Do you enjoy pairings of omega-3s fatty fish and white French wine? The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d’Alsace (CIVA), an organization of professional Alsatian winemakers, has put together a list of well-tested pairing recommendations. This article focuses on pairings of white French wines from Alsace and some of the best sustainable omega-3s, rich fatty fish.
White French Wine and Trout Pairings
In the May 11, 2009, US News and World Report article "11 Best Fish: High in Omega-3s - and Environmentally-Friendly," Katherine Hobson lists wild caught Alaskan salmon as the number one fatty fish. Though they have many benefits, wild salmon can be expensive to eat on a regular basis. Farmed rainbow trout, a healthful sustainable fatty fish, make a good and less expensive alternative. The CIVA recommends serving grilled trout with one of these white French wines: Tokay Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Cre´mant d’Alsace, a widely popular Alsatian sparkling wine.
Albacore Tuna and Alsatian White Wines
Albacore tuna, especially when prepared in Provencal style, go well with these white French wines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Gewurztraminer. Tuna have often been associated with mercury contamination. Fortunately, not all types of tuna contain harmful levels of mercury. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), albacore tuna’s mercury levels depend primarily on the size and age of the fish when caught.
White French Wine and Sardines Pairings
Sardines contain very high levels of selenium and vitamin B12, and high levels of calcium, niacin, and phosphorus, as well as cholesterol. Sardines fishing is sustainable, making this fatty fish easy to find and affordable. Grilled sardines make good pairings with any one of these white wines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner or Riesling.
Mackerels and French White Wines
Similar to sardines, mackerels are often more affordable than other common fatty fish. Stick to buying Atlantic mackerels (Scomber scombrus) as they have a lower level of mercury contamination in comparison to the Spanish and king mackerel varieties. The NOAA notes that Atlantic mackerels contain many benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, niacin, and vitamins B6 and B12. Like sardines, mackerels go well with Sylvaner, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling.
White French Wine and Shellfish Pairings
Thank to good management, production activities at U.S. oyster and mussel farms are environmentally responsible. Oysters, mussels and shellfish in general, tend to go well with these delicate Alsatian white wines: Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling.
These recommendations from the CIVA can serve as useful reference points. The best way to discover good white French wine and omega-3s rich fish pairings is to personally experiment and compare.
Sources:
“Choosing the Right Wine: Seafood,” Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin d’Alsace
Hobson, Katherine. “11 Best Fish: High in Omega-3s—and Environment-Friendly.” US News and World Report, May 11, 2009.
“Pacific Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga),” U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
“Pacific Sardine (Sardinops sagax caerulea),” U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
“Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus),” U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
