As more and more of us are adding salmon to our diets (and our air fryers!), I wanted to dig in and come up with a comprehensive list of select wines that you could easily pair with a wide variety of salmon dishes.
Salmon is a delicious and truly versatile fish that can be prepared in so many different ways, so it’s not really just one type of wine to consider when pairing it together.
Whether you’re grilling, baking, or smoking your salmon, there is a wine that can complement its flavors and textures. And while most us assume we should only be pairing our salmon with classic white wines, there are a few curve balls that I’ve added to my pairing like, like rosé and pinot noir.
Different Wines to Try With Salmon
Why Sauvignon Blanc is a Good Pairing
One of my personal favorites to pair with my salmon is a Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauv Blanc is a classic white wine known for its high acidity, crispness, and bright flavors. Because of this, it can really make the perfect choice pair with salmon, which typically has a rich, oily texture and delicate flavors.
The acidity in Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the oiliness of the salmon, helping to cleanse the palate and balance the flavors. This is actually important when the salmon is prepared with butter or cream sauces, as these can further bring out the richness of the fish.
And did you know that Sauvignon Blanc often has herbaceous and citrus notes that can complement the flavors of the salmon? For example, a Sauvignon Blanc with grassy or herbal notes can pair well with salmon that has been seasoned with fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Alternatively, a Sauvignon Blanc with citrus notes can pair well with salmon that has been topped with lemon or lime juice.
Go With a Classic Chardonnay
Another great option is a classic Chardonnay, since it’s a white wine that’s usually associated with rich, full-bodied flavors and a creamy mouthfeel. This makes it an excellent wine to pair with salmon, which has a rich, buttery texture and subtle flavors.
Chardonnay is often aged in oak barrels, which lends flavors of vanilla, caramel, and toasted nuts to the wine. These flavors can complement the richness of the salmon, especially if your salmon recipe includes buttery or cream-based sauces. The oak can also add a subtle smoky flavor to the wine, which can pair well with grilled or smoked salmon.
Chardonnay often has notes of tropical fruit and citrus, which can balance the richness of the salmon and add a refreshing touch to the pairing. So, a Chardonnay with pineapple or mango notes can pair well with salmon that has been seasoned with ginger or soy sauce.
Overall, Chardonnay’s full-bodied flavors and creamy mouthfeel make it an excellent choice to pair with salmon. The wine’s oak notes can complement the richness of the fish, while its fruit and citrus notes can balance the flavors and add a refreshing touch to the pairing.
I recommend going with a Chardonnay from California’s Sonoma Coast or Russian River Valley, Burgundy in France, or Margaret River in Western Australia.
You Can't Go Wrong With a Pinot Grigio
Not everyone loves a Pinto Grigio, but I definitely do especially when it’s a Pinot that’s light and crisp with truly refreshing qualities.
The lightness of Pinot Grigio works well with salmon’s delicate flavors, without overpowering the fish. Go this route if your salmon is served with lighter ingredients like fresh herbs, citrus, or even some light sauces. The wine’s refreshing qualities can also balance the richness of the salmon, making it a great pairing option.
Pinot Grigio often has flavors of green apple, lemon, and lime, which can complement the flavors of salmon and add a refreshing touch to the pairing. So, a Pinot Grigio with citrus notes can pair well with salmon that has been topped with lemon or lime juice. Similarly, a Pinot Grigio with green apple notes can complement salmon that has been served with a fruit salsa.
Overall, the wine’s acidity can help cut through the oiliness of the salmon, cleansing the palate and allowing the flavors of both the wine and the fish to shine.
I recommend looking for a Pinot Grigio from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in northeastern Italy or Alto Adige in the north.
Yes Way, Rosé
While rosé can be a bit controversial for some, I love it in the summer. Rosé can be really versatile and its lightness, acidity, and fruitiness make it an excellent choice to balance the richness of the fish and complement its flavors.
Rosés overall fruitiness can complement the delicate flavors of salmon and add a refreshing touch to the pairing. For example, a Rosé with strawberry notes can pair well with salmon that has been served with a fruit salsa, while a rosé with cherry notes can complement salmon that has been seasoned with a sweet glaze.
Overall the lightness of rosé works well with salmon’s delicate flavors, without overpowering the fish. This makes it a great option if the salmon is served with lighter things like fresh herbs, citrus, or light sauces.
I recommend going with a rosé from Provence in southern France, Navarra in Spain, or the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
Try a Red Like a Pinot Noir
While most of us think that only white or rosé wines can be paired with salmon, there are also some red wines that can be paired with this fish, like a brilliant Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir is a red wine known for its delicate, fruity, and earthy qualities, which make it an excellent choice to pair with salmon. The wine’s lightness and low tannins work well with salmon’s delicate flavors, without overpowering it.
The fruitiness of Pinot Noir can complement the flavors of salmon, especially when the fish is prepared with fruit-based sauces or glazes. For example, a Pinot Noir with cherry or raspberry notes can pair well with salmon that has been served with a fruit salsa or raspberry glaze.
And if you’re going the grilled or smoked salmon route, the earthiness of Pinot Noir can pair well its savory flavors especially when you’re adding herbs or mushrooms.
I recommend going with a Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France or the newer Central Otago region of New Zealand.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there actually are plenty of options when trying to figure out how to pair the perfect wine with your perfect salmon recipe.
Even though I provided some additional recommendations on which regions to go for when selecting your wine, I always recommend going against the grain a bit and trying something new, get adventurous, and have some fun while choosing the right wine for you and your specific salmon dish.
