Today, we are sharing our top 5 favorite wine to pair with scallops. Get ready to have your taste buds do a happy dance because perfectly seared scallops are like little bites of melt-in-the-mouth magic.
Now, you might think pairing these mollusks with a delicate flavor with the right wine is some kind of culinary mystery. However, I’ve got the inside scoop straight from top sommeliers who know their stuff. Trust me, you’re in for a treat as we unravel the secrets of pairing wines that will make your scallop experience downright heavenly.
Now, I’ve had my fair share of culinary adventures, and I can confidently say that finding the perfect pairing to complement scallops is a bit of an art form. If you’re anything like me, you understand that the art of pairing wine with food is akin to creating a harmonious symphony for your taste buds.
What I’ve Learned About Pairing Wine with Scallops
Matching wine with scallops is likely to lead you more to white wines than a red wine pairing.
Red wine in general will overpower any seafood dish. If you still want to go for a red wine, experiment with light reds such as Pinot Noir. It is probably the best red grape wine most proclaimed for its ability to pair with seafood.
The way that the scallop is prepared will determine the best wine for pairing.
Here’s the best wine pairing for scallops lowdown:
For scallop ceviche or raw scallops. Think Riesling, Albarino, Chablis, and Vermentino.
Seared scallops on the menu? Go for Chenin Blanc, oaked Chardonnay, White Burgundy, Pinot Grigio, or Alsace Pinot Gris.
Baked scallops deserve the sparkle of Champagne (Chardonnay-heavy) or the richness of Marsanne.
Bay Scallop versus Sea Scallop
The type of scallop can also make a difference in finding a good match for the perfect pairing of seafood and wine.
Bay Scallop. For instance, bay scallops are bite-sized like popcorn and are considered sweeter and more tender than sea scallops. These will pair better with white wines. A dry, sparkling Blanc de Blanc Champagne is one of the best wines to pair with bay scallops. If you would like to pair a lighter dry white wine with a bay scallop dish, try a dry Riesling.
Sea Scallop. Whereas the sea scallop is larger like the size of a large marshmallow. They tend to taste saltier than the smaller bay scallops. Sea scallops go best with a robust Chardonnay, dry Champagne, briny Albariño, or tart and crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. For seared sea scallops, a fuller-bodied white wine such as a buttery Chardonnay is an excellent choice.
Our Favorite Wine to Pair with Scallops Top 5
After delving into the depths of culinary wisdom and researching the best wine pairing recommendations from the discerning palates of seasoned sommeliers, here are the top 5 wines that are recommended to pair with scallops.
Through researching the experts such as Decanter, Wine Pros, and Best Wines, to name a few, and hours of taste testing, I’m thrilled to unveil the result of my wine-pairing expedition: the top 5 wines that will take your scallop experience to unparalleled heights.
These recommendations aren’t just a shot in the dark; they’re the product of meticulous research and the collective expertise of those who truly understand the art of pairing the perfect match. So, if you’ve ever wondered which wines can turn your scallop feast into a symphony of flavors, look no further.
To kick things off, it’s essential to note that we won’t be sticking to a specific type of wine recommendation. Instead, we’re going to explore a range of wines.
One-size-fits-all simply doesn’t cut it when it comes to wine pairings, given the myriad options available for any given dish. Considering the diverse factors at play, such as the flavor and rich texture of your food, alongside the high acidity, flavors, and body of the wine – not to mention your personal taste preferences – a more nuanced approach is in order.
For each selection, we’ll delve into why it harmonizes seamlessly with scallops, unraveling the intricate dynamics that make each pairing a culinary delight. Let’s journey into the world of diverse wine options, where we not only tell you what works but also why and what to anticipate in this delightful pairing adventure.
Here are the top 5 wines that come highly recommended to elevate your scallop dining game to a whole new level. Cheers to a culinary adventure like no other.
1. Chardonnay. A full-bodied and buttery flavors, Chardonnay is recommended for seared scallops. Look for a balanced Chardonnay with notes of minerality to help bring out the brininess of the scallops.
2. Champagne. Baked scallops pair well with Champagne, whose bubbly character and crisp acidity can help cut through the rich flavors and textures of the dish, while complementing the overall flavors.
3. White Burgundy. Seared scallops pair well with nearly all kinds of White Burgundy (though an older vintage will particularly shine here).
4. Old vine Chenin Blanc. A just off-dry Chenin Blanc, with its oxidation, sweet flavor, and acidity, also makes for an excellent pairing with seared scallops.
5. Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied white wine that pairs well with scallops.
How to Choose a Wine for Scallops?
When pairing wine with scallops, it’s important to consider the preparation method and other ingredients that will accompany the scallops. Even if you are just a budding wine enthusiast, you will find that there is a wide variety of wines available to pair with seafood dishes.
For example, seared scallops go well with full-bodied and buttery Chardonnay, while baked scallops pair well with Champagne.
You should also consider the flavors of the dish and the wine and aim to complement or contrast them.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself when pairing wine with scallops:
– What is the preparation method of the scallops?
– Additional ingredients included in the dish?
– What flavors are present in the dish?
– Other flavors present in the wine?
– Do I want to complement or contrast the flavors of the dish?
When it comes to selecting the perfect wine to accompany your scallops, it’s all about harmonizing flavors with your seafood pairings.
Here is an example.
Imagine your scallops swimming in a rich, buttery creamy sauce. For this indulgent pairing, opt for a creamy, buttery wine to complement and enhance the overall experience.
Conversely, if the star of your scallop dish is lemon juice with a citrusy kick, consider a delicious wine that mirrors those bright, citrus fruits flavors.
Scallops are a culinary delight that’s both elegant and delicious. And what better way to elevate this seafood sensation than by pairing it with the perfect vino? I hope this information helps you find the perfect wine to pair with your scallops.
Are you interested in making your own scallop dishes or reheating your leftover main course at home? We have both a recipe for seafood dishes and the best method of reheating your scallops too.
