Fish

Fish. This treasure of the waters, whether from the ocean or rivers, is a pillar of healthy and flavorful cuisine around the world. From delicate pan-fried sole fillets to robust grilled tuna steaks, melt-in-the-mouth salmon and fresh perch, its versatility is endless, offering a range of textures and flavors that make it a dish of choice for all occasions. To enhance these aquatic delights, the choice of wine is essential: it must respect their finesse while adding a harmonious note that celebrates the dish. At CAVE, we invite you to choose a wine that will embrace the purity and complexity of the fish, always based on your dish of choice.

Pairing wines with fish is a subtle art, as there is immense diversity in species, textures (fine, fatty, flaky) and preparation methods (raw, poached, grilled, in sauce). The key to pairing often lies less in the fish itself than in its accompaniments and sauce. The iodine, delicacy, and sometimes richness of fish require a liquid companion that can highlight without masking, refresh without erasing, and balance the aromas. Our "Perfect Pairings" philosophy guides you precisely in this endeavor : rather than looking for a fish to accompany a wine, let's find the ideal wine for this marine taste journey.

A few essential principles for successful fish pairings:

• Freshness and acidity are key: For most fish, lively white wines with good acidity are ideal, as they cut through richness (from sauces or fatty fish) and cleanse the palate.

• Avoid aggressive tannins: Red wines that are too tannic can create an unpleasant metallic sensation in the mouth when they encounter the iodine and iron present in certain fish.

• Match intensity: Delicate fish calls for a light, subtle wine, while fattier fish or rich preparations allow for fuller wines.

• The sauce is key: The garnish and sauce accompanying the fish often influence the choice of wine more than the fish itself.

For white fish with fine, delicate flesh (sole, cod, sea bass, perch) prepared simply (poached, steamed, plain), choose dry, lively, mineral white wines. Their citrus notes, freshness, and crystalline character pair beautifully with the purity of the flesh.

When it comes to fattier, fleshier fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines) or grilled and roasted fish, the wine can be a little more full-bodied. Fuller white wines with good richness and a touch of fat, or even some structured rosés, will be wonderful companions. Exceptionally, very light and fruity red wines, served slightly chilled and with very few tannins, can accompany grilled oily fish.

If your fish dish is accompanied by a creamy or buttery sauce, a white wine with good acidity and body will be needed to balance the richness. Aromas of white fruit and hazelnut or its roundness will make for a sumptuous pairing. For fish in tomato sauce or with aromatic herbs, more fruity whites or light reds can be considered.

Our quest for "Perfect Pairings" takes you far beyond the beaten track! We explore varied and exciting terroirs around the world. Our extensive and inclusive selection comprises wines from organic, biodynamic, and conventional agriculture, because diversity and open-mindedness are at the heart of our passion for wine. Each bottle we showcase is a gem from our regularly rotating selection of 1,500 wines, chosen specifically for their perfect pairing with fish. This approach guarantees a constant source of inspiration for your future discoveries.

Because your tastes are unique and the world of fish is infinite, our team of enthusiasts is always on hand to offer personalized advice. Don't hesitate to ask us if you have a specific fish in mind or if you're looking to create the perfect pairing that will transport your taste buds. In addition to fish, we can also recommend excellent food and wine pairings with seafood, cheese or even vegetarian cuisine! We can also recommend specific wines to enhance a romantic evening or cigar tasting.

Dive into our current selection of fish and get ready for moments of sharing, marine flavors, and pure freshness! Great taste doesn't wait!