Wine Pairing Ideas For Holiday Seafood Dishes

In Mediterranean households, seafood often takes center stage during the holidays, offering a fresh and flavorful way to celebrate. At Alora restaurant in San Francisco, executive chef Nicholas Peters, inspired by his Italian heritage, and beverage director and sommelier Sergio Blandon showcase seafood as the star of the holiday menu, paired with wines that complement the fare.

Peters and Blandon present thoughtfully paired dishes and wines that highlight the richness of Mediterranean holiday traditions and offer a refined alternative to typical turkey and ham. Here are some of their dish suggestions and wine pairing tips.

Mount Lassen Trout Crudo

Steelhead Trout is cured with Mediterranean spices and served with roe, creamy labne, winter citrus, and a spiced coral tuile.

Pairing: 2021 Laurenz V. “Charming” Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal, Austria): A fresh wine with green apple and lemon notes, enhancing the trout’s vibrant flavors.

Charcoal Roasted Branzino

Butterflied branzino is kissed with ouzo, grilled over charcoal, and finished with lemon, herbs and aglio butter. Served with grilled winter citrus for added sweetness.

Pairing: 2022 Aperture Chenin Blanc (Clarksburg, CA): A silky wine with herbal notes and a nutty finish that complements the branzino’s smoky richness.

Octopus Souvlaki

Tender Spanish octopus is paired with golden potatoes and chorizo, served atop smoky romesco sauce with a touch of sherry gastrique.

Pairing: 2022 Balthasar Ress Riesling (Rheingau, Germany): A bright and elegant riesling with stone fruit and candied citrus notes, balancing the dish’s bold flavors.

The post Wine Pairing Ideas For Holiday Seafood Dishes appeared first on Cheers.