Salmon is incredibly versatile and a key ingredient to many delicious meals, but which are the best wines to complement it? Matching wine with smoked salmon can be difficult, so we’ve put together some top tips on the best wines for the job.

Notably missing from our list is Champagne, which is often associated with salmon. It’s a classic and indisputable choice – smoked salmon and toast with crème fraiche is a match made in heaven! However, if you’re looking for something a little different, here are our top seven recommendations for the best wine and salmon pairings. 

Chablis

A fresh and crisp Chablis is a great accompaniment to our smoked salmon. It’s our safe bet because an unoaked Chablis perfectly complements the often oily undertones of the salmon.

Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine

Muscadet is complementary of seafood in general and is often added to dishes such as Moules Frites. It’s light-bodied flavour makes it the ideal palate cleanser because it’s naturally highly acidic. For this reason, it had to make it onto our list.

Manzanilla Sherry

Manzanilla is a dry white wine which is produced from palomino grapes and has a dry but delicate taste on the palate. It’s smooth with light acidity and this is what creates a taste sensation with smoked salmon. Always serve chilled, ideally between 6 and 8º.

Sauvignon Blanc

It’s a classic wine and chances are you’ve got a bottle lurking around somewhere in the house! The herbaceous notes often found in a classic Sauvignon Blanc are what makes it work, particularly with salmon cooking in herbs and citrus.

Dry Riesling

It’s best to avoid sweet or medium dry Rieslings as they won’t sit well with the salmon. You are looking for either an Australian Riesling or something dry enough to produce a crisp taste against the salmon – try a German Kabinett Riesling.

Talisker Single Malt Whisky

Now we know this isn’t wine, but trust us – it’s an amazing combination for your taste buds! It’s a true Scottish experience and we would advise something like Talisker as the smoky sweetness marries with the taste of the salmon perfectly.

Non alcoholic alternative

If you’re catering for designated drivers or teetotal diners, you’ll be looking for an alcohol-free alternative. We highly recommend McGuigan Zero Sparkling Alcohol Free which is tannin-rich and really brings out the flavour of the salmon.

For tantalising canape ideas to serve at your next dinner party, take a look at our blog on Smoked Salmon Canape Recipe ideas – you’ll have them perfected in time for a summer of entertaining!

We’ve got a wide selection of hand-produced smoked salmon products available, using only prime Scottish Atlantic Salmon from RSPCA accredited farms. For further information on our range, just call 01851 672 396 or email info@uiglodge.co.uk.