Looking for the best seafood near me? A seafood dining experience isn’t complete without wine. Most restaurants have extensive selections of whites, reds, rosés, and more. If you’re unfamiliar with wine, it can be hard to know where to start.
Seafood and white wine is a classic pairing, but what type of white wine works best for what kind of seafood?
At Brine Oyster House, we’re the ultimate destination for oysters and seafood near you in Grosse Pointe Park, MI. Our New Orleans-inspired menu seeks to bring Gulf-style cooking traditions to the local community. Contact us to make a reservation or view our menu online.
How Can I Pair Wine with Seafood Near Me?
Acidity
If you want the best seafood near you, acidity is key. Wine is acidic, the same way that squeezing a lemon over your fish would be. The acidity cuts through the richness of fried seafood and enhances the freshness of grilled or baked fish. It also cleanses the palate and creates contrast.
Generally, high-acidic white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio work best. These wines have crisp, light, citrusy, and refreshing flavors.
Intensity
When enjoying wine and seafood near you, it’s important that their intensities match. A strong wine can easily overpower a more delicate fish and vice versa. For example, delicate seafood like our classic crab cakes pairs best with a crisp Pinot Grigio.
On the other hand, richer seafood like our citrus cured ocean trout or tuna tartare appetizers, pair nicely with fuller-bodied wines. A heavier white or even a lighter red would have a balanced taste.
Sauce
The sauce that accompanies the fish is another factor to consider when deciding what wine to have with seafood near you. The sauce, and its preparation method, influence the ideal wine pairing:
- Rich and Creamy: Seafood near you with a beurre blanc or cheese sauce usually pairs best with a full-bodied white wine, such as a Chardonnay. These types of wines provide contrast against the rich flavor and complements the sauce texture.
- Light and Citrusy: Lighter sauces like herb sauce or vinaigrette go best with a crisper, acidic wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are great options for enhancing the citrusy notes and creating a refreshing contrast.
- Spicy or Savory: For seafood near you with garlic and tomato sauces, a dry rosé or even light-bodied red are great options. For savory sauces, you need a wine with minimal tannins that can mix well with the bolder flavors.
Cooking Method
When you’re looking to enjoy seafood near you, the best wine pairing will depend on the type of cooking method used for your dish. For example, grilled or blackened seafood has a smokier, charred flavor. This type of flavor pairs well with a more full-bodied white wine or lighter red.
For fried seafood near you, a crisp, high-acidity white or even sparkling wine can cut through the richness. An acidic wine functions as a palate cleanser, helping each bite feel fresh.
When it comes to steamed or poached seafood near you, a subtle and delicate white wine is best. A softer wine won’t overpower the seafood flavor.
What About Reds?
It’s a common belief that red wine isn’t a good option for seafood. However, this isn’t always the case. While it is true that the tannins in heavy reds don’t mix well with the oils in fish, lighter reds don’t have this same problem.
Reds with minimal tannins have subtle and earthy notes, which complement richer fish and seafood near you.
Visit Brine Oyster House for the Best Seafood Near Me in Grosse Pointe Park, MI
If you want the best seafood near you in Grosse Pointe Park, MI, visit the Brine Oyster House. Our goal is to bring Gulf-style cooking inspired by Louisiana to the local community. For us, great seafood near you is about great service and hospitality as much as it’s about delicious food.
From live music to cocktails and excellent customer service, we want our restaurant to be a special place. We want to be a place where you can enjoy high-quality oysters and seafood near you, all while creating a memorable dining experience.
Want to learn more about Brine Oyster House? Contact us today or make a reservation online.
