp acidity, offering a light and refreshing combination for your salmon.
   Try with: Grilled Salmon with a Citrus Marinade
   
2. Dry Italian Rosé: These rosés, often made from Sangiovese, offer subtle floral and cherry notes, adding a touch of elegance to your dish.
   Try with: Salmon Carpaccio with Capers and Lemon Zest
   
3. California Rosé of Pinot Noir: Unlike traditional Provençal rosés, it typically boasts a richer body and fuller fruit flavors, often showcasing notes of strawberry, cherry, watermelon, and even hints of spice. This bolder profile makes it a versatile partner for various salmon preparations, complementing both lighter and richer dishes.
   Try with: Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

The Bubbles: Sparkling Wines

Who said sparkling wines are only for celebrations? Moreover, not all sparkling wines have to take a dent in your wallet. Look beyond champagne and prosecco, and you’ll see a rich variety of affordable sparkling wines, some of which will pair gracefully with your salmon dishes.

1. Cava: This Spanish sparkling wine offers a diverse range of styles from Brut (dry) to Semi-Sec (slightly sweet). It often has citrusy and green apple notes, with a crisp and refreshing acidity. Look for Brut Nature for a dry and food-friendly experience, or Semi-Sec for a sweeter pairing with richer salmon dishes.
   Try with: Smoked salmon dishes or Salmon Rillettes on Crostini
   
2. Crémant: Produced in various regions of France under strict regulations, Crémants offer excellent value compared to Champagne. Look for Crémant de Loire, known for its crisp acidity and citrus notes, or Crémant de Bourgogne, boasting richness and toasty aromas.
   Try with: Salmon and Asparagus quiche as well as smoked salmon dishes.

The Unconventional: Why Not Try This?

If you want a nice glass of wine to complement your salmon, but wish to try something unusual to surprise you? Here are some options of less common wines to pair with salmon, but that result in wonderful combinations.

1. Lambrusco Frizzante (red): Lambrusco is a red sparkling wine with dark berry flavors and a touch of sweetness. It has has a lower alcohol content.
   Try with: Salmon and Balsamic-Glazed Roasted Vegetables
   
2. Pinot Grigio (white): This light, crisp, white wine with citrus notes is perfect for refreshing pairings with lighter salmon dishes. If pairing with lighter dishes you should opt for an Italian pinot grigio known for its light body and crisp profile. For bolder dishes with spices, opt for a pinot grigio from Alsace. It’s fuller body, richer texture, and notes of dried fruit, honey, and spice, makes it a perfect match for bolder dishes.
   Try with: Sriracha-Lime Salmon with Coconut Rice
   
3. Riesling (white): Riesling is a white wine known for its aromatic qualities, high acidity, and versatile flavor profile that ranges from crisp and dry to sweet and fruity. This wine complements well Asian inspired dishes.
   Try with: Miso Glazed Salmon

Choosing Wine Based On Preparation

While choosing a wine, keep in mind of the preparation.

For grilled or seared salmon, opt for fuller-bodied wines such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
For preparations that include citrus or herbs, try pairing your salmon with a Sauvignon Blanc.
Smoked salmon pairs very well with white and rosé sparkling wine (but not exclusively).
If you are eating a sweet glazed salmon, pair it with a slightly sweet rosé or a Lambrusco. For sweet spices or Asian inspired dishes, opt for Riesling or a Pinot Grigio.
Finally, to accompany a raw salmon dish such as carpaccio or sashimi or even a poké bowl, one of the safest option is a Sancerre.

The pairing options for a multiple and keep in mind that the wines are just either the most common options. But there’s a variety of great wines that gracefully complement salmon.
As your develop your knowledge in wine and personal taste, you can explore even more adventurous combinations. These include wines such as Grenache, Syrah, Moscato, Albariño or Sémillion, Grüner Veltliner and even Sherry.