A misconception that has persisted for many decades is that only white wine is served with fish dishes.
The idea originates from the fact that red wines, especially those rich in tannins, don't pair well with fish protein. This creates a strange taste in the mouth, making it impossible to enjoy them together.
However, since there are also red wines with low tannin content these days, it is perfectly possible to serve one of these with a nice fish dish.
What matters? | Our 3 tips
- Red wine should be low in tannins. A red wine high in tannins can really ruin the enjoyment of fish and wine together.
- Serve the wine slightly chilled (13-14 °C). This will further blend the bitter tannins.
- Serve the fish with a fine red wine sauce or braise the fish directly in a little red wine . This way, the red wine also comes into its own as a companion.
The best-known example of a low-tannin grape variety is Pinot Noir. A nice, slightly chilled Pinot Noir will definitely go well with your fish dish!
Which types of fish go best with red wine?
Tastes vary, and there's no one-size-fits-all rule. In general, you can serve a fine red wine with any fish dish.
Depending on how the fish is prepared, the flavor of some types of fish can be enhanced by red wine, giving the whole dish a better overall taste.
Examples include fish such as tuna and salmon, best served as steaks fried or grilled.
A full-bodied red wine pairs perfectly with this dish, and some may never want to drink white wine with these dishes again after the first try. In addition to grilled fish, shrimp also tastes great with a glass of red wine in hand.
Just give it a try and keep our 3 tips in mind when choosing!
The top 3 red wines for fish dishes
You can safely enjoy the following red wines with fish and other seafood! This selection includes exclusively Pinot Noirs, as these, due to their inherently low tannin content, pair best with any type of fish.
1st place | Pinot Noir from Quarz von Schmitt
A Palatinate classic – both in style and in its production method.
Two weeks of skin-on fermentation give it its fine tannin structure, while softening the aging in large oak barrels, some of which have been used several times, lends it its delicate spiciness. Added to this are raspberry and strawberry aromas and subtle dried fruit flavors.
The strong but nuanced tannins indicate the good development potential of this wine.
2nd place | Pinot Noir by Charles Baur
Deep cherry red color with violet reflections. A lovely bouquet with aromas of red and black fruits, dominated by black cherry, supported by hints of forest fruits.
Maturation in wooden barrels ensures fine tannins.
The winemaker's motto: "A great wine is a wine that you want to drink not just two, but at least three glasses of."
This wine is certified organic.
3rd place | Pinot Noir Ihringen from Konstanzer
"Große Lage" also means small yields and a preferred terroir, in this case volcanic weathered soil of the Kaiserstuhl on a steep slope with a southwest exposure - it can hardly be better.
The careful development by the winemaker creates a complex wine in which you can clearly taste the ripe grape and the terroir.
