Some people say that red wine can overwhelm the delicate flavors of fish and other seafood, but there are many types of fish and not all of them have delicate flavors! The experts at Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits will help dispel this myth with some creative wine pairings.
Jacques Scott Wine & Spirits is the leading retailer of premium beer, wine and liquor in the Cayman Islands. Visit our online store and order everything you need, including mixers and soft drinks, and have us deliver it FREE anywhere on Grand Cayman.
We stock an extensive selection of wines from around the world, including the finest French, Italian and American wines and award-winning wines from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Spain, Portugal and South Africa.
If you prefer to shop in person or simply want to look around for something unique, we have six convenient Grand Cayman locations to serve you in every district from West Bay to East End. Please note that our stores are closed on Sundays.
Red Wine Varietals & Seafood Pairings
Pairing red wine with seafood doesn’t have to be complicated. In general, go for something medium to light bodied, but don’t be afraid to be adventurous. You may find a combination you love! Our stock includes great wines from all regions and all price points.
Cabernet Franc: France’s Loire Valley has a cool climate that makes for a lighter-bodied but well-focused Cabernet Franc, with spice notes and sometimes intense fruit. This style of red wine pairs well with meaty fish, such as swordfish, monkfish and salmon, or oily, strongly flavored fish like mackerel or trout.
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir has strong, oaky overtones and is considered a moderately dry, light-to-medium bodied wine. 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 2016 Pedroncelli Signature Selection Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California.
Rioja: Rioja, from Spain, is made from a blend of grape varieties, with Tempranillo the dominant grape, and is known for its structure and tannins. While Rioja goes well with almost anything, in the case of seafood, be sure to pair it with something that will stand up to the strength of the wine, such as paella and Mediterranean-style fish stews. We recommend the Torres Iberico Rioja Crianza from Spain’s Iberian Peninsula.
Syrah: Some of the world’s most famous Syrah wines are the peppery, earthy ones from France, but California, Washington, Oregon, Chile and Argentina also produce complex, rich wines. Try the superb 2016 Stags’ Leap Winery Petite Syrah from Napa Valley California. It pairs beautifully with rich seafood dishes like paella.
Zinfandel: This well-known wine grape is widely cultivated in California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys. It is lighter in color than other reds, but has a bold taste with notes of raspberry, chocolate and cinnamon. Zinfandel has high acidity and moderate tannins, making it a great match for grilled or pan-seared salmon. Try Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California.
Now that you have some tips about red wine pairings with seafood, your next meal is destined to be a masterpiece! Stop by Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits on Grand Cayman anytime for more suggestions.
