ORLANDO, Fla.— If you're not a wine connoisseur, or if you find restaurant wine lists intimidating, Red Lobster Executive Chef Michael LaDuke makes pairing wine with your fish and seafood easier with these wine pairing tips:
Dish |
Wine |
Reason for Pairing |
Steak & Lobster
(“Surf & Turf”) |
Pinot Noir |
This lighter red wine doesn't overpower the lobster, but is still strong enough to complement the steak. |
Broiled Lobster with Butter |
Chardonnay |
A Chardonnay that's crisp with fruity flavors balances the fullness of the butter, while the acid content of the wine brings out the flavor of the lobster. |
Steamed Crab Legs |
Chardonnay |
While a crisp Chardonnay pairs well with crab legs, another popular pairing is beer. |
Grilled Tuna or Salmon |
Pinot Noir |
These darker, oilier fish are complemented perfectly by this light red wine. |
Grilled Grouper or Snapper |
Chardonnay |
These fish are whiter and leaner with more of a delicate flavor. An oaky Chardonnay is a good accompaniment. |
Steamed Tilapia |
Fume Blanc |
Steaming a delicate fish like tilapia means you need a white wine that's more delicate and less oaky than Chardonnay. The green apple taste of Fume Blanc complements this delicate cooking presentation. |
Steamed Mussels (with butter, garlic and fennel) |
Pinot Grigio |
This is a lighter, sweeter wine that balances the garlic and fennel while complementing the Italian flavor of the dish. |
Grilled Scallops (with citrus butter) |
Pinot Grigio |
A light Pinot Grigio is an ideal complement to the scallops and the taste of citrus in the butter. |
Fried Shrimp |
Beer |
Nothing beats the popular combination of relaxing with a beer and a plateful of fried shrimp. |
Remember, these are only suggested matches. According to Chef LaDuke, the best beverage to pair with is whatever you like best!
Red Lobster operates more than 680 restaurants in the United States and Canada. For a restaurant nearest you, call 1-800-LOBSTER or use our restaurant locator.
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Red Lobster
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Photo cutline:An oaky Chardonnay is a perfect match for lean, white fish such as grilled grouper or snapper.
Credit: Red Lobster
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