When it comes to pairing food and wine, many people tend to default to the traditional pairing of white wine with seafood. However, for those who prefer red wine, there are options that can work well with certain types of seafood, such as salmon. In this article, we’ll explore some red wine options that can complement the rich flavors of salmon, whether grilled, poached, or smoked.
Understanding Salmon and Red Wine Pairing
Salmon is a delicate fish that can be prepared in many ways, including grilling, roasting, or smoking. It has a unique flavor profile that makes it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. When pairing red wine with salmon, it’s essential to consider the cooking method, the seasoning, and the sauce.
Red wine is a popular choice for pairing with salmon because it has a more robust flavor profile that can stand up to the fish’s unique taste. However, not all red wines go well with salmon.
Factors to Consider When Pairing Red Wine with Salmon
- Cooking Method: Different cooking methods affect the salmon’s flavor and texture, which can impact wine pairing. For example, grilled salmon tends to have a smoky flavor that pairs well with medium-bodied red wines.
- Seasoning: The seasoning used on the salmon can also impact the wine pairing. For instance, salmon with a lot of herbs and spices may pair better with a bold red wine.
- Sauce: The sauce used on the salmon can significantly impact the wine pairing. A creamy sauce may pair better with a full-bodied red wine, while a tangy sauce may pair better with a lighter red wine.
The Best Red Wines to Pair with Salmon
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the most popular red wine pairing for salmon. It has a light to medium-body, low tannins, and high acidity that pairs well with the fish’s delicate flavor. Pinot Noir’s earthy notes and red fruit flavors complement the salmon’s natural sweetness.
Syrah
Syrah is a bold red wine with a full-body and high tannin content. It pairs well with grilled or smoked salmon that has a smoky flavor. Syrah’s dark fruit flavors and peppery notes complement the salmon’s rich flavor.
Merlot
Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine with low tannins and high acidity. It pairs well with salmon that has a lot of herbs and spices. Merlot’s red fruit flavors and smooth finish complement the salmon’s flavors without overpowering them.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a bold red wine with high tannin content and a full-body. It pairs well with salmon that has a tangy sauce. Zinfandel’s dark fruit flavors and spicy notes complement the salmon’s tangy flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with high tannin content and low acidity. It pairs well with salmon that has a creamy sauce. Cabernet Sauvignon’s dark fruit flavors and oaky notes complement the salmon’s rich flavors.
Other Considerations
When pairing red wine with salmon, it’s essential to consider the temperature of the wine. Red wine should be served at room temperature, which is around 65°F (18°C). However, if the temperature is too warm, it can overpower the salmon’s delicate flavors. It’s best to chill the red wine for about 30 minutes before serving it with salmon.
It’s also essential to consider the quality of the wine. High-quality red wine has a more complex flavor profile that can enhance the salmon’s flavors. A low-quality wine may have a flat taste that can ruin the pairing.
Cooking Method
Different cooking methods affect the salmon’s flavor and texture, which can impact wine pairing. Grilled salmon tends to have a smoky flavor that pairs well with medium-bodied red wines. Roasted salmon has a more delicate flavor that pairs well with lighter red wines. Smoked salmon has a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with full-bodied red wines.
Seasoning
The seasoning used on the salmon can also impact the wine pairing. Salmon with a lot of herbs and spices may pair better with a bold red wine. For example, salmon with a blackened seasoning can pair well with a Zinfandel or a Cabernet Sauvignon. Salmon with a lemon and herb seasoning may pair better with a Pinot Noir or a Syrah.
Sauce
The sauce used on the salmon can significantly impact the wine pairing. A creamy sauce may pair better with a full-bodied red wine, while a tangy sauce may pair better with a lighter red wine. Salmon with a creamy dill sauce can pair well with a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot. Salmon with a citrus-based sauce may pair well with a Pinot Noir or a Syrah.
FAQs for the topic: what red wine goes with salmon
Can I pair salmon with a red wine?
Yes, although many people typically favor white wine when it comes to seafood, there are red wines that pair well with salmon. An excellent red wine to pair with salmon should be light-bodied, acidic, and low in tannins.
What type of red wine goes best with salmon?
Pinot Noir is an excellent red wine to pair with salmon. This wine has a light body, moderate acidity, and low tannins, which complement the fish’s delicateness and light flavors. Other red wines that go well with salmon are lighter-bodied reds such as Gamay, Grenache, and Barbera.
How do I choose a suitable red wine for my salmon dish?
When pairing wine with your salmon dish, consider the preparation method and the accompanying ingredients. If your salmon is grilled or roasted, choose a red wine with low to medium tannins and higher acidity. A sauce or side dish with citrus, herbs or tomatoes pairs well with wine that features similar tasting notes.
Can I pair fatty salmon with a red wine?
Yes, you can pair fatty salmon with a light-bodied red wine with high acidity. This type of wine helps to cut through the fish’s rich fat and flavor while complementing the delicate taste of the fish.
What can I do if I don’t like Pinot Noir?
If you’re not a fan of Pinot Noir, you can try light-bodied red wines such as Gamay, Grenache, and Barbera. These red wines have similar characteristics to Pinot Noir, making them great alternatives when pairing with salmon. Other options include Beaujolais and Marechal Foch, which are light-bodied wines with lower acidity than Pinot Noir.