The Art of Pairing Wine with Fish for a Perfect Dining Experience
March 10, 2025
There's a saying that goes, "There are plenty of fish in the sea," and when it comes to pairing the right wine with the right catch, it can feel like a bit of a challenge. Wine pairings offer a fantastic way to explore and experiment with unique and exciting flavour combinations. Whether it's wine with chocolate or a classic cheese pairing, one thing is certain—wine is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed with almost anything, as long as you choose the right one.
If you're looking for the best wine and fish pairings, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best wines to pair with your fresh fish-based dishes, helping you savour the perfect balance of flavours of both wine and fish with every sip and bite.
The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Wine with Fish
Here are the basic and key factors that you should know before pairing wine with fish; this will elevate your dining experience even more and let you explore the best of both worlds of wine and fish.
Wine Acidity: The wine's acidity is an essential thing to note when pairing wine with fish. Wines that have high acidity, like Chardonnay, pair well with hearty fish dishes that help the flavours cut the oily and fried texture of the dish. A crisp, acidic wine will add more freshness to the combo, balancing the palate without overpowering the taste.
Fish Flavour Profile: The flavour profile of the fish shows which wine will go perfectly. Light and raw fish dishes pair well with light white wines, while richer and heartier fish dishes can taste better with fuller-bodied whites, lively sparklings or even light reds. Balancing the intensity of both the wine and fish makes a harmonious combination.
Wine Tannins: Wines with a high tannin content have a more complex texture and structure. High tannin content, however, can interfere with fish's delicate tastes and result in a complex aftertaste. In order to complement meaty and healthy fish dishes with a wine that doesn't overpower the flavour, choose a low-tannin wine like Pinot Noir or Gamay.
Discover the Best Wines to Pair with Your Favourite Fish
Delicate Raw Fish and Light Whites: A Fresh Match
Looking for a fresh start? This combination of delicate and raw fish with light, zesty and refershing white wine, like Riesling and Pinot Gris, will take your drinking experience to the next level. Whether you love sushi or a bowl full of ceviche, sipping a bright and lively white wine that is as light and refreshing as raw-light fish dishes will be the best and most wholesome combination you will ever come across.
Find the ideal wine below to complete your fish and wine pairing.
Hearty Fish with Bold Whites and Light Reds: Perfect Harmony
Looking for a satisfying meal combo that’s both hearty and flavourful? Pair rich, meaty fish dishes like tuna or salmon with bold whites like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir. These wines enhance the solid flavours of the fish, creating a perfect balance that takes your dining experience to the next level. Whether you’re indulging in a thick grilled steak or fish or a rich fish stew, the refined and elegant structure of these wines will make every bite even more flavourful and joyful.
Find the ideal wine below to complete your fish and wine pairing.
Grilled Fish and Barbecue Fish with Full-Bodied Whites, Light Reds, and Rosé
Craving smoky, toasted goodness? The best way to complement grilled or barbecued fish is with full-bodied whites like Sauvignon Blanc, light reds like Pinot Noir, and a vibrant Rosé. These wines bring out the smoky and charred flavours of the fish more beautifully while offering a refreshing profile that cuts through the richness. Whether you’re grilling a fresh catch or enjoying a barbecued fish platter, these wines will make your grilled feast a pleasurable experience.
Find the ideal wine below to complete your fish and wine pairing.
Crispy Fried Fish and Bubbly Delights: Champagne and Rosé Prosecco
Ready to pop the bubbly? For crispy fried fish, nothing beats the blissful joy of Champagne or Rosé Prosecco. The bubbles cleanse your palate between bites, while the crisp acidity balances through the crispiness of the fried part. This sparkling combo is the perfect balance of flavours that offers and elevates both the crunchy texture and the savoury goodness of fried fish. It’s the ideal pairing to add to your occasional and party menus that will delight and surprise your guests with something truly unique and a delicious treat.
Find the ideal wine below to complete your fish and wine pairing.
Wine and fish pairings are gaining well-deserved recognition, with wine lovers embracing and appreciating this delightful combo, much like the classic chocolate and cheese pairings. By mastering the art of pairing wine with fish, you can effortlessly enhance your dining experience. Remember, the goal is to enjoy both the fish and the wine, and that’s exactly why we’ve curated the best wine pairings for you. With Just Wines’ fantastic selection of high-quality wines, your wine and fish pairings will be elevated to new heights. So grab the perfect bottle today from our collection, and cheers to wonderful pairings with Just Wines!
