Fish friendly

While conventional wisdom has it that white wines are the only choice to serve with fish, bubbles, rosé and light-footed reds can be just as well suited. Let the combination flavours on the plate steer your decision, and it’ll be hard to put a foot wrong. Here are some recommendations.

Matthew Hirsch

Gilbert Picq Chablis, 2014, Burgundy (France), $40

Weighty, buttery chardonnay can easily overpower the more delicate dimensions of fish dishes, which is why chablis is always a reliable partner. A luxurious counterpart to fish and chips, or a panfried whiting fillet in beurre blanc sauce.

Frankland Estate Riesling, 2020, Great Southern, $32

The overwhelming purity and generosity of fruit in Frankland Estate’s organically farmed riesling make it a smart pick if you’re looking to respect the flavours of sashimi and nigiri, or a creamy laksa with firm-fleshed white fish.

Spinifex Rosé, 2020, Barossa Valley, $26

Over the past decade, Spinifex has firmly established itself as one of Australia’s most formidable rosé producers. All of the work in the dry-grown vineyards is done by hand. A perfect match for a niçoise salad or crudités, taramasalata and a sunny afternoon.

Dominique Piron Beaujolais-villages, 2019, Beaujolais (France), $25

A simple, straightforward and slightly chilled red fits the bill if the order of the day is zuppa di pesce (fish soup) or something savoury starring anchovies, like a napoletana pizza or traditional pissalidière (flatbread).