7 Best Wine Pairing With Oysters & Why It Works

  • Last Updated - 3/2/23
wine pairing with oysters

Quick Answer: Our #1 Favorite wine pairing with oysters is Champagne! The bubbles in Champagne give a great contrast to the soft and slippery texture of oysters. And the umami flavors in both compliment, enhance, and work perfectly together!

Do you love seafood? If so, then you’re probably a fan of oysters.

They are one of the most popular types of seafood, and for good reason – they are delicious! But what wine should you drink with them?

In this blog post, we will discuss our seven (7) favorite choices for pairing wine with oysters and why they work so well together. 

Table of Contents

What are Oysters?

Oysters are a type of mollusk that is commonly eaten raw, although they can be cooked in a variety of ways. Raw oysters are usually served on the half-shell (with the oysters in the oyster shells). And they are usually served with lemon juice, hot sauce, and cocktail sauce. Some people also like to eat them with vinegar or horseradish.

Cooked oysters can be baked, grilled, or fried. And they are often served with butter, cheese, or a cream sauce. For example, Oysters Rockefeller is a popular dish that is made with baked oysters, spinach, and a creamy sauce.

Oysters have a unique, umami and briny flavor that is often described as “salty” or “fishy.” Some people also say they taste like the sea with mineral notes that vary depending on the type of oyster. And they have a soft, creamy, and delicate texture that most people enjoy (however some will find it off putting).

No matter how you like to eat them, oysters are best when they are fresh. And regardless of how they are prepared, there is no denying that they are delicious!

Our 7 Favorite Wine Pairings With Oysters

1) Champagne (Best Oyster Wine Pairing)

very dry champagne oyster wine pairing sparkling wine

As we mentioned earlier, our # favorite wine pairing with oysters is Champagne! The bubbles in Champagne give a great contrast to the creamy texture of oysters. Also the briny, salty flavor of raw oysters are enhanced by the acidity in the dry sparkling wine. Finally, the umami flavors in both compliment each other perfectly!

Plus, Champagne is always a good choice for a special occasion (or any occasion, really). So, if you are looking to impress your guests (or yourself), then Champagne is the perfect wine!

2) Albariño (Best for All Seafood)

albarino wine taste occasionally orange zest

Albariño wines are known for their light-body with high acidity. They have aromas of white flowers and clean flavors of stone fruits, citrus, melons, salt, and minerals.

Albariño is a great choice for oysters because it can stand up to the briny, salty flavor of oysters. Because the high acidity and citrus flavors will enhance the flavors of the oysters, much like a squeeze of lemon juice. Also the minerality and saltiness of this wine complement the oyster’s briny flavor. 

Plus, Albariño is a food-friendly wine that goes well with a variety of seafood dishes (in fact all seafood). So, if you are having other types of seafood along with your freshly shucked oysters, then Albariño is a great choice!

3) Rosé (Best for Summer)

oyster wine pairing loire valley lovely pairing wine pacific oysters

Rosé wines are light-bodied with a beautiful pink color. They have aromas of flowers, berries, and citrus. And the flavors are usually reminiscent of the aromas with some added minerality.

Rosé wines are a great choice for oysters because they are light-bodied enough that it will not overwhelm the delicate flavor of the oysters. But it is still flavorful enough to stand up to the briny oysters. And the acidity of the wine will bring out the flavors of the oysters.

And if you are feeling extra special and love your sparkling wines, then a Rosé Champagne is an excellent choice as well!

4) Chablis (Best with Baked Oysters)

chablis tasting notes

Chablis is a type of white wine that is made from the Chardonnay grape. It is light-bodied with high acidity and a crisp, clean flavor. There are also mineral notes that give it a unique taste.

Chablis is a great choice for baked oysters because it can stand up to the richness of the dish. The high acidity will also help to cut through the buttery flavor of the oysters. And the mineral notes will complement the oysters’ briny flavor.

This is a well-balanced pairing that is sure to please everyone!

5) Dry Riesling (Best with Fried Oysters)

dry riesling taste profile

Dry Riesling is a type of white wine that is made from the Riesling grape. It is light-bodied with high acidity and a crisp, clean flavor. There are also floral and fruity notes that give it a unique taste.

Dry Riesling is a great choice for fried oysters because it can stand up to the richness of the dish. The high acidity will also help to cut through the greasy flavor of the oysters. And the floral and fruity notes will complement the oysters’ briny flavor. And the wine also helps to cleanse your palate so that you are ready for the next oyster.

Dry Riesling is also one of the most food-friendly white wines, so it’s a great choice if you’re having other dishes with your oysters.

6) Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a unique, light-bodied wine with an invigorating acidity and fresh flavor. It boasts citrus, grassy and herbaceous notes that add to its crisp taste. From Sancerre produced in the Loire Valley to New Zealand’s iconic Sauvignon Blancs there are numerous varieties of this grape variety that pairs well with oysters.

And it’s a great choice because it can stand up to the briny, salty flavor of raw oysters. Plus the acidity and citrus flavors of the wine will help accentuate the sea flavors of the oysters.

But if you have a Pinot Grigio at home, that will work for an oyster wine pairing too. 

7) Grüner Veltliner (Best with Hot Sauce)

gruner veltliner taste profile wine pairing options

My favorite oyster restaurant, Hog Island Oysters, is located north of San Francisco and makes a wine from a blend of Grüner Veltliner and Albariño. And this wine is the perfect accompaniment to their oysters which are some of the best I’ve ever had! (By the way a must visit if you are in San Francisco)This just shows what a great pairing oysters are with a Grüner Veltliner.

It’s light-bodied with high acidity and a crisp, zesty flavor. There are also floral, citrus, and peppery notes that give it a unique taste. The acidity of this wine brings out the flavors of the oysters, while the peppery notes will complement the heat of the hot sauce.

FAQs

What do you drink with oysters?

Wine! The best wines to pair with oysters are white wines that are light-bodied with high acidity. These include: Champagne, Albariño, Rosé, Chablis, Dry Riesling, or other crisp white wines. 

But you don’t need to drink wine with oysters. You can also enjoy them with beer, cider, or even spirits! Or Sake!

Can you pair red wine with oysters?

Yes, you can. But I would recommend a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. The acidity and light body of the wine will not overwhelm the delicate flavor of the oysters.

What color wine goes with oysters?

The best wines to pair with oysters are white wines.

Can you eat oysters with wine?

Of course! Wine and oysters are a classic pairing.

Summary

We hope you enjoyed this blog post on the best wine pairing for oysters.

If you liked this article, be sure to check our other food and wine pairings like:

Cheers!

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