What to Pair with Scallops? - Food & Wine

With its delicate flesh, the scallop deserves a fine pairing. And that’s perfect, because it goes wonderfully with white wines.

What wine should I serve with scallops?

In short, scallops call for a dry white wine, just like other seafood dishes. It should be fresh, lively, mineral, and fruity. Above all, your white wine should exhibit great finesse and roundness. We therefore recommend:

• A white Burgundy, such as a Chablis or Pouilly-Fuissé.
• A white winefrom Alsace, such as a dry Gewürztraminer
• A white wine from the Loire Valley, such as an Anjou or a Sancerre.

How can you pair your taste with wine?

One might be tempted to say that nothing should be added to the flavor of scallops, but that’s not true: pairing them with wine creates a sumptuous combination.

The texture of scallops is very similar to that of other types of seafood, yet it remains slightly different. When prepared properly, they are very tender, offering a unique culinary experience. As is often the case with seafood, a dry white wine with fresh, mineral notes is ideal here; it will complement the subtle briny flavor and pair well with certain accompaniments like spices or herbs. Wines with floral aromas, hints of citrus, and a touch of acidity from their minerality will pair well with the tender flesh of the scallop.

Which appellations should you choose?

Since we’re looking for a dry, mineral, and fruity white wine, our choices will lean toward grape varieties like Chardonnay—perhaps a Chablis to pair with a simple pan-seared scallop dish, or a Pouilly-Fuissé from Burgundy. The mineral character of these wines will complement the texture and flavor of the walnut perfectly.

You could also opt for wines made from Chenin, such as a white from Anjou in the Loire region, which have a subtle citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with scallops.

Recipes

To pair them successfully, it all comes down to the sauce and preparation. To know which wine to drink with scallops, it’s very important to consider the recipe. It will directly influence the taste experience.

What wine goes well with raw scallops?

If you enjoy raw or lightly seared scallops, here are a few bottles that will bring out the flavors of your dish.

You might want to opt for an Alsace wine. But which Alsace wine should you choose to pair with scallops? We recommend the Riesling from Domaine de l’Envol, with its subtle citrus notes.

What wine goes well with scallops in cream sauce?

If you decide to cook your scallops in cream, we recommend choosing a dry white wine that’s fruit-forward and full-bodied. Why not try a Burgundy?

The Vignoble Angst white Chablis is the perfect pairing! An exceptional wine that combines all the elements needed for a successful pairing with scallops: freshness, minerality, and fruitiness.

The Pouilly-Fuissé from Château de Lavernette will also beautifully complement the flavors of your dish. Grown on a sunny vineyard plot, this wine was crafted from Chardonnay grapes that reached perfect ripeness.

What white wine goes well with scallops au gratin?

You’ve decided to make a gratin with your scallops. Well, you’ve made the right choice, because not only is it delicious, but this recipe also pairs well with many different wines.

But since you have to choose, we recommend pairing your meal with a wine from Domaine Bruno Cormerais: Prestige, a Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie.

A unique agreement

For those who want to break with tradition and try an unconventional pairing, you can also serve a bottle of red wine with your scallops if they’re topped with a sauce. We recommend a nice red wine from Burgundy or Bordeaux.

A festive dish

Scallops are a delicious dish, often a favorite during the holiday season. And what could be better than popping open a bottle of champagne for a festive meal! That’s perfect, because it pairs wonderfully with your scallops. We tend to forget it, but it’s a perfect match!

Choose a brut or non-dosé champagne with fine bubbles, especially if your shrimp is just seared. Champagne pairs perfectly with all kinds of seafood and fish, and it’s absolutely delicious, so why not treat yourself?

The scallop

Did you know that scallops have eyes? Yes, eyes—and they work by reflection! But don’t worry, they’re still just as delicious. Scallops are mollusks that humans have been eating for a very long time. Mentioned as far back as the Bible and in Greek and Roman mythology, they’re found only in the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic (well, not everyone’s that lucky). They’re primarily farmed in ponds through scallop farming, despite heavy fishing being permitted from October to May. They are therefore a staple of Mediterranean and Northern cuisine, appearing in every possible dish and combination—from scallop risotto to cream soup, and even simply pan-seared scallops for our greatest pleasure. You’ll never tire of these scallops, and neither will we.

Choose wines from small-scale winemakers

At Les Grappes, we’ve put together a selection of our finest wines from small-scale winemakers to pair with your scallops! No matter the region, it’s up to you to choose the white wine that will delight your taste buds...

Discover our full selection of wines to pair with your scallops.