While red wine is known to be the best wine with steak, white wine is the most ideal wine with seafood. White wine is known to be a healthier alternative to red wine, and there are many valid reasons for this. Black-color pigments in red wine are known to be carcinogenic, and these pigments are absent in the case of white wine. One of the primary benefits of drinking white wine is that the alcohol is not absorbed as quickly as that of red wine. Another benefit of drinking white wine is that it provides a freshness that red wine cannot provide, and with freshness comes a better flavor. Red wine contains tartaric acid which reacts with nitrogenous compounds in the stomach, resulting in increased acidity. In the case of beer, this increases bitterness, which is not the case with white wine. There are so many reasons why you should choose to drink white wine with your seafood instead of red wine.
White Wine Benefits
Healthier Option - Due to the absence of black pigments in white wine, it is known to be a healthier option than red wine. White wine is known to be lower in calories and carbs than red wine.
- Another important reason for drinking white wine with seafood is its freshness. Since white wine does not contain any black pigments, it does not have that aged, burnt taste that red wine provides. Instead, the taste you get from white wine is fresh, crisp and almost ‘thirst-quenching’ in taste.
- White wine is known to provide a distinct flavour to your seafood that red wine simply cannot match. This is especially true with fish as the distinct flavour of fish is heavily dependent on the water and climate where that fish is grown. If the seafood is taste-wise similar to other seafood, then white wine can actually enhance the flavour of your seafood.
White Wine flavours Fish
White wine has been found to enhance the flavour of many types of fish due to the absence of salt and other liquids present in the fish, making it dry and bland. Some of the most common types of fish that are known to taste best when drunk with white wine include;
- Salmon is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acid which is known to be good for the health of your heart. It is also known to enhance the flavour of many types of foods. It is advisable to drink salmon with a crisp, fresh white wine.
- Shrimp is known to be an ideal accompaniment to white wine due to its light, delicate flavour. It is also an excellent source of protein and is easily available all over the world.
- Scallops - Scallops have a delicate flavour and are therefore an ideal candidate for the flavour enhancement provided by a crisp and fresh white wine.
- Turbot is a rich source of selenium which is known to be good for the health of your thyroid. It is also known to be ideal for people on a weight loss journey due to its low calories and low fat content.
White Wine with Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega 3 fatty acid which are two important benefits that you can gain by consuming salmon. Salmon is also a rich source of vitamin B-12 which is known to be good for the health of your blood cells. One of the best things about drinking salmon with white wine is the fact that they can be paired very easily. Salmon pairs very well with white wines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and so on. You can also add some spices to your salmon if you are not a fan of the regular flavour. A popular combination for salmon is ginger, cumin and lemon. This can be prepared in advance and added to the salmon for the perfect pairing.
White Wine with Shrimp and Scallops
Shrimp and scallops are great sources of protein and iron which are both essential for your health. They are also rich in vitamin B-12 which is known to be good for the health of your blood cells. Shrimp pairs very well with white wines due to their light and fresh flavours. White wines are also known to enhance the delicate flavours of shrimp and scallops making them taste even better. One of the most popular pairings for shrimp and scallops is white wine and jasmine rice.
White Wine with Turbot
Turbot is an excellent source of protein and is also known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acid. These are some of the important nutrients provided by this fish which can be beneficial to your health. Turbot pairs well with a light, fresh white wine as it is also known to be light and fresh. As mentioned above, white wine is known to enhance the delicate flavours of your seafood while also being very light in taste. Salmon, scallops and shrimp are all light and delicate flavours which can be enhanced by a crisp, fresh white wine. One of the most popular pairings for turbot and white wine is Chardonnay. There are many other types of white wine which can be paired well with turbot such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and so on.