When it comes to enjoying a classic dish like fish and chips, finding the perfect wine pairing can take your dining experience to a whole new level. How often do we even think about drinking wine with fish and chips? Probably not very often, but the right wine will really enhance the flavours of the crispy fish, chips and any classic chip shop accompaniments. Don’t forget when adding salt and vinegar that vinegar is an enemy of most wines!
We all know that white wine and fish is a great combination but, to choose the perfect match for wine with fish and chips, you need to consider, not just the fish itself but also the batter and extras such as salt and vinegar (vinegar can kill the flavours of a wine). In the article below you will find some wine pairing recommendations. This is all down to personal taste, however, and if you prefer a red wine with fish and chips, who is to say you are wrong? Food and wine matching really is a personal thing.
I suspect that most people’s go to for this will be a white wine and I think this is probably the best place to start. The most important things to consider are that the white wine should be crisp and refreshing with good acidity which will help cut through the richness and fattiness of the dish. The wine should not overpower the fish but should complement and enhance flavours.
A fresh and zingy white wine with a good bit of citrus character acts like a squeeze of lemon with the seafood to create a wonderful combination. One of my first picks would be a Sauvignon Blanc, preferably something from New Zealand, something like the Cloudy Bay or Palliser Estate with vibrant notes of grapefruit and herbaceous undertones would be a good choice. A classic match and also good if served with tartar sauce.
Other white wines that pair well are Chardonnay, especially those that are unoaked or lightly oaked. Try Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, a great oaky Chardonnay that I think is one of the very best value Chardonnays that we sell. It has a good balance of freshness and acidity with creamy, oaky notes which work well. A dry-ish Australian Riesling with lots of lime-y citrus character and zippy acidity, like the Churchview Estate St Johns Wild Fermented Riesling, can also work extremely well.
And don’t forget rosé wine with fish and chips. A Spanish or Portuguese rosé would be a little fuller bodied and better rounded than a white wine however, if one wanted to push the boat out, the Domaine Ott Rosé would be a fantastic choice.
Of course, the luxurious option would be Champagne. Champagne is an absolutely excellent and classic wine that goes brilliantly with fish and chips, the dryness, acidity and bubbles make it a perfect combination, cutting through any greasiness with ease. In fact, there is a school of thought that Champagne goes with absolutely anything! If you are on a budget try and look for a good dry Cava, like Mas Macia Cava Brut Nature (no extra sugar added) or a dry Prosecco. Or, being as we are in Hampshire, look out for Cottonworth Wines, Hambledon Vineyard and Raimes Sparkling wine – they make some fantastic Hampshire Sparkling Wine.
Hampshire Sparkling Wines
The last option, which may not be to everyone’s taste, would be one of the world’s great food wines – Sherry. Bear with me! A dry, light, delicate and floral Fino or Manzanilla sherry would make a great match. In fact, when I visited Jerez, where sherry is made, Sherry was served with every course, from starter through to dessert. The cuisine from the Jerez region is predominantly fish-based and a nice, dry Sherry was the perfect match. The natural tang of a dry Sherry (and the slight salty notes in a Manzanilla) would will pair really well with crispy batter and fish (and tempura-type dishes).
If you don’t like fish and prefer chicken, sausages or burgers, you are in luck – most red wines will go with these, and pretty much any white wine goes with chicken.
And it is not just wine that goes with fish and chips! In the end, it is all about personal taste. For me, there is nothing wrong with a good, strong cup of tea but get creative, try sake, sparkling sake and there are any number of beers that will pair well.
