What wine goes with oysters? Oysters are typically served with lemon, but no rule says you can’t have them with wine instead! There are numerous wines to try, but your personal preferences will determine the best one. For example, if you prefer sweeter wines, a sparkling rosé would compliment this delicacy and vice versa for those who like their reds to be more tannin-laden.
Here are six such wines to pair with oysters:
Muscadet
Muscadet is the perfect wine for oysters.
It’s light and refreshing, with a hint of minerality that balances out the brininess of oysters. Muscadet wines are made from grapes grown in the Loire Valley of France. They are available in two varieties: dry and sweet or “demi-sec.” Dry Muscadets go well with salty foods like seafood, while sweeter versions go well with desserts like chocolate cake. The name “Muscadet” is derived from an old French word that means “perfume,” referring to the fruity aromas of these wines.
Fino Sherry
Sherry is a type of wine produced in the Andalusia town of Jerez. It’s made from Palomino grapes, which grow near saltwater sources like oceans and rivers. This creates a pairing for salty snacks like oysters and olives, almonds, and anchovies. Fino is the lightest Sherry variety, with an umami nuttiness due to its ageing under flor – a yeast veil on top of the cask that protects it from oxidation while not adding any extra sugar content! Despite being fortified with brandy (the only one), you can’t taste the alcohol levels because it’s so light.
Chablis
Chablis is a wine region in Burgundy, France, known for producing wines with high acidity and a refreshing flavor. Chardonnay grapes are the primary ingredient in these white wines, which are primarily made from clay containing marine fossils such as oyster shells – giving them an excellent flavor!
Chablis is closer to Champagne than the Côte d’Or, resulting in a cooler climate and higher natural acids. They make 100% chardonnays using the Kimmeridgian soil type found there, which is laced with minerals including fossilized oysters, adding great flavors and making this wine the second-best after Pinot Noir (according to some). The use of less oak during production also increases their productivity.
Sancerre
Sancerre is a dry white wine produced in France’s Loire Valley. It has a pleasant, crisp flavor with a lovely mineral undertone. The best Sancerres are made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown on limestone soils and aged for three years in oak barrels before being bottled. As an aperitif, they are typically served chilled or slightly chilled (before-dinner drink).
Sancerre pairs well with shellfish such as oysters, lobster, crabmeat, shrimp, and clams; rich dishes such as foie gras pâté or champagne terrine; and poultry such as roast chicken or squab.
Champagne
Champagne and oysters complement each other like fine wine and cheese. The bubbles in the Champagne aid in the release of the oyster’s flavors, while the dry taste of Champagne complements the salty flavor. This also applies to sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava. Consider adding fresh oysters to your next dinner party menu if you have an open bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine on hand!
Dry Tokaji
What wine pairs well with oysters? The solution is a dry Tokaji. This Hungarian white was started in the 17th century in the town of Tokaj. It is made from Furmint grapes grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil, which gives this wine its distinct flavor, which can be described as honeyed fruits or gooseberries on toast. A bottle will cost you between $40 and $50, but it’s well worth it if you enjoy sweet wines that are light and refreshing without being too cloying or heavy.
If you’re interested in exploring different types of wine and oysters combinations, visit The Oyster Bar this weekend.