With its delicate flesh, the scallop deserves to be paired with the right food . And luckily, it goes wonderfully with white wines . Whether in a sauce, au gratin, or simply seared, it's crucial to pay attention to the recipe you choose to prepare your scallops in order to find the perfect bottle to complement them. Follow this guide to achieve the perfect food and wine pairing !
What wine should I serve with scallops?
In short, scallops, like other seafood, require a dry white wine . It should be fresh , crisp , mineral , and fruity . Above all, your white wine should be very refined and rounded . We therefore recommend:
- A white Burgundy , with the appellations of Chablis or Pouilly-Fuissé.
- A white wine from Alsace , like a dry Gewurztraminer
- A white wine from the Loire Valley , choosing a white wine from Anjou or a Sancerre.
How to match your taste with wine?
One might almost be tempted to say that nothing should be added to the taste of the scallop, but that is wrong: the addition of a wine offers a sumptuous pairing .
The texture of scallops is very similar to that of other types of seafood, yet still slightly different. When prepared properly, they are incredibly tender , offering a unique pleasure. As is often the case with seafood, a dry white wine with a fresh , mineral character is recommended to stand up to the subtle iodine notes and certain accompaniments such as spices or herbs. Wines with floral aromas, hints of citrus , and a touch of acidity from the minerality will pair beautifully with the tender flesh of the scallop.
Which names should we choose?
Since we need to opt for a dry, mineral and fruity white wine, our choices will lean towards grape varieties like Chardonnay with a Chablis for a very simple pan-fried scallop, or a Pouilly-Fuissé in Burgundy , the mineral aspect of these wines will go very well with the texture and taste of the nut.
We could also opt for wines made from Chenin, such as a white Anjou from the Loire , which will have a slight citrus taste that will go wonderfully with the scallops.
Recipes
To achieve a successful pairing, it's all about the sauce and the preparation . To know which wine to drink with scallops, it's crucial to consider the recipe . It will directly influence the sensations experienced on the palate.
What wine goes with raw scallops?
If you like scallops raw or just seared , here are a few bottles that will reveal the flavors of your recipe.
You might prefer an Alsatian wine . But which Alsatian wine should you choose with scallops? We recommend the Riesling from Domaine de l'Envol , with its slightly lemony notes.
What wine goes with scallops in cream sauce?
If you decide to cook your scallops in a cream sauce, we recommend choosing a dry white wine, fruity and with good intensity . Why not opt for a Burgundy ?
The Chablis white wine from Vignoble Angst will be a perfect match! An exceptional wine that brings together all the elements for a successful pairing with scallops: freshness, minerality and fruit.
The Pouilly-Fuissé from Château de Lavernette will also beautifully complement the flavors of your dish. From a sunny plot, this wine was made with perfectly ripe Chardonnay grapes.
What white wine goes with gratinated scallops?
For your scallops, you've decided to make a gratin dish. And you're right, because not only is it delicious, but this recipe also pairs well with many different wines.
But since you have to choose, we advise you to accompany your dish with a vintage from Domaine Bruno Cormerais : Prestige , a Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie.
An original agreement
For those who want to break with tradition with an original pairing , you can also serve a bottle of red wine with your scallops if they are topped with a sauce . We recommend a nice red wine from Burgundy or Bordeaux .
A festive dish
Scallops are a delicious delicacy, often a favorite during the holiday season . And what better way to celebrate than by opening a bottle of champagne ! It's perfect timing, as it pairs wonderfully with your scallops. We tend to forget this, but it's a truly perfect match !
Opt for brut or non-dosage champagne with fine bubbles , especially if your walnuts are just seared. Champagne pairs well with all seafood and fish, and it's absolutely delicious, so why not indulge?
The scallop
Did you know that scallops have eyes ? Yes, eyes that work by reflection! But don't worry, this delicacy is still just as exceptional. Scallops are a mollusk that humans have been eating for a very long time. Already mentioned in the Bible and Greek and Roman mythology, they are only found in the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic (yes, we're not all so lucky). They are mainly farmed in ponds using scallop farming techniques, despite the very high fishing quotas in place from October to May. They are therefore found in Mediterranean and northern cuisine, in all sorts of dishes and pairings, from scallop risotto to creamy soups, not to mention simply pan-fried scallops for our enjoyment. You won't tire of these scallops, and neither will we.
Choose wines from independent winegrowers.
At Les Grappes , we've put together a selection of our finest wines from independent winemakers to perfectly complement your scallops ! No matter the region, the choice of white wine is yours to delight your palate...
