Getting Picky Day By Day

If you're like most people who head for the beach when it's time for a vacation or a weekend getaway, one of your favorite parts of your trip is probably enjoying beachfront dining. Restaurants situated in coastal communities are able to offer some of the freshest and tastiest seafood on the planet, but diners from out of the area sometimes struggle with getting the most of their waterfront dining experience. Common culinary wisdom says to always pair seafood with white wine, but this isn't always the case. Although seafood never goes well with rich red wines, some of their lighter counterparts are more than appropriate.

To make it even more complicated, all white wines aren't the same, and one that pairs well with one type of seafood may not be a good choice for another. Fortunately, you don't have to become a culinary expert to enjoy a nice seafood dinner with the right wine. The following are four seafood and wine pairings that you can't go wrong with. 

Pinot Noir and Salmon 

The flavor profile of salmon is too pronounced to pair successfully with any type of white wine. Pinot Noir is a perfect choice when you're dining on salmon because it's robust enough to stand up to its unique flavor without overwhelming it the way that richer red wines would do. 

Pinot Grigio and Shrimp

Pinot Grigio is related to Pinot Noir, but it's made from the white Pinot grape rather than the red. It's fruity, surprisingly full-bodied for a white wine, and perfect for pairing with shrimp. Unlike many other white wines, its flavor is complex enough to complement the slightly sweet taste of shrimp, no matter how it's prepared. 

Muscato and Crab

Muscato grapes grow best in soils near a coastal area that contain significant salt content, so it stands to reason wine made from them pair well with the salty tang found in freshly cracked crab. Be sure to request that it be served as cold as possible — like champagne, Muscato tastes best when just one step down from frozen. Don't be afraid to add an ice cube or two from your water glass to make your Moscato as cold as possible.

Chardonnay and Lobster

A classic lobster dinner is served with clarified drawn butter, and the characteristic buttery finish of Chardonnay makes an ideal accompaniment. Both are smooth, sophisticated, and perfect for an elegant occasion, so don't hesitate to request this combination if you've got something to celebrate. 

Next time you go beachfront dining at a restaurant like Lona Cocina Tequileria, look into trying different types of wine with your seafood.