Food

Fish And Chips Wine Pairing Guide

Nothing beats an Aussie summer spent soaking up the sun, basking in beachside glory, or simply savouring moments with good company over shared feasts of salty fish and chips –deep-fried delights that epitomise the season’s essence. What better way to elevate this classic combo than with the perfect wine pairing?

Discover the magic of pairing with our guide to finding the best wine for fish and chips. From crisp, refreshing whites that work beautifully with these mouth-watering flavours to challenging the norm – can you drink red wine with fish and chips? It’s time to unlock the perfect pairing and expand your enjoyment of these summer favourites.

Shop Aussie Wine

WINE PAIRING WITH FISH AND CHIPS

Fish and chips pair with Semillon

Potato scallops pair with Chardonnay 

Crab cakes pair with Pinot Grigio 

Calamari rings pair with Riesling 

Prawn cutlets pair with Rosé

Pineapple fritters pair with Verdelho 

WHICH WINE GOES WELL WITH FISH AND CHIPS?

Quality fish and chips are crunchy and textural, so pairing them with a wine boasting zippy balancing acidity works wonders. If you’re wondering what wine goes with fish and chips, consider reaching for a Semillon, renowned for its refreshing citrus notes and vibrant acidity, a Sauvignon Blanc, or a Riesling, a great choice thanks to its bright acidity and fruity aromas that harmonise beautifully with the salty, fried goodness.

WHY DOES SAUVIGNON BLANC PAIR WELL WITH FISH?

For those seeking a classic match, a Sauvignon Blanc ticks all the right boxes – it’s crisp, lively, and accentuates the dish’s flavours.

POTATO SCALLOPS / POTATO CAKES

Potato scallops, known for their rich and creamy texture, beckon for a wine companion that mirrors their velvety nature. Pairing them with a richer, textural wine style like Chardonnay, celebrated for its luscious, creamy texture and notes of ripe fruits, or Verdelho, known for its lush texture and vibrant acidity, will enhance your dining experience. Another excellent choice is Fiano. Known for its aromatic qualities, Fiano’s medium body and nuanced flavours will beautifully complement the creamy richness of the potato scallops.

CALAMARI RINGS

For crispy calamari rings, opt for a crunchy white wine with elevated acidity. Riesling, with its zesty acidity, and Semillon, with its crispness and citrusy notes, are great choices. Alternatively, Sauvignon Blanc’s vibrant acidity and herbal tints elevate the calamari’s textures, offering a delightful pairing.

CRAB CAKES

To complement the richness of crab cakes, seek a wine that brings a bit of freshness and vibrancy to the table. Pinot Grigio, with its crispness and lively acidity, is an ideal match. Alternatively, consider Vermentino, which boasts vibrant characters and citrusy undertones. For those seeking a rosier choice, a crisp Rosé offers a lively profile that balances the flavours of crab cakes nicely.

PRAWN CUTLETS

Prawn cutlets, with their clean flavours and taste of the sea, find their perfect match in savoury white wines or Rosé styles. Opt for a crisp Rosé, renowned for its refreshing characters and lively profile. Pinot Grigio and Vermentino are also excellent choices here.

PINEAPPLE FRITTERS

Fritters are crunchy and sweet, so it’s best to choose a wine with a supple, textural, and juicy fruit profile. Verdelho, with its vibrant fruit notes and supple texture, is a delightful pairing. Chardonnay and Fiano are also great options, both complementing the flavours and textures of pineapple fritters, creating a palate-pleasing experience.

WHAT RED WINE GOES WITH FISH AND CHIPS?

Traditionally, red wine with fish and chips might not be the immediate choice for pairing due to their heavier profiles, however that doesn’t rule them out altogether for lovers of red. Richly flavoured fish, like salmon, can be a great match for light to medium-weight and savoury reds like Pinot Noir, Grenache, GSM blends, Nero d’Avola, Barbera, Gamay and Merlot. These wines will complement fish dishes without overpowering them, delivering bright acidity, gentle tannins, and fruity notes that can harmonise well with the flavours.

DOES ROSÉ WINE GO WITH FISH AND CHIPS?

As we saw above, Rosé can be a great match for dishes that include prawn cutlets or crab cakes, and a crisp modern Australian Rosé can also be a great pairing with fish and chips due to its vibrant profile and refreshing qualities.

WHAT WINE GOES WITH A SEAFOOD PLATTER?

Seafood platters showcase a gorgeous variety of fresh flavours and textures, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy them. When wine and seafood come together, the results are magical, and the great news is, there’s a range of delicious varietals that can enhance your enjoyment of a seafood platter.

Think Sparkling with fresh favourites like oysters and prawns, or fuller-bodied and richer whites like Chardonnay, Verdelho or Viognier with lobster, crayfish and bugs. For platters that include white, delicate fish, we’d suggest Pinot G, Arneis, Fiano or Vermentino. As you can see, seafood lovers are spoilt for choice. Learn more, including how to make the perfect seafood platter with wines to match.

DOES PROSECCO GO WITH FISH AND CHIPS?

And does Champagne go with fish and chips for that matter? Both Prosecco and Champagne can pair surprisingly well with fish and chips due to their effervescence and refreshing acidity. Prosecco, with its crisp and light-bodied profile, offers a delightful contrast to the richness of fish and chips, cutting through the fried texture and complementing the flavours of the fish. Similarly, the bubbles and acidity in Champagne work well in balancing the dish’s fried elements, adding a refreshing dimension to the dining experience.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

For more great food and wine combinations, be sure to check out our dedicated Food and Wine Pairing Guide.