Oyster Wine Pairing Guide

After reading this oyster wine pairing guide, you'll be able to confidently order the perfect drink. From the acidity to the brininess, there's a lot to consider, and I'm happy to explain it all.

I don't know about you, but I love indulging in fresh, raw oysters at my favorite oyster bar. It's seriously the best way to celebrate something special! (Even if that something is surviving a brutal Wednesday).

And a bowl of oysters just isn't complete without a glass of wine to go with it. But before you just order your go-to fav, read this guide!

The right wine will make your oysters taste amazing! But if you order the wrong one...watch out! You might get a funky aftertaste or worse - the oysters might taste less like the ocean and more like metal.

I put together the ultimate guide so you don't have to wrack your brain for what to order. Read through these tips and you'll be ordering drinks like a pro!

🍇 Wine pairing tips for oysters

Before browsing the wine list, keep these tips in mind.

First, keep in mind where the oysters come from. The source or location of the oysters affects the taste. And (as you know), the oyster's taste will affect which wine you order.

Pacific oysters are sweeter than East Coast oysters. And East Coast oysters have a distinct saltiness to them.

Next, keep your sides in mind. What else are you eating with the oysters? Some of the most common sides with oysters are:

• Grilled vegetables 
• Seafood
• French baguette 
• Cucumber Dill Salad

Finally, choose your wine based on the type(s) of sauces you will eat with the oysters. The most common sauces served with oysters are:

• Cocktail 
• Lemon Juice 
• Mignonette Sauce (shallot, champagne vinegar, salt, pepper) 
• Tabasco Sauce

Once you have all of that in mind, you'll be better prepared to make a smart choice with your wine.

So, are you ready to find out which wines to eat with oysters? Let's get to 'em!

🥂 White wine pairings for oysters

White wines are everyone's go-to choice for oysters. White wine goes with seafood, right? While that's a pretty safe guess, there are some choices that pass the flavor test better than any others.

My favorite white wines with oysters are:

• Fino Sherry - For anyone that prefers a dry wine with the salty oysters, go with a fino sherry. This wine is made from Palomino grapes and has a light-bodied consistency that doesn't compete with the oysters on your palate.
  
  The slight nuttiness in the wine will elevate the brininess in the oysters. This is an especially smart choice if you're enjoying them with a charcuterie board.
  
• Chablis - This is a popular choice with oysters because it's grown in unique Kimmeridgian soil that contains fossilized seashells. As a result, it's a natural pairing with the oceanic oysters.
  
  Chablis has bright, citrus notes with florals that dance on your tongue. You might even pick up on the essence of stone fruit, too. But it's in the background, so it won't fight with the oysters for attention.
  
• Dry Tokaji - This white wine is from Hungary and has a crisp acidity that just goes deliciously well with raw oysters. Think of the acidity in the wine as the lemon juice that you add on top of the oysters. It tones down the saltiness and brings out the other flavors.
  
• Sauvignon Blanc - Some call this the insider's favorite oyster wine. Choosy people rely on this crisp white wine when they order oysters because the bright citrus notes play well with the slippery oysters. I love it!
  
• Muscadet - If you're eating sweeter Pacific oysters than go with a rich muscadet. It enhances the natural sweetness in the oysters, while also magically diminishing the salinity. This white wine will give you a clean finish with every sip.

🍷 Red wine pairings for oysters

When it comes to reds, go for light-bodied red wines instead of big, bold, tannic reds. And generally, you'll want to stay away from dessert wines - they can be way too sweet and overpower briny oysters. Remember, you don't want to mask the delicate flavors of the oysters.

That's why I always pair one of these red wines with my oysters:

• Pinot Noir - This light-bodied wine is ideal when you want to pair a red wine with oysters. The subtle sweetness of classic Pinot Noir strawberry aromas and flavors will balance the saltiness of the oysters. You might also notice raspberry flavors.
  
• Beaujolais - Gamay grapes bring bright, light, fruity flavors and acidity that helps enhance the delicious briny, salty oysters.
  
• Poulsard - For a specialty wine, look for a Poulsard, specifically one from the Jura region of eastern France. This dry red wine has a delicate floral aroma with fruity notes. This is a wine that, while it can be made in an off-dry style, is usually dry enough to compliment the oysters.
  
  I think Poulsard from Jura tastes dainty, with bits of wild strawberry and tangy cranberry flavors mixed in. Some people think this red wine has an earthiness that enhances the oceanic flavors of the oysters. Either way, it's a winner!

🍾 Sparkling and rosé pairings for oysters

Rosé and sparkling wines are classic pairings for oysters.

Some people may not like how the bubbles in the wine react to the oyster's slippy texture. But most people enjoy these traditional pairings.

If your favorite wines are Rosés or sparkling, then these are the best choices for your oyster dishes.

• Provence Rosé - Some of my favorite rosé wines come from Provence. Rosés from this region tend to be delightfully dry and crisp, with a muted minerality. It's the perfect way to enjoy a rosé without overpowering your tastebuds with sweetness.
  
• Champagne - For something bubbly, go with a classic champagne, especially Brut. You'll love how the yeasty, bread-like flavors bring out the salt-water flavors of the oysters.
  
• Prosecco - Sticking with the dry theme, Prosecco is another fantastic sparkling wine choice. In fact, if you're eating oysters from the East Coast, this sparkling wine will accentuate all the flavors in the oysters in the best way!
  
  The flavors aren't the only reason you should try oysters with Prosecco. But it's also known as the national wine of Venice. And Venetians sure know what goes with seafood and wine.
  
• Cava - This Spanish sparkling wine is bursting with delicate citrus notes. It's perfectly in between the flavor of Champagne and Prosecco. If you can't decide between the two, order a Cava.

Wine pairing FAQs

🚫 What wines do NOT pair well with oysters

When it comes to oysters, you don't want to cover up their seaside flavors. You also don't want to drink something that will compete with them, causing a confusion mixture of flavors.

Avoid wines that are too bold or tannic. You should also avoid red or white wines that are too sweet.

The four wines you generally want to stay away from when you order oysters are:

• Merlot
• Petite Sirah
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Malbec