Seafood & shellfish

Seafood and shellfish. These treasures of the ocean and freshwater instantly evoke freshness, delicacy, and moments of celebration. Iodine-rich oysters, juicy shrimp, sumptuous lobsters, pearly scallops, and noble fish... their diversity is as vast as the sea horizon, offering a palette of flavors and textures that make them exceptional dishes. To enhance these aquatic delights, the choice of wine is essential, as it must respect their finesse while adding a harmonious note. At CAVE, we invite you to choose the wine that will embrace the purity and complexity of these products, always starting from your desire of the moment.

Pairing wines with seafood and shellfish is a precise exercise, where every nuance counts. The saltiness of oysters, the sweetness of scallops, the richness of lobster, and the iodine character of shrimp require a liquid companion capable of highlighting without masking, refreshing without erasing, and balancing the aromas. The finesse of the marine flavors is at the heart of the pairing. Our "Perfect Pairings" philosophy guides you precisely in this process: rather than looking for a dish to go with a wine, let's find the ideal wine for this culinary journey along the water.

A few essential principles for successful pairings with seafood and shellfish:

• Freshness and minerality are key: These white wines bring a liveliness that echoes the freshness of seafood and cleanses the palate.

• Acidity is your ally: A nice acidity in the wine is essential to cut through the richness of the preparations (butter, cream) and to complement the sometimes sweet and salty flavor of the seafood.

• Beware of tannins: Tannin-rich red wines are generally best avoided, as they can create an unpleasant metallic taste when they encounter the iodine and iron present in certain seafood. If you feel like drinking red wine, opt for very light and fruity varieties.

For oysters and other raw shellfish (clams, mussels), the classic and timeless pairing is a dry, lively, and crisp white wine with a nice salty minerality. Their citrus notes and crystalline character go perfectly with the iodine and fresh texture of these delicacies. Delicate, light fish (sole, cod, sea bream) call for fresh, aromatic, balanced white wines whose finesse matches that of the fish. Their aromas of white fruit, citrus, or flowers will enhance the purity of the flavor.

When turning to fattier, fleshier fish (salmon, tuna, swordfish) or shellfish (lobster, rock lobster, large shrimp), the wine can be a little more full-bodied. Fuller white wines, sometimes with a little aging to add roundness and complexity, are perfect for accompanying the richness of these dishes. For shellfish prepared with butter, a white wine with good acidity and substance will provide a sumptuous balance. Exceptionally, very light and fruity reds, served chilled, can accompany certain fatty fish.

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 highlight is a gem from our regularly rotating selection of 1,500 wines, chosen specifically for their perfect pairing with seafood and shellfish. This approach guarantees a constant source of inspiration for your future discoveries.

Because your desires are unique and the flavors of the sea are endless, our team of passionate professionals is always available to offer personalized advice. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have a specific seafood product in mind or if you're looking to create the perfect pairing that will transport your taste buds to new horizons.  In the same vein, we can guide you in finding the best food and wine pairings with fish, Italian cuisine or even game! Wine can also be adapted to a theme such as a cigar tasting or a festive evening!

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