Whether fruity, dry or aromatic a great glass of wine is the perfect complement to our smoked salmon dishes. And if you have read our previous blog ‘Six Drinks that Complement Smoked Salmon’ you’ll know champagne, beer and vodka also work well.
Generally, white wine is associated with fish, so here we will explore our favourite bouquets, and explain why you should pair them with our serving suggestion recipes.

Chablis

Chardonnay is a great accompaniment to a recipe which emphasises a buttery or creamy flavour, such as our John Ross Jr smoked salmon chowder. The oaky undertones will bring out the textures of the fish and the full body will improve any sauce.

This strong white would overpower most white fish, but we’re confident our lusciously rich smoked salmon is a good match to accompany it… our smoked salmon can handle it.

(image: © Nemo under CC0 1.0)

Riesling

This German white is another dry wine, but it has a noticeably more aromatic perfume. Riesling has a high acidity level with citrus undertones, making it the perfect tipple to pair with smoked fish.

Riesling also goes well with poached fish and spicy foods, so if you are cooking an Asian inspired dish, like our Thai smoked salmon salad, we’d recommend you give it a try.

Sauvignon Blanc

Do you enjoy serving your salmon with plenty of fresh herbs, like the traditional complement of dill and lemon segment? Then you’re sure to enjoy a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with your smoked salmon. Sauvignon Blanc has herbaceous notes and its minerality makes it a crisp sip.

This is a light and refreshing white wine that is perfect for a long lunch on a sunny summer afternoon.

Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer has a strong flavour and is quite floral, but it makes an unusual and successful pairing with the smoky flavour of salmon. This is especially tasty if you have a recipe which uses sweet flavourings, such as brown sugar or syrup, and it works well with ginger and garlic too.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is similar to a Riesling in the sense it has more of a rich flavour. This is a full bodied wine, with undertones of peach and pear, and goes well with smoked salmon, as well as many side dishes. It’s not as good good with white fish or seafood though.

A Hint of Red – Pinot Noir

If you are not a fan of white, and would prefer a succulent red, then try a light vino like a Pinot Noir. It tastes amazing with a herb filled smoked salmon dish or salmon cooked on a barbeque. It really brings out the flavours of the fish, while maintaining its freshness.

Or you could always try a rosé like a Tavel or Vin Gris. Rosé will go with most salmon dishes thanks to its combination of dry and fruity flavours, and an acute acidity.

Whether you’d prefer a Chablis, Riesling or Pinot, you are sure to enjoy our John Ross Jr traditional smoked salmon. Or why not try one of our infused flavours?

Let’s be honest. When wine and food is mentioned in the context of ‘food pairing’, most people would probably associate red wine with red meat and white wine with fish or white meat.

So, if you’re looking to buy smoked salmon and wondering if there’s anything other than champagne that complements its wonderful, smoky flavour then look no further. Here are six drinks that work exceptionally well with smoked salmon – and there are probably a couple of surprises in here, too.

Chablis

This refined dry white is well known for its distinctive and crisp taste, which provides the perfect balance to the natural oils found in smoked salmon. A winner every time.

Pouilly-Fumé

This is, without question, one of our favourites (second to Champagne, of course). Its deep and structured flavour make it smoked salmon’s ideal partner, preferably when the smoked salmon is served on its own with a sprinkling of lemon juice. You simply can’t go wrong with this fabulous twosome.

Gewurztraminer

An unusual but successful pairing. This white is extremely aromatic and floral yet its flavours tend to round off the flavours of the fish. Certainly worth a try.

Dry Riesling

Although this German white is the most perfumed and aromatic of our selection it also has a high acidity level, which makes the contrast between wine and smoked salmon an interesting tasting experience.

Beer

Yes, you’ve read it right. Beer does go well with smoked salmon – although not just any beer. It needs to be ale that complements smoked salmon by providing a light and crisp contrast. We would recommend something light and snappy such as a Pilsner, Weissbier or even a smoked beer.

Vodka

Vodka isn’t just a party drink. In fact its clean notes work incredibly well with smoked salmon, too. In our experience the higher the quality of Vodka used the better the tasting experience. Just make sure it’s chilled before serving!
This selection should keep you busy although don’t be afraid to experiment. And, if you come across any interesting combinations then let us know at johnrossjr@johnrossjr.com.

In the meantime, happy pairing.