Can you bring yourself to drink red wine with FISH?
- Oxford University academic says that some red wines are perfectly fine with fish
- READ MORE: Think red wine with fish is a faux pas? Food pairings are just a 'marketing ploy', sensory expert says
The rules of matching food and wine have been established for many years: white with fish and red with meat.
But according to a leading academic, the subject of food pairings is murkier than a bottle of vintage Claret.
In a claim set to leave some connoisseurs choking on their champagne and oysters, Professor Charles Spence, from the University of Oxford, states that some red wines are, in fact, perfectly fine to drink with fish.
Spence, a psychologist and expert on the sensory qualities of food, says that plenty of wine pairings exist ‘for no other reason than the whimsy of the person. recommending the match’.
Much as the old ‘white with fish, red with meat’ rule of thumb works, rules are made to be broken — pick the right red wine and it can work a treat with fish.
While we take it for granted that we drink white with fish and red with meat, Professor Charles Spence, from the University of Oxford, states that some red wines are, in fact, perfectly fine to drink with fish
The best reds to try with fish are those with soft, supple tannins, like Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Oaky reds should be avoided as the flavours can be overpowering when it comes to fish
Avoid anything too tannic (the teeth-coating character of heavy reds) as high levels can leave a nasty metallic aftertaste when mixed with the natural oils found in fish.
Instead, go for reds with soft, supple tannins, usually Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Avoid oaky reds as the flavours can overpower fish.
Summer, when we tend to drink lighter, juicier reds anyway, is the perfect time to experiment.
So whether you’re grilling salmon on the barbecue or serving seafood alfresco, here are five reds that pair perfectly with fish . . ..
PINOT NOIR FOR SWORDFISH
Bouchard Aine Et Fils Pinot Noir, £8, Sainsbury’s
Bouchard Aine Et Fils Pinot Noir, £8, Sainsbury’s
Pinot Noir is a go-to red for fish. This one is made by one of Burgundy’s main negociants (traders), based in Beaune, and is cracking value. Light and supple with redcurrant fruits, pair with poached salmon or grilled swordfish.
BEAUJOLAIS AND BBQ SALMON
Morrisons The Best Fleurie 2019, £11, Morrisons
Morrisons The Best Fleurie 2019, £11, Morrisons
Made from the Gamay grape, this juicy red from one of the top ten Crus (or villages) of Beaujolais in France is just the thing to go with salmon kebabs on the barbecue.
Fleurie makes some of the loveliest reds in the region — light on their feet and perfect for summer drinking. On a hot day, pop it in the ice bucket before serving to really make the flavours pop.
BOLD BLACK FRUIT WITH TUNA
Collin-Bourisset Morgon Cru du Beaujolais, £7.99, Lidl
Another red from Beaujolais, but this time from vineyards surrounding the village of Morgon.
This cru produces some of the boldest reds in the region, but we’re still talking juicy rather than chewy, which makes them ideal with meatier fish dishes such as tuna or monkfish. Ripe and round with gorgeous raspberry and black fruit flavours.
Collin-Bourisset Morgon Cru du Beaujolais, £7.99, Lidl
SPANISH RED AND FISH STEW
Merinas Tempranillo, £8, M&S
Merinas Tempranillo, £8, M&S
From Ucles, a region not far from Madrid, this is made from organic, old vine Tempranillo grapes, the same grape behind Rioja. There’s no oak involved, which means it’s much more fish-friendly. Juicy and plush with red cherry flavours, reach for this when there’s a tomato-y fish stew on the table.
JUICY RASPBERRY WITH FISH TACOS
Romanian Pinot Noir, £6.25, Co-op
Romanian Pinot Noir, £6.25, Co-op
Normally, Pinot Noir doesn’t come cheap, and the bargain ones can, in many cases, be too thin and weedy to do this delicate grape any favours. Happily, this one, from a slightly unusual source, manages to bring out the grapes’ juicy side with lots of light raspberry and cherry fruit flavours. Try this with fish tacos for the win.
- The Knackered Mother’s Wine Guide by Helen McGinn is out now.
