Do you have salmon on the menu tonight? This delicious pink fish is a firm favourite thanks to its heart-healthy nutrients and meaty texture. Yet finding the right wine pairing for salmon can be challenging. This rich, oily fish can be cooked and prepared in many ways, which means there are many pairing possibilities. So, whether you prefer yours barbecued, poached, grilled or smoked, read on to discover the best wines to drink with salmon.
In this article we are exploring wine pairings for Pacific and Atlantic salmon rather than Australian salmon, which is actually a type of perch-like fish and not a ‘true’ salmon.
White wine with salmon
White wine and fish is a classic pairing, but in this case avoid anything too light and delicate. Salmon's meaty, rich texture calls for a robust, full-bodied white wine that can hold its own.
Most Chardonnay wines suit salmon dishes. Lighter, unoaked Chardonnays have complementary notes of citrus and orchard fruits, while oaked, full-bodied styles feature rich notes of butter and cream – ideal for pairing with creamy salmon dishes.
Other delicious options with salmon could include Viognier, Chenin Blanc and white Rhône blends.
Explore our full selection of white wines to pair with salmon.
Rosé wine with salmon
Not only are rosé and salmon a great colour match, but they’re also a delicious pairing in terms of flavour.
Whether you're enjoying salmon as a healthy lunch or as a special occasion dish, a glass of dry rosé is the perfect accompaniment. Choose varieties with a good balance of acidity and fruitiness to avoid overpowering the fish.
Grenache-based blends
Grenache-based rosé is one of the most popular rosé varieties, thanks to its refreshingly dry style and complex notes of strawberry, watermelon and dried herbs. A light- to medium-bodied rosé will stand up to the richness of salmon, while herbal notes add additional layers of complex flavour.
Elegant and delightfully fruity, Moulin de Pontfract Rosé 2023 is an irresistible taste of premium Provençal rosé winemaking.
Tempranillo
A staple of Spain's wine scene, Tempranillo rosé is known for its intense red fruitiness, clean acidity, subtle spiciness and light-to-medium body. Its versatility and attractive shade of pink make Tempranillo a reliable, exciting choice to pair with a salmon dish.
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Red wine with salmon
Red wine and fish? While it’s a combo that’s usually avoided, salmon is an exception to the rule. Sure, it's best to avoid big, bold reds like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. These full-bodied characters will overpower the salmon and may taste metallic when paired with fish.
Opt instead for a light-bodied red wine with a low tannin content, which makes it a lighter, easy-drinking partner to salmon.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a smart red wine choice for salmon. It is silky, light and delicately flavoured with notes of cherry and raspberry. The wine's moderate acidity can cut through salmon's rich fattiness, providing a refreshing contrast.
Gamay
Gamay is a popular variety in France’s Beaujolais region and several Australian wine regions. It’s characterised by a lighter body, vibrant fruitiness and low tannin content. Expect notes of red cherry, cranberry, violets and potting soil. The fruity notes of the wine complement the salmon’s natural sweetness, while the smooth texture works with the oily texture of the fish.

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Sparkling wine with salmon
A glass of fizz can turn any meal starring salmon into a special occasion. Opt for drier styles of sparkling wine to balance out the slight, natural sweetness of the fish.
Sparkling rosé can be a delightful option, adding colour and notes of citrus, red berries and white blossom to your meal. This style of sparkling wine is typically dry, making it ideal for cutting through the richness of salmon without overpowering the dish.
Champagne adds a touch of luxury to your meal, but Crémant can be a delightful and budget-friendly alternative.
Crémant sparkling wines are known for their elegant fizz and creamy texture. Their high acidity, which can enhance the flavours of salmon, makes them pair well with salmon dishes.
Shop our full range of delightful sparkling wines.
Best wines to drink with salmon dishes
Grilled salmon
Grilled salmon fillets are a popular choice for a mid-week meal, served with a squeeze of lemon and some rice, salad or roasted vegetables.
To complement the richness of a grilled salmon fillet, consider a full-bodied white wine. A oak-aged Chardonnay or Viognier will cut through salmon’s oiliness and add balance with their complementary creamy texture and citrus flavours.
If you prefer red wine, opt for an acidic, fruity Gamay, such as Redheads Adelaide Hills Gamay 2023.

Sushi
Salmon takes centre stage when it comes to sushi. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc works perfectly with salmon nigiri or maki, while an aromatic white like Gewürztraminer helps tame the heat of spicy salmon rolls, refreshing your palate between bites. Bright and elegant, Abbesse Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is an award-winning white that’s perfect for salmon sushi.
If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir is the only choice. This is thanks to the wine’s subtle tannins, red fruit flavours and acidity, which complement the umami elements and delicate flavours of sushi without being overpowering.
If you are eating sushi for a special occasion, why not pair your meal with a glass of classic Champagne or Crémant?

Salmon in cream sauce
Salmon in a cream sauce is an indulgent way to enjoy the fish. This dish often involves poached or roasted salmon bathed in a buttery béarnaise, fresh yoghurt or horseradish-based sauce.
The creamy sauce calls for a white wine with complementary flavours and texture. A Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc would be excellent choices.
Try Willow Bridge G1-10 Geographe Chardonnay 2023 with its intense stone fruit and citrus flavours and elements of French oak.
Smoked salmon
A brunch staple worldwide, smoked salmon can be added to zesty green salads, draped over poached eggs or layered in cream cheese bagels.
It’s intensely flavoured and rich, so you’ll need an equally rich wine to match this style of salmon.
Try a dry sparkling rosé with enough bright acidity to cut through any oiliness. The wine's juicy red fruit flavours can balance the fish's smoky flavour.

BBQ salmon
Smoky, slightly charred and incredibly moreish, barbecued salmon is delicious on its own, but it can also be elevated with zesty, fresh marinades and sweet, tangy glazes.
A silky, bright Pinot Noir would complement barbecued salmon's smoky and slightly sweet flavours.
Soumah Sky Ridge Pinot Noir 2022 is a bright style with complementary cherry and savoury notes.
If you prefer white wine, opt for a lightly oaked Chardonnay. Its slight creaminess complements the salmon's meaty texture.
Discover our full selection of red wines and white wines.