Pairings | Smoked

10 different drinks to pair with smoked salmon

Posted by Fiona Beckett (Google+) on January 1 2021 at 07:24

Smoked salmon is most commonly associated with champagne but in fact it goes with many other wines as well as with beer, whisky and vodka.

I tend to go for lighter, crisper whites and beers with lighter smokes and sherry and spirits with stronger ones.

Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and other Loire Sauvignons
The ultra-dry minerally Sauvignons of the Loire with their delicate gooseberry fruit are perfect for simply served smoked salmon. Other top new world Sauvignons will work too so long as they’re not too ‘herbaceous’ as the green bean/asparagussy notes of some Sauvignons are sometimes described.

Chablis
Especially young, unoaked Chablis which has the freshness and clean, crisp acidity to counteract the slight oiliness of smoked salmon. Richer Chardonnays go well with hot smoked salmon.

Dry Riesling
Dry being a relative description when it comes to Riesling. Young German Kabinett Rieslings with their vivid green apple flavours work especially well, but young Alsace and Australian Rieslings are also good. Avoid medium dry and sweeter Rieslings though.

Gewurztraminer
I’m not a big fan of Gewurz and smoked salmon myself but many people swear by it. Again, Alsace would be the obvious source.

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Comments: 5 (Add)

Fiona Beckett on May 26 2020 at 08:11

Glad it was helpful!

Elaine Large on May 25 2020 at 20:22

Very helpful and informative! Got my taste buds watering. Want to try most of these.

John Denne on July 17 2015 at 10:48

With very limited choice, I served Pinot Grigio with smoked salmon yesterday and it was greatly admired. (I liked it too!)

Fiona Beckett on December 5 2012 at 20:36

Ooo, like the idea of Pisco! That would be interesting

Christian Callec on December 5 2012 at 17:25

What about Oban with a slightly smoked salmon?

Great combinations, except that one... ;-)
The Czech pilsner works perfect, especially with fatty salmon... and some pickles. Tried it in august in Prague.
Last but not least, a top Chilean pisco would do it as well (Waqar or Kappa)...
Thanks for this nice article!

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