Harmonizing Fish and Wine One Meal at a Time

I want snapper for dinner but what wine do I choose? Even for seasoned seafood lovers, this can be a daunting question. Do I pick a Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or possibly a red wine? This can be a daunting question when you have to make a quick decision. Whether you’re a seasoned pescatarian or someone opening up their palate into the world of seafood and wine, Northeast Florida is the place where decadence is met.

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What makes a Perfect Seafood and Wine Combination?

Choosing the right wine to complement seafood can elevate your meal from good to outstanding. The key is to balance the flavors from the plate with the notes from the bottle. Here’s some pairings that are sure to excite your taste buds.

Light Fish Dishes

For lighter fish dishes such as a wild-caught fish taco, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect match. The acidity and zesty citrus notes of the wine enhance the fish's delicate flavors without overpowering them.

Richer Seafood Option

When dining on richer seafood like Timoti’s famous shrimp basket or a creamy seafood chowder, opt for a fuller-bodied white such as Chardonnay. This wine complements the richness of the dish with its buttery undertones and hints of vanilla. Chardonnay’s red wine sister, Pinot noir, also pairs well with richer seafood.

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Shellfish and Crisp Whites

Shellfish like oysters and scallops are perfect with lighter, mineral-driven wines such as Pinot Grigio. The clean finish of this white wine helps to highlight the seafood's fresh flavors.

Adventurous Pairings

For those looking to experiment, choose seafood dishes you wouldn’t think to pair with wine. We chose a couple to get the creative juices flowing.

Fried Oysters

Crispy and indulgent, fried oysters are a Southern delicacy that delivers a perfect combination of crunch and briny sweetness. Traditionally, they are coated in cornmeal or flour, then deep fried until golden brown. They can be enjoyed on their own, with a squeeze of lemon, or in a po’boy sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, and remoulade sauce. When it comes to pairing, a bright refreshing white wine like Champagne or sparkling wine works wonders by cutting through the richness while enhancing the oyster’s flavor. You can go the still wine route with a Chablis or unoaked Chardonnay without overpowering the dish.

Seafood Stew

There isn’t anything more comforting than seafood stew. Its ingredients change depending on who and where it is made but commonly includes shrimp, clams, mussels, white fish, and sometimes lobster, all simmered together in a rich tomato or cream-based broth. With this dish, it is all about depth of flavor. A light-bodied red wine like Pinot noir or a crisp white like Pinot grigio complements the rich seafood while balancing the acidity of the broth. If your stew is tomato-based, a dry Rosé can also be an excellent choice to bring out the dish’s savory elements.

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Soft Shell Crab Sandwich

With soft shell crab season on the horizon, there is no time like the present to start thinking about this true treat. Soft shell crab sandwiches feature whole crabs, lightly battered and fried until crispy, then served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and a zesty remoulade or tartar sauce. When selecting a wine, opt for a crisp, mineral-forward white like a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling to balance the richness. A light-bodied sparkling wine or even a dry cider can also provide a bubbly lift, making each bite more enjoyable.

Image courtesy of Alexey Demidov / Unsplash

Poke Bowl

Poke bowls, a traditional Hawiiaan cuisine, typically includes fish, seaweed, soy sauce, and onions on a bed of rice. You can get really creative by customizing the bowl with other toppings and the type of fish you choose. Albacore tuna and salmon are both popular options that pair well with almost any wine you have on hand. With the salinity of the fish, it’s best to pair a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect balance. Any sweet white wine you have will do just fine!

Ready to Explore the Best of Pescatarian Cuisine?

Now that you know the best seafood and wine pairings, why not experience them firsthand? Visit Timoti’s Seafood Shak in either Fernandina Beach or Nocatee, and let us take you on a tasteful journey that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, we promise a dining experience with the best of Northeast Florida’s seafood.

Come in and taste the difference—visit us today!

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Food and Wine Pairings for Pescatarians