Salmon is a very flavorful fish high in omega-3 fatty acids and finding the right wine that pairs well depends mainly on how you prepare your fish. 

For example, if you prefer Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon, farmed Salmon, grilled, roasted, or smoked.

Choosing the right wine can complement all these different ways to serve salmon enhancing your dining experience. 

When it comes to wine pairing, the key is to find a wine that complements the richness of the fish without overpowering it.

You may notice that lighter-bodied white wines are a popular choice for salmon.

Why? Well, they offer a refreshing and crisp flavor profile that complements the fish’s natural oils. 

Most Common Salmon Wine Pairings

Chardonnay is a popular option, particularly unoaked or lightly oaked varieties. These provide a balance of acidity and fruit flavors that complement the salmon’s rich, texture. 

Sauvignon Blanc also pairs well with salmon, with its vibrant acidity and citrusy notes adding a refreshing touch to the fish.

A lighter-bodied Pinot Noir can be an excellent choice for those who prefer red wine. Its lighter tannins and delicate fruit flavors can complement the flavors of the salmon without overpowering them.

Rosé wines can also be a fantastic option, offering a balance between red and white wines, and their light and fruity flavors can accentuate the salmon’s, natural sweetness.

Ultimately, the best wine pairing with salmon depends on the salmon recipe and your favorite salmon type.

I know this goes without saying but personal preferences and the cooking method and seasoning used all play a part. 

Let’s take a look at which wine goes with Salmon and why that is.

What are the best wines to pair with a salmon fillet? 

When it comes to pairing wine with salmon, it is generally recommended to opt for light-bodied and low-tannin varieties. This is why white wines pair very well with fish.

As a red wine drinker, I choose the lightest reds I can.

Reds 

The delicate flavors of salmon can be easily overwhelmed by heavy and highly tannic red wines.

With this in mind, some excellent choices for salmon include Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Barbera. Pinot Noir is known for its bright acidity and gentle tannins, making it a perfect match for the rich, oily texture of salmon. 

Gamay, another low-tannin red wine, offers vibrant red fruit flavors and a refreshing acidity. This complements the flavors of the fish without overpowering it. 

Barbera, with its vibrant acidity and red berry flavors, also pairs well with salmon. It doesn’t overpower the fish’s delicate flavors. 

Additionally, for those who prefer a lighter and more refreshing option, a glass of chilled rosé can be a fantastic choice.

This complements the flavors of salmon while providing a crisp and flavorful contrast.  Ultimately, the key is to choose red wines that enhance the flavors of salmon without overshadowing them.

Whites

When it comes to salmon, crisp and light white wines are the way to go. Everyone will tell you that Salmon goes well with white wine and they are right.

• Sauvignon blanc.
• Sancerre.
• Chablis.
• Riesling.
• Chardonnay.
• Prosecco.
• Pinot gris.

Sauvignon Blanc is a top contender in the seafood department, with its vibrant acidity and citrusy flavors that perfectly complement the rich, oily texture of salmon. 

Another great option is Chardonnay, especially if it’s unoaked. This variety tends to have a buttery and creamy profile, which brings out the natural flavors of the fish.

For those looking for something a little more adventurous, why not try a dry Riesling?

With its delicate sweetness and refreshing acidity, it provides a delightful contrast to the salmon’s fillet. 

How can I pair wine with grilled salmon?

When selecting a wine to pair with salmon that’s grilled, I find it’s better to choose a wine that is light but crisp. 

One common choice is a crisp and light white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay.

These wines tend to have bright acidity and citrus flavors that complement the delicate and slightly smoky flavors of the grilled salmon.

Another option is a rosé wine, which can provide a refreshing and fruity contrast to the richness of the salmon.

Rosé wines often have notes of red berries and a touch of acidity that can enhance the overall dining experience. 

If you prefer red wine, a lighter red such as Pinot Noir can also be a great choice. Pinot Noir’s subtle earthiness and cherry flavors can harmonize with the flavors of grilled salmon without overpowering it. 

Ultimately, the best wine to pair with grilled salmon depends on personal preference, but these options can provide a starting point for exploration. 

What wines go well with smoked salmon?

There are several types of wines that pair well with smoked salmon. The smoky and rich flavor of the salmon pairs wonderfully with white wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. 

Chardonnay has a creamy, buttery texture and a hint of oak that complements the richness of the fish. 

Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, has a crisp and refreshing taste with notes of citrus and herbs that balance the smoky flavors of the salmon.

Additionally, sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco are also great choices as they provide a refreshing effervescence that cuts through the oiliness of the fish.

The slight acidity and delicate bubbles enhance the overall experience of enjoying smoked salmon.

Overall, the key is to choose wines with enough acidity, body, and flavor that can stand up against the smoky and oily character of the fish, creating a harmonious and delightful pairing. 

How to pair wine with glazed salmon?

Glazed salmon is a delicious and delicate dish with a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with certain types of wines. For this dish, white wine with citrusy and fruity notes is often recommended. 

A dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc can be a great choice as their crisp acidity and vibrant flavors complement the subtle sweetness of the glaze and the richness of the fish.

The zesty and aromatic characteristics of these wines help to bring out the fresh and vibrant flavors of the salmon. Another excellent option is a Chardonnay, particularly one that is unoaked or lightly oaked.

These provide a lovely balance to the sweetness of the glaze and bring out the buttery and creamy elements of the dish. 

A rosé wine can also be a surprising and delightful pairing, with its fruity and floral flavors enhancing the overall experience.

Experimentation with different wines is always encouraged to find the perfect match for your palate. 

Which wine should I serve with salmon sushi?

So, you’ve got yourself some delicious salmon sushi, and now you’re wondering what wine will bring out its flavors. 

1. Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine is known for its crisp acidity and herbal notes, which can complement the freshness of the salmon and the slight spiciness of wasabi. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc from regions like New Zealand or the Loire Valley.
2. Chardonnay: A lightly oaked or unoaked Chardonnay can also be a great choice. Its richness and body can match the texture of the salmon, and the citrus and apple notes can provide a nice contrast to the sushi’s flavors.
3. Pinot Grigio: This light and refreshing white wine often has notes of citrus and green apple, which can harmonize with the delicate flavors of sushi.
4. Gewürztraminer: If you’re feeling adventurous, a Gewürztraminer can be an interesting choice. It has aromatic floral and tropical fruit notes that can complement the sushi’s flavors, particularly if there are any slightly spicy or fruity elements in the dish.
5. Pinot Noir is a low-tannin red wine that won’t overwhelm the delicate flavors of the sushi.

Since salmon is a fatty fish, it pairs exceptionally well with red wines that have a smooth and silky texture. 

It has fruity notes that complement the richness of the salmon, creating a delightful combination. 

Another fantastic choice is Beaujolais, which is made from the Gamay grape. This red wine is light-bodied and has a refreshing acidity that cuts through the fat of the fish, balancing the flavors perfectly. 

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can also try a Malbec. A Malbec is a full-bodied red wine that has robust flavors that can stand up to the intense taste of the salmon. 

So, grab your chopsticks and pour yourself a glass of your favorite red wine – it’s time to enjoy your salmon sushi in style! 

A classic pairing of salmon with teriyaki sauce

Alright, so you’ve got this incredible salmon dish drenched in mouthwatering teriyaki sauce.

Now you’re wondering what wine will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. 

Well, my friend, I’ve got just the answer for you.

If you marinate the salmon with teriyaki then it’s common to pair it with, 

• Bolder Rosé Wines.
• Muscat Blanc (aka Moscato)
• Dry Riesling.
• Torrontés.
• Gewürztraminer.

Also, I have found that salmon in teriyaki sauce can hold its own against some bolder wines as well. 

A classic choice that never disappoints is a nice Pinot Noir.

Its light to medium body and fruity undertones perfectly complement the richness of the salmon and the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.

The acidity of the wine also cuts through any oiliness, leaving your palate refreshed and ready for another bite.

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can also try a dry Riesling. 

It’s crispness and subtle sweetness provide a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the dish.

So whether you go for the tried-and-true Pinot Noir or explore the tantalizing flavors of a dry Riesling too.

Trust me, once you try this classic pairing, you’ll be hooked.

So grab some salmon, whip up that teriyaki sauce, and get ready for a taste bud party! 

My Last Two Cents

As you can now see the best wine pairing depends on a few key factors such as salmon preparation, type of salmon, herbs, and sides. 

Typically your favorite wine shop should be able to help you with the best pairing options.

Here are the most common questions about wine and salmon and how to choose the best wine with salmon.

See my complete list of wine-tasting notes that can help you determine the best wine.

Q: Can you pair red wine with salmon?

A: Yes, you can pair red wine with salmon, but it’s important to choose a lighter red variety like Pinot Noir or Gamay. The lighter body and subtle flavors of Pinot Noir won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the salmon. It’s a classic pairing that many wine enthusiasts enjoy.

Q: What are some classic wine pairings for salmon?

A: Some classic wine pairings for salmon include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have been known to complement the flavors of salmon and create a harmonious taste experience.

Q: What type of wine goes well with raw salmon?

A: For raw salmon, a light and delicate white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a sparkling wine like Champagne can be a great choice. These wines won’t overpower the subtle flavors of the raw salmon and will create a refreshing pairing.

Q: What’s the most recommended wine to pair with poached salmon?

A: When it comes to poached salmon, a full-bodied white wine like white Burgundy or Chardonnay works well. The richness of the wine complements the delicate flavors of the poached salmon, creating a harmonious pairing.

Q: What is the best wine to serve with salmon stew?

A: For salmon stew, you can try pairing it with a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay but I prefer a fruity red like Pinot Noir. Both options provide a balance of flavors and can enhance the taste of the salmon stew.

Q: Can you pair sweet wine with salmon?

A: While it is less common, you can pair sweet wine with salmon if the salmon dish you’re serving has some sweetness to it. For example, a sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer can complement a salmon dish that’s glazed or made with a fruity sauce. It’s all about finding the right balance of flavors.

Q: Is white wine the best choice for pairing with salmon?

A: Yes, white wine is often considered a great choice for pairing with salmon because it tends to complement the flavors well. However, you can also pair salmon with certain light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the specific salmon preparation.

Q: What is the perfect wine to pair with a salmon fillet?

A: When it comes to pairing wine with a salmon fillet, you can’t go wrong with a light and delicate white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

These wines won’t overpower the flavors of the salmon and will provide a refreshing complement to the dish.

Have you given any of these salmon and wine combos a shot? If you have, I’m interested in hearing what you think!

Don’t forget to take a pic of your pairing and show me too! 

Also, see my post about 35 wines that pair well with Turkey here.

Also, see my post about wines that pair well with Lamb.

Also, see my post about wines that pair well with Ham.