Quick Answer: Wine Pairings with Oysters
The next time you cook an oyster, make sure to pair it well with a glass of either champagne, pinot gris, dry Riesling, unoaked Chardonnay, or Sémillonfor the perfect food and drink combo!
Wine and oysters, despite the uncertainty around flavors, make a great pair and here we give you a few great recommendations!
Based on my own experience and extensive research, I present to you ten wines that could transform your next oyster dish altogether.
But before we get to the wines, here is some information on oysters.
Outline
A Bit About Oysters
Eating oysters is an experience of its own. Connoisseurs claim, that while eating an oyster one passes through three stages of flavors; those being – salinity, the slippery body and mild sweetness of the oyster, and the floral and fruity finish.
Oysters are usually cooked in methods including steaming, roasting, grilling, and frying to bring about their true flavors.
The dishes are saltier, but this excess can be compensated with the sauces/ spices or herbs that are added to it.
Now, let’s get right to the perfect wines to go along with this decadent dish.
Best Wines to Go With Oysters
Here are my top 10 wine picks to go with oysters –
1. Champagne
| Name | Champagne |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Taste | Dry |
| Primary Flavors | Citrus, yellow apple, cream |
| Acidity | High |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 3.3- 7.3 degrees C |
| Glass Type | Flute |
| Storage (years) | 5-20 years |
| Wine Body | Light-bodied |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | 12.20% |
Champagne wine is a sparkling wine that is produced in the Champagne region of France. It is made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes.
Champagne wine has high acidity and a yeasty flavor.
Champagne wine is the perfect drink to pair with oysters. The light, bubbly nature of champagne enhances the delicate flavor of oysters, while the acidity in champagne helps to cut through the richness of the oysters.
Champagne also has a high mineral content, which pairs well with the briny taste of oysters.
The richness and bitterness of the champagne, with hints of citrus paired with the luxurious salty oysters, make for a very expensive and grand meal on their own.
2. Pinot Gris
| Name | Pinot Gris |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Taste | Fresh and spicy |
| Primary Flavors | Tropical fruit, stone fruit, citrus |
| Acidity | Relatively low acidity |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 45-50 degrees |
| Glass Type | Chardonnay white wine glass |
| Storage (years) | 1-4 years |
| Wine Body | Medium to light |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | 13.5 to 14% |
Pinot Gris, aka pinot grigio, is a pinot noir pink grape mutation, making it a good tangy white wine with a range of tastes.
Pinot Gris is a white wine that originates from the Pinot Gris grape. It is a dry, full-bodied wine with high acidity and a fruity, floral aroma. Pinot Gris pairs well with poultry, pork, and seafood dishes.
Oysters and Pinot Gris are a classic pairing for a reason.
The minerality of the oysters is a perfect match for the acidity of the wine. The creamy texture of the oysters also pairs well with the roundness of the Pinot Gris.
Okanagan or the Willamette valley pinot gris is the best-known combination for a good oyster dish.
3. Riesling
| Name | Riesling |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Taste | Off-Dry |
| Primary Flavors | Lime, green apple, jasmine |
| Acidity | High |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 3-7 degrees C |
| Glass Type | White |
| Storage (years) | 10+ years |
| Wine Body | Light-bodied |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | Under 10% |
Riesling is a white wine grape that originates from the Rhine region in Germany.
It is widely planted throughout Europe and the New World, and is known for its floral aromatics and fruity flavors. Riesling wines are typically medium-bodied with high acidity and can range from dry to sweet.
Riesling wine is known for its light, refreshing taste. It has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the briny taste of oysters.
The acidity in Riesling wine helps to cut through the richness of the oysters, making them more enjoyable to eat.
Riesling wine is also a good choice for oyster lovers who are looking for a lower-calorie option, as it contains fewer calories than other types of wine.
An ideal pair would be that of a citrus /spicy oyster dish paired with a bone-dry Riesling, preferably from the Columbian valley and prepared in the rocken style.
4. Chardonnay
| Name | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Taste | Sweet and dry |
| Primary Flavors | Apple and lemon |
| Acidity | Moderately acidic |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 50 degrees |
| Glass Type | Traditional white wine glass |
| Storage (years) | 3-7 years |
| Wine Body | Full |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | 13.5 to 14.5% |
Chardonnay is known for being a fantastic, rich, and creamy sparkling wine that usually takes center stage on most occasions.
Chardonnay is a white wine that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing wine to enjoy on a warm summer day, or a rich and creamy wine to pair with your favorite meal, Chardonnay is sure to please.
With the prominent flavors of yellow apple, starfruit, pineapples, and soothing vanilla, chardonnay is a highly alcoholic wine.
When it comes to oysters, the Oregon unoaked chardonnay takes the cake.
Its creamy texture and subtle oak flavor make it a perfect match for oysters, which have a briny flavor.
The acidity in Chardonnay helps to balance out the richness of the oysters, and the two flavors complement each other perfectly.
5. Sauvignon Blanc
| Name | Sauvignon Blanc |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Taste | Dry and fruity |
| Primary Flavors | Blackcurrant, cedar, oaks, herbs |
| Acidity | Highly acidic |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 59-68 degrees |
| Glass Type | Bordeaux / Standard red |
| Storage (years) | 7-10 years |
| Wine Body | Medium to full |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | Over 13.5% |
Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing, crisp white wine with vibrant acidity.
It has aromas of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruits. Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with seafood, poultry, and salads.
It is light- medium-bodied and contains a considerable amount of alcohol depending on where it’s grown along with minimal tannins.
Sauvignon Blanc wine is known for its fresh, zesty flavor which makes it the perfect pairing for oysters.
The acidity in the wine helps to cut through the richness of the oysters and brings out their natural sweetness. The mineral notes in the wine also complement the briny flavor of the oysters.
Chargrilled oyster, with its natural minerality, will pair magnificently with this fruity, dry wine.
6. Chenin Blanc
| Name | Chenin Blanc |
|---|---|
| Origin | South Africa and France |
| Taste | Can be either sweet or dry |
| Primary Flavors | Quince, yellow apple, pear |
| Acidity | High |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 8-10 degrees C |
| Glass Type | Tulip |
| Storage (years) | 5-10 years |
| Wine Body | Light -Medium-bodied |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | 12-14.5% (South African) |
Chenin- Blanc is a prominent wine from the regions of both France and South Africa.
Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summertime sipper or a complex and layered wine to pair with food, Chenin Blanc is a great option.
The wine contains the prominent tastes of quince, yellow apple, pear, and even honey thus making it a great accompaniment to the briny taste that oysters possess.
Its light, refreshing flavor pairs well with oysters, making it a perfect choice for a summertime meal.
The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the oysters, while the minerality complements their briny flavor. Whether you enjoy them raw or cooked, Chenin Blanc is an ideal wine to pair with oysters.
An herby oyster with a dry Loire valley Chenin Blanc makes an ideal spread for a luxurious dinner, one that transports you to the sea.
7. Melon (Melon de Bourgogne)
| Name | Melon |
|---|---|
| Origin | Muscadet, France |
| Taste | Bone dry |
| Primary Flavors | Lime, seashell, green apple, pear |
| Acidity | High |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 3-7 degrees C |
| Glass Type | White |
| Storage (years) | 3-5 years |
| Wine Body | Light-bodied |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | 10-11.5 % |
Also known as melon de Bourgogne, melon hails from the Muscadet region of France and is thus interchangeably called by that name as well.
Melon de Bourgogne is a refreshing, light-bodied white wine with subtle floral and citrus aromas.
Its crisp acidity and delicate flavor make it the perfect pairing for oysters.
The briny taste of oysters is offset by the Melon de Bourgogne’s sweetness, while the wine’s acidity enhances the oysters’ natural flavors. Together, they create a harmonious balance that is truly delicious.
The high acid cuts off the briny taste thus making sure that the taste of the oyster doesn’t overpower the rest of the dish.
8. Sémillon
| Name | Sémillon |
|---|---|
| Origin | Bordeaux, France |
| Taste | Dry |
| Primary Flavors | Lemon, beeswax, yellow peach |
| Acidity | Medium |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 7-12 degrees C |
| Glass Type | White |
| Storage (years) | 5-10 years |
| Wine Body | Medium-bodied |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | 11.5-13.5% |
This wine is made from a prominent white grape, with the same name, from Bordeaux. When oaked, Sémillon brings about similar tastes to that of good chardonnay.
This wine pairs exceedingly well with rich kinds of seafood, especially when coated with spices like fennel and dill.
Sémillon wine is a perfect pairing for oysters.
The wine’s light, refreshing flavor complements the briny taste of the oysters, and the acidity in the wine helps to cleanse the palate between bites. Sémillon can be enjoyed with a variety of other seafood dishes.
Just like chardonnay, a dry Sémillon and a tangy/ spicy oyster dish will help cut across the natural salinity of both the wine , and the meat will taste delightful!
9. Albariño
| Name | Albariño |
|---|---|
| Origin | Iberian Peninsula, Europe |
| Taste | Dry |
| Primary Flavors | Lemon zest, grapefruit, saline |
| Acidity | High |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 3-7 degrees C |
| Glass Type | White |
| Storage (years) | 3-5 years |
| Wine Body | Light-bodied |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | 11.5-13.5 % |
Albariño is a delightful, refreshing coastal white wine from the Iberian Peninsula in Europe.
It is dry in taste and has flavors of lemon zest, honeydew, nectarine, and salt amongst others.
The wine is highly acidic, light-bodied, and has a medium-high amount of alcohol.
Albariño wine is a perfect pairing for oysters because of its light, refreshing taste.
The acidity in the wine helps to cut through the brininess of the oysters, while the minerality complements their ocean flavor.
Albariño is also a versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of different foods, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Albariño pairs well with a lemony oyster dish with a hint of sweetness to make a great supper meal.
10. Aligoté
| Name | Aligoté |
|---|---|
| Origin | Burgundy, France |
| Taste | Bone dry |
| Primary Flavors | Apple, unripe peach, fresh herbs |
| Acidity | High |
| Serving Temperature (C) | 7-12 degrees C |
| Glass Type | White |
| Storage (years) | 1-3 years |
| Wine Body | Light-bodied |
| Alcohol % (ABV) | 11.5- 13.5 % |
Aligoté is a rarer white grape found in the regions of Burgundy, France. It is used as a base ingredient in a few cocktails for its citrusy taste.
The wine in itself is bone dry and has flavors ranging from apples and unripe peaches to smoke and fresh herbs. It is highly acidic and light-bodied as well.
Aligoté wine is light and refreshing.
It has a slightly citrusy flavor that pairs well with oysters. The acidity in the wine helps to cut through the richness of the oysters and the mineral notes compliment the briny taste of the oysters.
The herb flavors in the wine will greatly complement an oyster dish made in a spicy sauce thus lending the taster a range of flavors to experience.
Wine Pairing Guide for Oyster Dishes
Oysters are known to have an original salt-brine tanginess with hints of a metallic taste due to the zinc that is found in them.
This property of theirs makes it difficult to pair with a good red tannin wine due to the contrasting flavors.
However, the herby and salty taste that the seafood provides pairs exceptionally well with either dry or bone-dry white wines, which are usually light-bodied.
Oysters have a refreshing rich velvety smooth texture and when paired with lemon or other citrusy flavors help cut across the strong seafood flavor and aroma.
Thus, wines that are citrusy with fruity aromas are preferred with oysters.
When cooked in a spicy or tangy sauce, the dry yet fruity flavored wines when served chilled make a great pair!
FAQs
Harsh tannins in red wines don’t mix well with the taste of the oysters. Instead, a good crisp white wine provides subtle flavoring to the dish thus enhancing the overall flavor.
A good sparkling wine like champagne with its crunch of acid and carbon dioxide will be a refreshing contrast to the velvety texture of the oysters.
Bottom line
I hope this guide to the best wine pairings with oysters was helpful to you in your search for an ideal food and wine pairing.
Let me know your suggestions of possible pairings of wine and oyster pairings that surprised you, I’d love to get the input!
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and fellow oyster and wine enthusiasts!