Are you an Italian red wine aficionado? Did you know there are varietals that pair well with fish and seafood? Read on for suggestions from Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits in the Cayman Islands.
Jacques Scott Wine & Spirits is the leading retailer of premium beer, wine and liquor in the Cayman Islands. We have five convenient liquor store locations on Grand Cayman where you will find everything you need at very affordable prices.
Or order everything you need from our online store, including mixers and soft drinks, and have us deliver it FREE to your home, office, vacation villa, resort hotel, or anywhere else in Grand Cayman. If we receive your order before 3:00 pm, we’ll deliver it the same day (Monday through Saturday).
You CAN Drink Red Wine with Fish!
Although most people will say that only white wines should be paired with fish or shellfish, anything goes today, and Italian red wine varietals can be an excellent accompaniment for seafood.
Chianti: Situated in the region of Tuscany in central Italy, Chianti is probably the best-known of all Italian wine districts. Its red wines are primarily based on the Sangiovese grape but is often accompanied by small quantities of lesser-known Tuscan grape varieties, such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Ciliegiolo and Mammolo. The most highly regarded wines come from the Chianti Classico zone and pair well with fish that are rich in natural oils, such as fresh salmon, swordfish or tuna, as well as with fish-based pasta sauces, fish stews and even grilled fish.
- We recommend the elegant award-winning Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva and the Peppoli Chianti Classico.
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir features strong, oaky overtones and is considered a moderately dry, light-to-medium bodied wine. The wine’s vibrant acidity will cut through the texture of the fish without being overpowering. It pairs well with both hearty fish, like salmon or tuna, and delicately cooked white fish or poached salmon, as well as with shellfish, such as oysters, crab, lobster, and mussels.
- We recommend the Principato Pinot Noir from the Lombardy region of northern Italy.
Rosso di Montalcino: Another great red wine from the heart of Tuscany, in central Italy, comes from the Rosso di Montalcino region which produces wines that need less ageing time (one year with only six months in oak) than their big brother, the more well-known Brunello di Montalcino. It pairs well with hearty fish, like salmon or tuna, and rich seafood dishes like paella.
- Try a bottle of the prize-winning Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino.
If you need more help with Italian red wine and fish pairings in Grand Cayman, visit Jacques Scott Wine & Spirits where you’ll enjoy an unparalleled wine selection and exceptional customer service.
