Best Wine and Seafood Pairings

At DC STEAKHOUSE, we offer a wide selection of wines and seafood to choose from. But what is the best wine and seafood pairing? Choosing the perfect pairing enhances your meal for an even tastier experience, and there are many flavorful pairing options out there. Continue reading to learn which wine and seafood combination you should order the next time you join us for a delicious seafood dinner.

Your Guide to Pairing Wine and Seafood

Not sure how to pair wine with seafood? When in doubt, consider the textures and flavors of the seafood dish along with the wine body. Light-bodied white wines go best with light, lean fish, while full-bodied whites are a better match for richer, fattier meals. If you prefer red wine, it’s best to avoid seafood dishes with lemon and other acidic foods, which can create a metallic taste when the tannins and acidity interact. 

Champagne and Fried Seafood

Sparkling wines pair best with rich foods, making Champagne the perfect choice for fried seafood. The more acidic the wine, the better it can cut through heavy foods to make them taste even better after taking a sip of the wine. Try a glass of champagne from our menu along with the deep-fried cod sandwich, pan-fried walleye pike or pan-fried shrimp for a rich, tasty pairing.

Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio and Fish

Dry white wines like sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio pair well with a variety of lightly seasoned fish. Light-bodied sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio white wines provide the perfect balance for fish with a delicate texture. Enjoy the mouth-watering combination of broiled walleye pike with a sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio from our menu. 

Chardonnay and Crab or Lobster

A full-bodied Chardonnay is the best white wine to pair with a lobster or crab dinner. What makes this combination so perfect is how the oaky flavor of the Chardonnay creates buttery tones that complement buttery lobster and crab dishes. Treat yourself to our Alaskan king crab legs or lobster tail with a glass of Chardonnay for a flavorful meal. If you’re in the mood for more than just seafood, enjoy a surf and turf dinner with lobster or crab and your choice of steak.

Riesling and Spicy Seafood

Riesling is a versatile white wine that makes a good pairing with a wide array of meals. The sweetness of riesling goes especially well with spicy flavors because it offers a refreshing, cooling sensation. When it comes to spicy seafood, a glass of Riesling is the perfect fit for our cajun salmon filet and cajun swordfish dinners. 

Pinot Noir and Salmon

You may have heard that red wine and fish don’t mix, but that isn’t always the case. While white wines generally pair better with a wide range of seafood, the right red wine with the right fish can still enhance a meal. For example, pinot noir cuts through fattier fish like salmon while the iron in salmon highlights the fruitiness of the wine. For a bold, delectable dinner, try our grilled salmon fillet with a glass of wine from our wide selection of pinot noirs. 

Wine and Seafood Dinner in Downtown Chandler

Discover the perfect wine and seafood pairing for you by making a reservation at DC STEAKHOUSE in Chandler. We have a wide selection of red and white wines to choose from, as well as plenty of seafood options to satisfy your appetite. If you’re not sure what wine to pair with your meal, ask your server and we’ll help you find the perfect fit. Make a reservation today by visiting dcsteakhouse.com and choosing “order online.” We hope to see you soon!

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/17/2022). Photo by Casey Lee on Unsplash

Dean Laplant