What wine goes well with smoked salmon?

You're having friends over tonight. Your menu is set: for the appetizer, you'll be serving smoked salmon. But now you're wondering which wine to serve with the smoked salmon?

Smoked salmon, a delicacy

Traditionally, smoked salmon is a festive dish, prized for its rich, delicate flesh, enhanced by pleasant salty notes. There are many ways to serve it: with blinis or toasted bread, accompanied by crème fraîche or lemon juice—the choice is yours. But this delicate dish cannot be paired with just any wine.

What white wine goes well with smoked salmon?

To avoid throwing off the balance of the tasting, you should choose a wine that is low in tannins. That is why the dry white wine is an ideal choice. To ensure a certain acidity on the palate, it’s best to choose one that’s fresh and young. So, you’ll want to opt for a Pouilly-Fumé or a Pouilly-Fumé. The Alsace white wines also pair very well with smoked salmon. In that case, you might want to try a Pinot Gris from Alsace or a Riesling.

Champagne: an elegant and appealing alternative

There’s nothing stopping you from serving some good Champagne. Its bubbles will highlight the delicate flavor of the salmon, and the champagne’s freshness will further enhance its smoky taste. For example, a Deutz will be perfect for enjoying your meal.

Red wine: a good idea or a bad one?

Pair smoked salmon with a red wine is a bit trickier. In fact, most of these wines have fairly pronounced tannins and may therefore mask the salmon’s delicate flavor and smoky notes. If, despite this, you’d still like to go with this option, be sure to choose a wine with low tannins. We recommend serving a Pinot, a Gamay, or even a glass of wine Alsace red.

What wine should I serve with asparagus and smoked salmon?

The taste of asparagus varies depending on the variety. White asparagus has a subtle, delicate flavor. Green asparagus, on the other hand, has a more pronounced taste, while purple asparagus is fruitier. In any case, each of these varieties pairs well with smoked salmon. A dry white wine is the perfect accompaniment to this dish. We recommend a Côtes-de-Duras, a Bergerac, a Pinot Gris, a Chablis Grand Cru or Premier Cru or even a Fixin.

What wine should I serve with oysters and smoked salmon?

Since you want your guests to have a choice, you’ve decided to serve oysters alongside your smoked salmon. With their rich, fatty texture, oysters also have a fairly pronounced salty, briny flavor. You’ll therefore want to choose a wine that pairs well with both the oysters and the smoked salmon. To be sure you don’t make a mistake, you’ll want to turn to the tangy white wines. Their slightly salty taste will be just right. Among the Alsace wines, you can choose a Riesling or a Pinot Blanc. One Bergerac or a Côtes-de-Bergerac will also work just fine. But there are other options available to you: Muscadet, Sancerre, Quincy, Pouilly-sur-Loire, among the white wines of the Loire. As for Burgundy, a Chablis or a Petit Chablis will delight your taste buds. 
If you don't want to serve a white wine, you can safely turn to the champagne. Its acidity is sure to bring out the savory notes of the oysters and smoked salmon. Of course, be sure to choose one from the classic vintages, with lively bubbles.

What wine should I serve with smoked salmon and avocado?

As an appetizer, avocado with smoked salmon is always a big hit. A delicious fruit packed with vitamins, it’s becoming a more and more common sight on our tables. To avoid overpowering its subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture, special care should be taken when selecting a wine. Among Bordeaux white wines, you can choose between a Bordeaux Supérieur or a Francs-Côtes-de-Bordeaux White. Some Burgundy whites will work just fine. For example, a Chablis Grand Cru. You can also turn to a Arbois White or a White Pupillin. Finally, the White Riesling from Alsace remains a safe bet.

Wines you should definitely avoid serving with smoked salmon

Certain wines should be avoided when serving smoked salmon. Oaky white wines, for instance, do not pair well at all with the smoky flavor of the salmon. For example, you should not choose a Meursault or a Puligny-Montrachet. Sweet wines also do not pair well with the salty notes of the salmon. You should therefore avoid serving a Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives or a Château d’Yquem. Red wines with high tannin levels are also not a good choice. So, you shouldn’t opt for a Saint-Emilion or a Pomerol. Finally, all rosé wines should be avoided, as they are too bland for salmon.