The Best Wine with Seafood: Why Chardonnay Stands Out
Seafood dishes are the perfect companion for the many unique styles of Chardonnay because seafood can be prepared raw, fried, and every method in between. The best white wine to pair with seafood is Chardonnay. The La Crema Estate Chef, Tracey Shepos Cenami, and La Crema’s Wine Educator, Ben Fine, have joined forces and created some easy, go-to tips on how to choose which style of Chardonnay to pair with specific seafood dishes.
Understanding Chardonnay Styles
Chardonnay is such a fascinating wine because it comes in two main styles: oaked and unoaked, and each brings something different to the table. Oaked Chardonnays are like a cozy blanket—they’re rich, creamy, and packed with buttery flavors, thanks to the aging process in wooden barrels. You’ll often find hints of vanilla and toast in these wines, making them a fantastic match for richer seafood dishes like lobster or anything with a creamy sauce.
On the other hand, unoaked Chardonnays are all about freshness and brightness. These wines are typically fermented in stainless steel, which lets the pure fruit flavors shine through. Think zesty citrus and crisp green apple—perfect for pairing with lighter seafood, like ceviche or oysters, where you want that refreshing zing.
When you’re choosing a Chardonnay, keep in mind the wine’s body and acidity. Lighter-bodied wines with higher acidity are great for delicate dishes, while fuller-bodied, creamier Chardonnays can hold their own against richer seafood.
Why Chardonnay is the Perfect Match for Seafood
When it comes to seafood, Chardonnay is an absolute star. Its versatility means you can pair it with just about anything from light, fresh dishes to richer, heartier fare. Lighter-bodied Chardonnays offer a crisp, refreshing vibe that complements delicate seafood beautifully, while fuller-bodied options bring a creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with more indulgent seafood choices.
What I love about Chardonnay is how it just gets seafood. No matter what you’re serving, there’s a style of Chardonnay that can enhance those flavors and make your meal feel a little more special. So next time you’re planning a seafood feast, remember to reach for a bottle of Chardonnay—it’s a match made in culinary heaven! Now, let’s dive into some tips on how to choose the right style of Chardonnay for your favorite seafood dishes.
Crisp Choices for Lighter Seafood Dishes
When you’re diving into lighter seafood dishes like ceviche, oysters, or shellfish, you want a wine that complements without overshadowing those fresh flavors. That’s where a crisp, lightly oaked Chardonnay, like La Crema Monterey Chardonnay, comes into play. It’s got just the right amount of acidity and subtle oak that enhances the sweetness of the seafood. Picture sipping this wine alongside a chilled plate of oysters—sounds good, doesn’t it?
Don’t hesitate to mix things up! This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with everything from shrimp cocktails to grilled scallops, bringing out the best in each dish.
For a perfect pairing, try this recipe: East Coast Seafood Boil. The simplicity of the ingredients lets both the food and the wine shine, creating a delightful experience that’s hard to beat.
Rich Pairings for Hearty Seafood
Now, when it comes to heartier seafood dishes—think lobster, clam chowder, and fried calamari—you need a wine that can keep up with all that richness. Enter oaked, rich, and creamy Chardonnays like our Saralee’s Vineyard Chardonnay or Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. These wines are full-bodied and offer buttery notes that beautifully complement the bold flavors of heavier seafood. Imagine a luxurious lobster roll paired with this Chardonnay; it’s pure bliss!
These wines also shine with creamy sauces, making them the perfect choice for dishes that call for a bit of decadence. So go ahead, indulge!
Try this recipe: Mini Lobster Pot Pie, and savor how the flavors come together for an unforgettable meal.
Pairing Sauces with Chardonnay
When it comes to sauces, the right Chardonnay can elevate your dish in the best way. Think about how well remoulade or lemon aioli pairs with fuller-bodied Chardonnays, like our Kelli Ann Vineyard Chardonnay. The richness of the wine balances those zesty sauces perfectly, making each bite a joy. Lighter styles might get lost here, so sticking with something bolder is key.
Chardonnay and Salmon
When it comes to pairing wine with salmon, Chardonnay is a fantastic choice that can really highlight the fish’s delicate flavors. If you’re poaching salmon, for instance, the light, flaky texture calls for a refreshing, lighter-styled Chardonnay. A Monterey Chardonnay fits the bill beautifully with its bright acidity and crisp notes of citrus and green apple. This style complements the salmon without overwhelming it, allowing those lovely flavors to shine through.
But don’t just stop at poaching! Whether you’re grilling, baking, or searing, Chardonnay can adapt to different cooking methods. If you’re roasting salmon with a glaze or serving it with a rich cream sauce, you might want to reach for a fuller-bodied, oaked Chardonnay. This style brings a creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with the salmon’s natural oils, creating a harmonious balance that feels indulgent yet satisfying.
Try this recipe: Wild Salmon with Citrus—the zesty flavors bring out the wine’s bright notes, making each bite a delightful experience.
Chardonnay and Crab Pairings
Let’s talk about one of my favorite pairings: Chardonnay and crab. It’s a classic combo that strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet, succulent meat of crab harmonizes beautifully with a rich Chardonnay. For an exceptional experience, pop open a bottle of our limited-production Nine Barrel Chardonnay. Its depth and complexity perfectly complement the sweetness of the crab, making every bite and sip feel special.
Whether you’re serving crab cakes, crab sandwiches, crab risotto, or just some good ol’ crab legs with melted butter, this pairing never disappoints. The wine’s vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the crab, ensuring each bite is fresh and delicious.
Try this recipe: Fresh Crab with 3 Dipping Sauces, and watch how the flavors dance together for a memorable meal!
Celebrating Chardonnay and Seafood Pairings
In summary, Chardonnay is an incredibly versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of seafood dishes. From the crisp, refreshing notes of lighter-bodied Chardonnays for delicate dishes like ceviche, to the rich, creamy profiles that complement heartier options like lobster, there’s a perfect match for every palate. Remember to consider the cooking method and accompanying sauces, as these can make all the difference in your pairing experience. Want more wine-pairing tips? Sign up for our mailing list to receive tips, recipes, and exclusive La Crema deals!
Whether you’re enjoying crab with a glass of our limited-production Nine Barrel Chardonnay or savoring a poached salmon with Monterey Chardonnay, you can’t go wrong. So why not explore our selection of La Crema Chardonnays? Make your next seafood feast a standout—your taste buds will thank you!
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