While munching on packets of orange Lays and binge-watching Masterchef Australia, I realised how beautifully seafood and wine compliment each other. I don’t have enough resources to try all the pairings out, but here we bring to you no-fail seafood and wine pairings that you must try at least once.
Salmon + Pinot Noir
Salmon goes wonderfully with many wines, but Pinot Noir is its soulmate. Cook your salmon with some sesame oil and glaze it with soy sauce to get that earthiness which would compliment the smoothness of the Pinot Noir. Since this wine is quite low in tannins, the salmon really shines through.
Crab + Chardonnay
If you are ever in the Konkan region, plan it well and carry a bottle of Chardonnay along, because it’s a match made in heaven. Crab is inherently delicate with a subtle flavour and bold wines partner well with the meat. The pairing of Chardonnay’s muted sweetness and the taste of fresh crabs is truly out of the world. Add a squeeze of lemon to take it up a notch.
Shrimp + Brut Sparkling Wine
Shrimp is delicious. Fried shrimp in a coconut based gravy is even more luscious. Yeah sure, cold beer is a good combination with it. But, you haven’t experienced a shrimp fully unless you have tried it with a nice glass of bubbly. The crispy fish balances the dry heat of the wine and it’s just delightful.
Lobster + Sauvignon Blanc
The dry crispiness of Sauvignon Blanc with juicy, creamy lobster, there’s nothing better. Lobster can be cooked in hundreds of ways and Sauvignon Blanc is equally versatile. It’s so universally loved that Obama’s presidential (oh, the good old days) inaugural lunch in 2009 featured a seafood stew with Maine lobster which was paired with a Duckhorn Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc.
Caviar + Champagne
This is the holy pair of luxurious, decadent, unaffordable things. Caviar is probably the most hyped seafood these days and is directly associated with extravagant fine dine experiences, and champagne belongs in the same elite segment of food and beverages. A bite of caviar followed by a sip of champagne results in an explosion of flavour. So, if you are ever rich enough to actually buy these things, please don’t miss out on this out-of-body tasting experience.
