Wine Pairing with Oysters

The marine, briny flavors of oysters, complemented by nutty notes, resonate with many wine aromas. Oysters can be enjoyed both raw and cooked, making them a versatile choice for different seasons. In winter, they are often the centerpiece of festive tables, while in summer and spring, they are perfect for enjoying on a terrace or by the water.

No matter the occasion, tasting oysters is always a delightful experience, especially when paired with the right wine.

Classic Pairings… with White Wine

The briny taste of oysters does not pair well with red wine. Instead, opt for dry, crisp, and taut white wines. Most often, oysters are enjoyed raw—plain, with a squeeze of lemon, a dash of pepper, or a shallot marinade.

For any preparation, oysters call for a fresh wine with robust acidity. The classic choices include white Burgundy wines such as Chablis Premier Cru, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine from the Nantes region, or Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre in the Centre-Val de Loire.

These three types of dry white wines are among the best to pair with oysters. Each offers freshness and excellent acidity. Chablis will provide mineral notes of flint, along with hints of lemon and apple. Muscadet offers a similar profile with notes of white flowers. Sancerre wines are also elegant and mineral, bringing subtle hints of exotic fruits.

More Original and Surprising Pairings

However, other dry wines can also be enjoyed with oysters. Less conventional options include wines from Alsace, such as Riesling, Sylvaner, and Pinot Blanc. These wines, with their mineral qualities and aromatic profiles, offer a unique pairing experience with oysters.

The Roussanne grape, found in Savoie and Languedoc-Roussillon, also provides a lovely acidity along with citrus and white flower notes. Although rarely served with oysters, it is a delightful and unconventional choice.

Sparkling wines (Champagnes and Crémants), especially those made from Chardonnay (such as Blanc de Blancs), also make an excellent match with the texture and flavor of oysters. They are a superb choice for highlighting a festive occasion.

What Wines with Warm Oysters?

Warm oysters have a more tender texture and slightly less briny flavor, opening up new pairing possibilities. While the aforementioned dry white wines also work well with warm oysters, consider serving rounder wines, particularly those aged in oak barrels.

Think of legendary white Pessac-Léognan wines from the Bordeaux region or white Burgundy from Côte de Beaune or Mâconnais.

When paired with gratinée cheese, warm oysters even allow for the consideration of carefully selected light red wines.