The Elegant Grill

Grilled Salmon

Rich, Smoky & Omega-3 Rich

Grilled salmon's rich fatty flesh takes on beautiful smoky char while its natural oils keep it moist and flavorful. The contrast of charred exterior with silky pink interior pairs beautifully with a wider range of wines than most fish.

Rich & smoky
Flavor
Grilled over flame
Method
Atlantic/Pacific salmon
Type

Wine Pairings

The Classic
Pinot Noir (Burgundy/Oregon)

Grilled salmon is one of the few fish dishes that takes a light-medium red wine — Pinot Noir's red berry, earth, and silky texture complement salmon's richness.

White Classic
White Burgundy (Chardonnay)

Premier Cru Chablis or Meursault — mineral, stone fruit, and light oak handle the fat of salmon beautifully.

Aromatic White
Viognier

Viognier's peach, apricot, and floral aromatics contrast with salmon's richness in a refreshing, aromatic way.

Unexpected
Dry Gewürztraminer

Bone-dry Alsatian Gewürztraminer with its lychee and rose notes makes a stunning contrast to smoky grilled salmon.

Rosé Option
Full-bodied Dry Rosé

A full-bodied Rhône rosé mirrors the salmon's color and has the body to match its richness.

Avoid
Heavy tannic reds

High tannin overwhelms salmon's delicate flavor and creates a bitter, metallic reaction — stick to low-tannin reds or whites.

FAQ

What wine pairs with grilled salmon?
Pinot Noir is the classic red option. For white: White Burgundy. The char from grilling opens up the range of acceptable pairings compared to poached salmon.
Can you drink red wine with grilled salmon?
Yes — light-to-medium reds like Pinot Noir work well with grilled salmon's richness and char. Avoid heavy, tannic reds.
What wine with salmon and lemon butter?
White Burgundy or Chablis Premier Cru — the wine's acidity and mineral notes complement the lemon while its body handles the butter.

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