Which wines go well with shellfish ?

Set course for a classic marriage

Oysters, cockles, whelks, mussels… Laid out on a bed of ice on a platter, these shellfish immediately bring to mind fine summer days and sea air. To accompany them, we suggest our Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Fat Bastard.

Made with vines cultivated between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, in a great diversity of soils and climates, it is ideal for a mineral pairing. Harvested at maturity during the cool hours of the day, it is then aged on the lees in order to achieve a balance between acidity and heartiness.

Power and lightness come together in harmony, making this Côtes de Gascogne an elegant wine with a rather round finish. Lively and very fresh, served at a maximum temperature of 10°C, it complements the salty flesh of shellfish. Its slightly tart notes of grapefruit and exotic fruits bring out their mellowness.

Ride the wave of a stylish partnership

And what of some of the more select seafood, such as lobster, crab, crawfish and scampi ? The white Côtes du Rhône Laurus 2017 will live up to your gourmet expectations.

Laurus – Latin for ‘laurel’ – was the symbol of excellence for the Romans, and is reflected in this wine by the quality of the plots selected to produce it. Thanks to the diversity of their soils, delicacy, freshness, elegance and ampleness come together in this Côtes du Rhône.

Seven months of maturation in an oak barrel makes this a characterful wine. The richness of its grape varieties (Viognier, Grenache, Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette) gives it the complexity required of a refined wine.

Its round, moreish profile responds to the sweet flesh of shellfish. In March 2019, Wine Spectator described it as follows: “This is rounded and creamy in feel, with pretty melon, yellow apple and salted butter notes. There’s a light flash of almond on the finish.” It also has an exotic side, which harmonises particularly well with the slightly spicy and saffron flavours of lobster.

We recommend serving it at between 10 and 12°C in order to enjoy the full richness of its aromas.

A modern couple on the horizon

White wine is not the only wine able to brilliantly accompany seafood. To explore new culinary horizons, the Château Grand Escalion, Costières de Nîmes rosé “Amoureuse” 2018 is a suitable match for shrimps and prawns, as well as fish such as lionfish and red mullet.

Using “integrated viticulture” techniques, it is made with 80% red varieties (Grenache, Syrah) and 20% white varieties (Vermentino, Roussane, Grenache blanc). This produces a very elegant, gastronomic rosé wine, with plenty of liveliness.

Served at around 10°C, its fresh red fruit aromas are fully revealed and go particularly well with summer salads made with prawns, grapefruit, avocado and coriander. Ample and round in the mouth, it has a long, voluptuous finish through contrast, it complements the strong, salty flavour of anchovies in a Niçoise salad, for example. For the more adventurous among you, try cuttlefish à la plancha with a pinch of Espelette pepper!