With regards to pairing wine with fish and chips, you’ll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the mild flavors of the dish without overpowering it.
Best White Wines to pair with Fish & Chips
A crisp, dry white wine can be a good choice, as they have high acidity and citrus notes that can cut through the richness of fried fish and potatoes. Another option could be a dry Riesling, which has a slightly sweeter profile that can balance out the saltiness of the dish. The best white wine to pair with fish and chips will depend on your taste preferences, so feel free to experiment and find the best combination for you.
- Sauvignon Blanc – This light and crisp wine has a refreshing acidity that complements the subtle flavors of fish n chips
- Pinot Grigio – This light and refreshing wine has a citrusy flavor that can complement the tangy yogurt sauce often served with fish. Here’s one we tried recently- Ridge Road Pinot Grigio
- Chardonnay – A full-bodied Chardonnay with a buttery finish can balance the fish
- Dry Riesling – A slightly sweet Riesling can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors
- Albariño
- Vermentino
- Muscadet
- Grüner Veltliner
- Picpoul de Pinet
- Assyrtiko
Best Red Wines to pair with Fish & Chips
Generally, white wines are better paired with fish and chips than red wine. However, if you prefer red wines, you could consider a light-bodied, low-tannin red wine. Here are some light-bodied red wines that can pair well with fish and chips:
- Pinot Noir – This light-bodied red wine has a delicate flavor that can complement the fish without overpowering it
- Beaujolais (Gamay)
- Valpolicella
- Chianti (Sangiovese)
- Dolcetto
- Grenache – A medium-bodied Grenache with a fruity flavor can balance the flavors of fish and provide a refreshing contrast.
- Cinsault
- Zweigelt
Again, I would like to emphasize that white wine is the most commonly recommended pairing with fish and chips, but if you prefer red wine, these are some options to consider.
About Fish & Chips
Fish ‘n’ chips is a classic British dish that typically consists of battered and deep-fried fish (usually cod or haddock) and thick-cut potato chips (fries). The flavors of fish and chips can vary depending on the recipe and cooking method, but here are some general flavor characteristics:
- Fried: The fish and chips are deep-fried, which gives them a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a tender, flaky interior.
- Salty: The dish is often seasoned with salt, which enhances the flavors of the fish and the potatoes.
- Savory: The batter used to coat the fish is typically made with flour, beer, and spices, which can add a savory, slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
- Potato-y: The chips are made from thick-cut potatoes, which have a starchy, earthy flavor.
- Mildly fishy: The fish used in fish and chips is usually mild-flavored and not overly fishy, which allows the other flavors in the dish to shine.
Overall, Fish & Chips is a satisfying, comforting dish with a crispy, salty, and savory flavor profile.