What Wine Goes With Lobster?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Lobster with drawn butter is the textbook Chardonnay pairing: a rich, lightly oaked Chardonnay or a white Burgundy matches the butter and sweet meat. Champagne is the celebratory alternative. For plain steamed lobster, choose a leaner Chablis; for spicy or Asian-style lobster, an off-dry Riesling.
Quick decision
- Lobster with drawn butter→ Oaked Chardonnay or white Burgundy
- Steamed or chilled lobster→ Chablis or Champagne
- Lobster roll→ Champagne or unoaked Chardonnay
- Lobster mac and cheese→ Rich Chardonnay
- Spicy or curry lobster→ Off-dry Riesling
Butter loves Chardonnay
Barrel-aged Chardonnay often has creamy, buttery notes of its own, which mirror melted butter. Its body matches lobster's rich texture.
Celebrating? Sparkling works
Champagne and other dry sparkling wines are high in acidity, which cleans up rich butter and mayonnaise. They suit lobster rolls and special-occasion dinners.
Avoid tannic reds
Tannic red wine can make shellfish taste metallic. If you want something pink or red, a dry rosé is the safer bet.
Common questions
- What wine goes with a lobster roll?
- Champagne or another dry sparkling wine, or an unoaked Chardonnay. Both cut through the mayonnaise or butter.
Choosing a glass? See the Chardonnay, oaked and unoaked wine glasses its makers document, in the free Wine Glass Finder.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.