The old rule was white wine with fish. Today, anything goes, and red wine can be an excellent accompaniment to seafood. If you have no idea what to choose, the experts at Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits have provided some delicious recommendations.
Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits is well-known for our huge selection of popular international name brand and hard-to-find wines, beers and spirits. We have five convenient locations to serve you, but the most convenient way to get everything you need quickly is to order online.
Place your order in our online store before 3:00pm, and we’ll deliver it FREE OF CHARGE to your home, office, yacht, villa or resort hotel on Grand Cayman on the same day (Monday through Saturday).
Red Wine Varietals & Seafood Pairings
When it comes to pairing wine with seafood, it doesn’t have to be complicated. In general, go for something medium to light bodied with most seafood, but don’t be afraid to be adventurous to find a combination you love! Our stock includes great wines from all regions and all price points.
Cabernet Franc: The Loire Valley in France 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 features 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 excellent Belle Glos Dairyman 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 the 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 Montes Alpha Syrah from Montes, Chile. 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 Napa Valley’s Frog’s Leap Zinfandel.
When you need help with red wine and seafood pairings in Grand Cayman, visit Jacques Scott Wine & Spirits where you’ll enjoy an unparalleled wine selection and exceptional customer service.
