Craft & Cork >> Winemaking

Halibut to hake, shrimp to salmon: For Fish and seafood lovers, the world is quite literally their oyster when it comes to menu making. In the summer, we fire up the grill and savour our fish and shellfish with a nice char plus plenty of citrus and herbs. In the winter, those heartier seafood stews, creamy pastas, and warming spices are our go-to. No matter the season, the right wine can, of course, elevate the pescatarian experience. For that reason, we’re diving into the best wine pairings to keep in mind when you’re planning your next winemaking project.  

Best wine styles for grilled fish and seafood 

Grilled fish and seafood, especially when dressed with olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs, call for wine styles that highlight all that freshness and minerality. 

• Sauvignon Blanc: With its zesty citrus notes and crisp acidity, Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent match for grilled white fish, shrimp, and scallops. 
• Vermentino: This Mediterranean white wine has bright acidity and a touch of salinity, making it ideal for seafood kissed by the grill.
• Chablis (Unoaked Chardonnay): The clean minerality and crisp profile of Chablis complement grilled fish like sea bass, halibut, and trout.
• Rosé: A dry Provence-style rosé offers a delicate fruitiness that works beautifully with grilled shrimp, snapper, or octopus.

If this cuisine style speaks to you, and these wine profiles too, consider these RJS kits: French Rosé Style Kit and our Ontario Sauvignon Blanc Style Kit

Best Wine Matches for Fish and Seafood Pastas with Tomato Sauces

Tomato-based seafood pastas, such as spaghetti alle vongole (clam pasta) or seafood marinara, require wines with acidity and fruitiness to balance those bright and bold tomato flavours.

• Pinot Grigio: Its light body and crisp acidity make it a perfect match for simple seafood pastas with garlic, tomatoes, and white wine sauce.
• Sangiovese (Chianti Classico): A light-to-medium red wine with high acidity that complements the richness of tomato-based seafood dishes.
• Etna Bianco: Made from Carricante grapes, this Sicilian white wine has bright acidity and mineral complexity, pairing well with seafood linguine.
• Grenache Rosé:  A structured rosé with red fruit notes that pairs wonderfully with shrimp pasta in a light tomato broth.

If you can’t get that Shrimp Arrabiata recipe out of your mind, check out these RJS kits: Italy Sangiovese Style Kit and Italy Pinot Grigio Style kits.

Best Wine Suggestions for a Lobster Boil Party

A classic lobster boil, complete with those iconic crustaceans, corn, and potatoes calls for wine that cuts through the sweetness of the shellfish and the richness of those beloved buttery sauces.

• Chardonnay (Lightly Oaked or Unoaked): The creamy texture and balanced acidity of Chardonnay enhances the buttery goodness of lobster.
• Albariño: A crisp, citrusy white wine from Spain that brightens the flavours of shellfish and corn.
• Sparkling Wine (Brut or Extra Brut): Champagne, Crémant, or Cava offer bright acidity and bubbles that refresh the palate with every bite.
• Viognier: With floral aromas and a full-bodied mouthfeel, Viognier complements the richness of lobster but with notable freshness.

For winemaking lobster lovers, consider the following kits in preparation of your next feast: Heritage Estates Chardonnay Style kit and our Cru International South Africa Style Chenin Blanc Style kit.

Best Wine Styles for Seafood Paellas and Spicier Recipes

On the flip side of those olive oil and herb recipes comes spicier seafood preparations like Paella. With its saffron-infused rice and mix of seafood, it pairs well with wines that balance spice, umami, and richness. Spicier seafood dishes, such as Cajun shrimp or Thai seafood curries, require wines with a touch of sweetness or higher acidity.

• Garnacha (Grenache): A red wine with juicy fruit and spice that pairs well with seafood paella.
• Riesling (Off-Dry or Dry): A fantastic choice for spicy shrimp dishes or Thai seafood curries, balancing heat with its slight sweetness.
• Rosé Cava: Bubbly and refreshing, this Spanish sparkling wine enhances the complexity of paella while cleansing the palate.

Take note of these winemaking kits for spice lovers: the En Primeur Grenache Syrah Style and the Germany Riesling Gewurztraminer Style kits. 

Seafood – and Wine – for all Seasons: A Wine Pairing Approach

Pairing wines with seafood can shift with the seasons. As a general rule, however, opt for crisp whites, rosés, and sparkling wines for the warm-weather season. All the better to enhance those light, grilled, or citrus-forward seafood dishes.

In winter, the consensus favours fuller-bodied whites and lighter reds with heartier seafood stews and pasta dishes.

From a year-round point of view, having a batch of Albariño, unoaked Chardonnay, or dry rosé on hand will have you prepared for a wide range of fish and seafood meals – no matter the time of year.