Octopus is a surprisingly delightful, versatile ingredient. When prepared well it is tender and delicious; a delicacy you will want to have again and again. One of the best qualities of octopus is that there is so much variety in preparation and its light, delicate flavour pairs well with so many ingredients. When it comes to wine, you may think white is best, but depending on how the octopus is prepared, you may find reds that will pair quite well.
Best Red Wine With Octopus
Red wines from the Mediterranean region tend to pair best with octopus.
- Garnacha: strong berry flavour and notes of cinnamon and herbs
- Pinot Noir: always a popular choice; light on body, high on aromatics.
- Agiorgitiko: Greek with dark fruit flavour, and notes of pepper and oak.
- Rioja: dry, medium-bodied with notes of dark stone fruit and leather.
Best White Wine With Octopus
If you prefer white wine, choose something with a good amount of acidity and fruit.
- Assyrtiko: Light, Greek wine with tropical notes and minerality.
- Verdejo: light, fruit-forward with citrus and mineral notes.
- Pinot Grigio: smooth, refreshing, with bright fruit flavours.
- Cava: Sparkling wine of Spain with quince, yellow apple and almond notes.
- Sauvignon Blanc: highly acidic, fruity, dry white with herb tones.
Pairing Wine With Various Octopus Dishes
Wine With Grilled Octopus
Sauvignon Blanc or an Assyrtiko are perfect matches for the light flavour of grilled octopus. Garnacha is also a great option if you prefer red.
Wine With Octopus Stew
Ingredients for Octopus stew can vary by region, but a light red is a safe bet. Pinot Noir is sure to elevate your stew.
Wine With Octopus Ceviche
Something as light and fresh tasting as ceviche needs an equally light and refreshing wine. A Verdejo is a perfect complement to this dish.
Wine With Octopus Carpaccio
This dish is served with lemon, so you cannot go wrong with a wine with some citrus. Try an Albariño or a Verdejo.
Wine With Octopus Stifado
Popular in Greece, the octopus is cooked long and slow in wine and tomato sauce. A great accompaniment to this delicious meal is an Agiorgitiko.
Wine With Charred Octopus
A Rioja or Agiorgitiko has enough complexity to stand up to the smoky, charred flavour without overpowering the flavour of the octopus.
Wine With Stir-Fried Octopus
A popular Korean side dish made with gochujang, garlic, and ginger, this spicy side needs a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cool the palate.
Wine With Hobotnica Ispod Peke
A Dalmatian dish full of garlic, lemon, mint, and chiles, served with potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper will require a refreshing white. We recommend Verdejo or Assyrtiko.
Wine With Filetes de Polvo
A Cava or other sparkling wine will elevate this tasty treat otherwise known as Fried Octopus Tentacles.
Wine With Takoyaki
Pinot Grigio or Cava is perfect with this appetizer of diced octopus in an egg batter, fried, and topped with scallions, pickled ginger, and dried fish flakes.
