Pairing seafood with wine holds one general rule—go with white wine for a no-fail combination. But even with this simple formula, wines have distinct tastes and notes that work well for particular flavors of shellfish and fish.

How to Pair Wine & Seafood

1. White Wine

White wines undeniably go well with seafood, but try to match them based on weight and flavors. For instance, the saltiness of shellfish or fish goes with light and crisp whites.

Dry and crisp, Chenin Blanc possesses a citrusy taste perfect for raw clams and oysters. Light on the palate, it goes well with mussels, lobster, and catfish because of how well it tones down the richness of the seafood.

Chardonnay also works best with lobster, but more so with crab and fresh oysters. Full-bodied and biting, this white wine is the perfect accompaniment to seafood cooked in butter-based sauces since it cuts through the rich flavor. If you love your shellfish spicy, choose a Riesling, which has a fruity, refreshing flavor that rounds out the strong tastes perfectly.

2. Rosé

Blush wines like rosé are perfect for those who want a middle ground with their pairings. While not as heavy as reds or light as whites, rosé is a treat for fishes like tuna, mackerel, cod, and swordfish. Its taste profile matches the richness of the dish without getting too overwhelming. That’s why it also goes with shrimp and crab legs cooked Cajun-style. 

3. Red Wine

If you want something off the beaten track, go with reds for your dish. Surprisingly, light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are perfect for seafood with rich, meaty flavors like fried oysters and catfish. A word to the wise: avoid taking it with spicy seafood as it can taste metallic because of the tannins.  

Turn your dining experience up a notch by pairing your seafood with a glass of wine at Cajun King. Since opening its doors in Aiea, HI, in 2013, this local restaurant has offered a Cajun spin to fresh fare like crabs, lobsters, and oysters. They’re open for lunch and dinner so you can enjoy the best of what they have to offer anytime. Call (808) 484-2221 for reservations, or view their menu online.