Pairing Wine With Grouper

Grouper is a soft and juicy white fish, often described as having a mild yet subtly sweet taste. It has a wonderful texture, isn’t overly oily, and is relatively easy to cook, making it highly popular in restaurants around the world. There are two different types of grouper: red and black. Thankfully, they are similar enough in taste so as to not demand two different wine pairings.

It is important not to overpower the subtle taste of grouper, so most of our suggestions in this article are dry, light-bodied wines with low tannins. Despite what you often hear, it is possible to pair red wine with fish, so we’ll include a couple of options for red wine fans too. 

Wine Characteristics To Pair With Grouper

Grouper already has a slightly sweet taste, so ideally, you’ll want a dry wine to contrast that. It is also often served alongside buttery sauces or potatoes, so high acidity is important to highlight the fish’s subtle flavor. Finally, you should look for a wine with low tannins and a light body, to avoid overpowering the fish or creating an unpleasant clash between the fishy oils and the tannins.

Best Red Wine To Drink With Grouper

Grouper can be served with some earthy sides, such as buttery sauce or roasted or mashed vegetables. There are some red wines that absolutely qualify as potential pairings – all are light-bodied, crisp and low in tannins.

Pinot Noir

This Burgundy favorite is our first option. It’s crisp, fruity, light-bodied and comes with a grounded, earthy side, which will anchor the wine to whatever garnishes your grouper comes with. Although it’s packed with red fruit flavors, a nice, light Pinot Noir won’t risk overpowering the fish.

Rosé

Rosé is a broad term, and which one you pair with grouper comes down to personal preference. Most rosés are highly acidic, low in tannins and suitable for pairing with subtly flavored fish. We recommend a Garnacha rosé from Spain, simply because they are usually packed with red fruit, without being overwhelming. 

Best White Wine To Drink With Grouper

When it comes to pairing Grouper with white wine, there are a few things to consider to enhance the dining experience. While a crisp and clean white wine is often preferred, exploring oak-aged whites can add an extra layer of richness and complexity, with hints of butter, vanilla, and nut that beautifully complement the fish, and whichever garnish it comes with.

Chardonnay

Whether oaked or unoaked, the elegance of a French Chardonnay will be an excellent match for grouper. We recommend sticking to Old World regions, as the tropical notes from warmer locations may clash a little with the grouper’s mild taste. A clean, mineral-rich Chablis is a brilliant option, perfect for providing a sharp contrast to the fish and palate-cleansing acids.

Chenin Blanc

A dry or sparkling Chenin Blanc would also be a fantastic pairing for grouper. This wine is typically high in acidity, and its fuller body will match the firm texture of grouper. Subtle notes of pear and apple with a strong minerality will match the grouper’s subtle flavors, and the overall “purity” of a nice Chenin Blanc will offer a refreshing contrast.

Roussanne

Roussanne is one of the more overlooked grapes in France, but it is perfect for grouper. It can have a remarkable amount of power and body for white wine, but this is balanced out by manageable flavors of peach, pear and flora. In short, it has a wonderful texture to match the fish, but its flavor profile is unlikely to overpower the grouper’s mild taste.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a perennial favorite for pairing with fish. Whether you opt for a cleaner example from France or a vibrant wine from New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc’s full, fruity flavors and hints of herbs and vegetation are always a brilliant match for fish. It bears enough acidity to cut through any potential side dishes, and its pure taste will only serve to enhance the flavor of the fish. 

Best Wine To Drink With Grouper

To enhance your grouper experience, we recommend opting for a light, crunchy white wine, with relatively delicate flavors, to match the fish. There are some red options, but in general, the flavor profile of white wine is a far better match for seafood. These are our top five choices. 

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Chenin Blanc
• Roussanne
• Pinot Noir