In the world of wine, there’s a growing movement toward natural wines, which are produced with minimal intervention and a focus on organic or biodynamic farming practices. These wines often have unique flavours, a deep connection to the land where they were made and are considered a more authentic expression of the grape and terroir. When it comes to pairing natural wines with food, seafood is one of the most exciting and delightful combinations to explore.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of natural wine delivery, explore why they pair so beautifully with seafood, and offer some tips on how to enjoy them to the fullest.
What Are Natural Wines?
Natural wines brands are made with minimal intervention from the winemaker. Unlike conventional wines, which may include additives such as sulphites, acids, or fining agents, natural wines are typically made with just grapes and a few simple ingredients, such as wild yeasts. These wines are often organic or biodynamic, meaning the grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, focusing on sustainability and a more holistic approach to farming.
There’s a wide range of natural wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, each made using traditional winemaking techniques. The result is a wine that often tastes fresher, more vibrant, and sometimes more complex than its mass-produced counterparts. Natural wines are also known for their unique, sometimes funky, flavour profiles due to the lack of intervention and use of wild fermentation.
Why Do Natural Wines Pair So Well with Seafood?
Seafood is known for its delicate, fresh, and sometimes briny flavours. When it comes to pairing wine with seafood, the key is to choose a wine that won’t overpower the dish but instead enhances the natural flavours of the fish, shellfish, or crustaceans. Natural wines, with their clean, fresh, and often slightly funky characteristics, are a great choice for this purpose.
Here are a few reasons why natural wines work so well with seafood:
- Freshness and Acidity: Natural white wines, especially those from cooler climates, tend to have higher acidity, which complements the natural brininess and delicacy of seafood. This acidity can cut through the richness of dishes like buttery lobster or fried fish, balancing the flavours and making each bite more enjoyable.
- Less Interference: The minimal intervention used in making natural wines allows the grape’s true character to shine through. This often means the wine offers a purer, more direct taste, which pairs wonderfully with the clean, light flavours of seafood.
- Funky and Unique Flavors: Many natural wines have interesting and complex flavour profiles that can play off the distinct tastes of different seafood dishes. For example, a natural wine with a slight earthy or salty note can complement the seaweed flavours found in sushi or oysters.
- Sustainability: Since natural wines are often produced using sustainable practices, they pair beautifully with the eco-friendly nature of choosing sustainably sourced seafood.
Best Natural Wines to Pair with Seafood
Now that you know why natural wines work so well with seafood, let’s take a look at some of the best natural wine varieties to enjoy with different seafood dishes.
1. White Wines: Crisp and Fresh
White wines are often the go-to choice for seafood pairings, and when it comes to natural white wines, there are several excellent options.
- Chenin Blanc: A versatile white, Chenin Blanc from natural producers can range from dry to off-dry and has high acidity that makes it perfect for pairing with seafood like oysters, clams, or scallops. Its zesty citrus notes and subtle minerality can highlight the freshness of shellfish.
- Albariño: This Spanish white wine is renowned for its crisp acidity and flavours of lemon, green apple, and peach. It pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like grilled fish, shrimp, or ceviche. The wine’s refreshing quality complements the bright, zesty flavours of dishes with citrus and fresh herbs.
- Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne): Known for its high acidity and clean, mineral-driven profile, Muscadet is a classic pairing for seafood, especially oysters. Its refreshing and crisp taste works wonderfully with shellfish, and it’s a must-try natural wine when serving oysters on the half shell or in a seafood platter.
- Vermentino: An Italian white, Vermentino is aromatic and refreshing with a slight salinity, making it a great match for seafood with Mediterranean flavours. Pair it with dishes like grilled sardines, octopus, or seafood pasta for a delightful experience.
2. Rosé Wines: Light and Versatile
Natural rosé wines can offer a delightful balance between the freshness of whites and the richness of reds. They work well with a wide variety of seafood dishes, especially those with slightly more complex flavours.
- Provençal Rosé: This classic French rosé, with its crisp acidity and light red berry flavours, is a fantastic match for seafood such as shrimp cocktails, lobster salads, or light fish dishes. The wine’s subtle fruitiness and minerality won’t overpower delicate seafood but will enhance its natural sweetness.
- Natural Rosé from Grenache or Pinot Noir: These varieties can add a bit of red fruit flavour without the heaviness of a red wine. A natural rosé made from Grenache or Pinot Noir can pair beautifully with grilled fish, seafood paella, or smoked salmon.
3. Red Wines: Light and Low Tannin
Though red wines are less commonly paired with seafood, there are some natural red wines that work surprisingly well with lighter seafood dishes, particularly those with richer flavours like tuna, salmon, or grilled octopus.
- Pinot Noir: A light, low-tannin red like natural Pinot Noir can pair well with dishes that have a little more depth, such as tuna sashimi, grilled salmon, or seared scallops. The wine’s bright red fruit notes and earthy undertones complement the richness of these fish.
- Gamay: Known for its fresh fruit flavours and low tannins, Gamay (the grape behind Beaujolais) works beautifully with grilled fish, sardines, or even a seafood pasta with tomato sauce. The wine’s soft texture and fruity notes won’t overpower seafood dishes but instead highlight their flavours.
4. Sparkling Wines: Fun and Effervescent
Sparkling wines can be fantastic with seafood, and natural sparkling wines, made using traditional methods and minimal intervention, are a real treat.
- Pét-Nat (Pétillant Naturel): This sparkling wine, made in a more natural style, is often cloudy and lightly effervescent, with a fresh, slightly funky character. It’s perfect for pairing with seafood like oysters, mussels, or fish tacos. Its bubbles and refreshing acidity make it a lively and fun match for seafood.
- Natural Champagne or Sparkling Wine: A brut natural Champagne or sparkling wine, with its crispness and bready, yeasty qualities, works wonderfully with fried or battered fish, tempura shrimp, or crab cakes. The bubbles help cut through the richness of fried seafood while enhancing the overall experience.
How to Serve Natural Wines with Seafood
To truly enjoy natural wines with your seafood, here are some tips to elevate your pairing experience:
- Serve at the Right Temperature: Natural white wines and rosés should be served chilled, but not too cold. A temperature of around 10-12°C (50-54°F) allows the wine’s flavours to fully develop. Red wines can be served slightly cooler than room temperature for the best taste.
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Seafood: The best wine pairings come from high-quality, fresh ingredients. Choose sustainably sourced seafood and ensure it’s as fresh as possible for the ultimate pairing experience.
- Experiment with Different Dishes: Natural wines bring out the unique qualities in different types of seafood. Don’t hesitate to experiment with a variety of fish and shellfish dishes, such as grilled, raw, fried, or in seafood stews, to discover the perfect match.
- Enjoy the Wine’s Natural Characteristics: Natural wines can be more unpredictable than their conventional counterparts, so take the time to savour the complexity, acidity, and subtle flavours in each sip. Let the wine evolve alongside the dish and enjoy how it interacts with the various flavours on your plate.
Conclusion
Natural wines and seafood are a match made in heaven. With their fresh, clean profiles and emphasis on the natural characteristics of the grape, natural wines offer a refreshing and dynamic pairing for seafood lovers. Whether you’re enjoying a crisp Albariño with oysters or a light Pinot Noir with grilled salmon, the unique flavours of natural wines enhance the delicate, briny, and sweet qualities of seafood, making every meal a delightful experience.
So the next time you’re planning a seafood feast, explore the world of natural wines and discover how their minimal intervention approach can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
