What Wine Goes With Salmon?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Salmon is one of the few fish that pairs well with red wine: Pinot Noir is the classic choice. If it's in a butter or cream sauce, pick Chardonnay. With lemon, dill or herbs, pick Sauvignon Blanc. A dry rosé works with almost any salmon dish.
Quick decision
- Grilled or cedar-plank→ Pinot Noir
- Butter, cream or hollandaise→ Chardonnay
- Lemon, dill or herbs→ Sauvignon Blanc
- Can't decide→ Dry rosé
Why salmon can take a red
Salmon is richer and oilier than white fish. Pinot Noir is light in tannin, so it won't make the fish taste metallic the way a bold Cabernet might.
Let the preparation decide
Grilling adds smoke that Pinot Noir loves. Poached salmon with a creamy sauce needs a rounder white like Chardonnay. Baked salmon with lemon and herbs calls for something crisp and zesty.
Teriyaki, miso or sweet glazes
Sweet and savory glazes do well with an off-dry Riesling or a fruity Pinot Noir. Avoid very dry, tannic reds here.
Smoked salmon
Sparkling wine is hard to beat with smoked salmon — the bubbles and acidity cut the salt and richness.
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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.