15 Best Wines To Pair With Lobster

Although lobster was historically considered to be a dish unfit for any sort of fine dining experience, its image and perceived value changed significantly in the late 1800s. What was previously reserved for prisoners, enslaved people, and kids became associated with more of a luxurious status in the Northeastern U.S. Nowadays, lobster adorns menus in high-end restaurants, though it maintains its popularity as a seasonal staple in coastal communities.

If you're shelling out for lobster and making a night out of it, you'll want to ensure your wine selection is up to par. With its delicate and mildly sweet taste and meaty texture, lobster can be prepared in a wide variety of ways. Depending on the method, be it grilled, poached, or baked, you'll find that certain wines are better suited to complementing the crustacean's natural flavor. Whether you've got a lobster recipe in mind or prefer to choose it based on the wine, we have a versatile selection to satisfy your palate. From crisp, refreshing whites to sparkling wines and light-bodied reds, read on for our favorite pairings.

To meet lobster at its sophisticated stature, it's worth choosing a white wine with a bit more depth and complexity. The Southern Rhône in France features a dozen white grapes in the appellation, offering a range of aromas in every sip. The region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape may be especially known for its rich and earthy red blends, but the whites have just as much to flaunt. Famille Perrin produces an excellent version featuring clairette, roussane, and grenache blanc grapes, producing flavors like white floral notes and hints of honey dance on the palate, rounded out by white fruits and almonds.

An element of oak keeps this wine pleasantly bold, making it a complementary pairing for complex lobster dishes. Lobster poached in butter with spices has a solid backbone to pair with the textural white wine. Grilled lobster seasoned with spices would be nicely rounded out with a Rhône white as well. Although Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most prestigious appellation of the Southern Rhône, other regional white blends would make a delicious pairing too.

As another versatile white variety from the Loire Valley in France (also grown in large amounts in South Africa), chenin blanc is a star player on the table with lobster. The grape can be vinified sweet or dry and still or sparkling, offering a wide range of pairings. It features an aromatic profile with an element of acidity to keep it balanced and pair well with richer preparations.

Vouvray Sec Silex by Vigneau-Chevreau highlights both the grape's elegance as well as its seamless pairing with lobster dishes. Notes of pear, quince, and citrus mingle with a stony finish, offering a fruity and mineral essence in each sip. Serve this sophisticated sip with dishes like steamed lobster dipped in butter, curried grilled lobster in coconut milk, or lobster bisque. Add an element of smoke with a broiled lobster tail, contrast the floral notes in the wine with an herb-heavy preparation, or serve a chilled glass with sushi or a lobster roll. Yes, it's really that versatile.

Although not as well known as the region's red wines, vermentino from Tuscany is a pleasant alternative to standard whites that pairs well with lobster. Coming from a coastal climate, this grape variety is already accustomed to salty sea breezes. Thanks to the Mediterranean heat, it ripens beautifully, teasing out rich aromas balanced by a note of acidity. Try a bottle of vermentino by Famiglia Castellani to savor the interplay of fruity and floral flavors. A mineral element gives it added structure, making this white wine a suitable match even for grilled lobster.

Serve a chilled glass of vermentino with grilled lobster tails dipped in herby butter or take advantage of its acidity and pour it to contrast a creamy lobster roll. The subtle citrus notes in the wine add a lively boost to each bite, while the saline essence complements the sweet lobster meat. Thanks to its fuller body, this Tuscan white wine won't get washed out by bolder flavors.

Just because you're serving lobster doesn't mean you have to go all out by pairing it with grape varieties you've never heard of. Sometimes, classic standbys are the right move. Pinot grigio is made in a wide range of styles and quality points, but look toward Alto Adige in Italy for one worthy of your lobster dinner. The mountainous region benefits from plenty of sunlight at high altitudes, producing rich and balanced wines. Cantina Terlano's pinot grigio is no ordinary wine, thanks to its optimal growing conditions. Notes of pear, lychee, and white melon complement the citrus element and floral fragrance.

This pleasantly aromatic wine pairs well with a delicate lobster dish, such as a lightly poached recipe or a lobster mousse canape. Alternatively, channel the wine's Italian origin by preparing lobster risotto, a true feast of flavors that could do with a vivacious wine to brighten it up. If you can't source a pinot grigio from Alto Adige (it is a very small region with limited production), try a pinot gris from Alsace, France. Its subtly sweeter profile complements the sweet taste of lobster meat for a delicious duo.

Don't knock riesling if you haven't tasted a quality dry version. Whether it be from its homeland in Germany or the ever-up-and-coming regions in Australia, it's well worth your time. Thanks to its citrus undertone, floral essence, and lively aromas, it complements a wide range of ingredients, especially once its characteristic streak of acidity hits the palate. Pikes Wines in Clare Valley, Australia, is well regarded for its riesling production, which includes the "Hills & Valleys" riesling. This dazzling wine showcases its acidity front and center, balanced by a fruity undertone and a hint of honey and spice.

Pair a dry riesling with a creamy dish to contrast the weighty texture. For a unique pairing, serve it with a lobster mashed potatoes recipe to infuse the dish with a zippy note. Similarly, it will highlight the richness of lobster risotto or a creamy lobster-based pasta sauce. A slightly off-dry riesling will also pair well with spiced dishes, too, such as lobster curry or spicy stir-fry. And for some people, sushi paired with riesling is the best match, so pop open a bottle with a loaded lobster roll.

You might not be used to serving red wine with lobster, but certain dishes call for something a little bolder on the palate. Sangiovese is the primary grape in Chianti wines from Tuscany, and it features a generous acidity, with notes of sour cherry and dried herbs in every sip. Along with its earthy element and subtle tomato back notes, it makes an excellent pairing with tomato sauce — it's no surprise it's so ubiquitous at Italian dining tables.

Pagliarese produces an excellent Chianti Classico from traditional vineyard areas known for growing top-quality fruit. Aromatic berry notes pair with earthy notes and hints of spice in this classic wine. Smooth tannins complement the meatier essence of lobster without taking over its subtly sweet taste. Serve this savory red with a tomato-based lobster pasta or risotto dish. Use only lobster to make the crustacean stand out, or incorporate other shellfish for a versatile meal.

As a light-bodied favorite among red wine lovers, gamay is often the answer when seeking a silky smooth red with fruity aromas. While it grows in various places around the world, the source is in Beaujolais, France. Here, you'll find everything from young and vibrant styles to age-worthy renditions. Domaine Lapierre is a top producer in the area, known for its high-quality organic wines. Le Beaujolais is a perfect example, showcasing raspberries and cherries on the palate. The elegant mouthfeel, subtle spice, and floral highlights make it a fantastic choice to serve with your lobster feast.

Complement the spice with a lobster recipe featuring aromatic spices, such as a curry or a grilled tail seasoned with a dry rub. The wine's acidity and freshness keep it lively and refreshing, preventing it from weighing down the mild-tasting protein. Thanks to these qualities, gamay also makes a suitable pairing for a tomato-based dish, such as spaghetti with lobster and tomato sauce.