There is nothing quite like steamed mussels for a delicious dinner party side dish. The succulent, fresh mussels are enhanced by the white wine and herbs used when steaming them.
But what wine should you serve along with your steamed mussels? Let’s look at some of the best wines that pair perfectly with your mussels.
The most popular types of wine to pair with mussels are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Dry Riesling, French White Wine, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Prosecco, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Choosing the Right Bottle is Always Important
The bottle of Wine that will open for your dinner party, it’s best to select one that is affordable but still offers good quality and flavor.
Always go for something balanced in terms of price and taste, so you don’t end up overspending on something too expensive or getting an inferior product because you want to save money.
Look for bottles from smaller vineyards or lesser-known regions; these often offer great value for money without compromising on quality.
Another tip is to select a bottle from a region where seafood dishes are popular; for example, French white wines from Bordeaux or Burgundy are often excellent choices when it comes to pairing these dishes with wine.
Additionally, try looking for bottles labeled as “unwooded”; these wines tend to be lighter in body and have more crispness than those labeled as “oaked” or “aged” – perfect for coupling with seafood dishes like steamed mussels!
9 Best wine served with Steamed Mussels
Fortunately, there is no shortage of wines that go well with steamed mussels, so you’ll have plenty of options. Here are just a few of my favorite wines that will delight everyone’s taste buds.
1. French White Wines
Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something bold and complex, there is sure to be a perfect match for your steamed mussels dish. For an extra special touch, try serving one of these classic French whites:
Pouilly-Fumé: This classic Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc has a bright, citrusy aroma with grapefruit and green apple notes. Its crisp acidity and elegant structure make it an excellent pairing for the delicate flavors of steamed mussels.
Chablis: Chablis is one of the most famous wines of France, and its light mineral notes pair perfectly with mussels. This classic Chardonnay’s high acidity and subtle flavors can add a special touch to any seafood dish.
Muscadet: An excellent choice for those who prefer lighter-bodied white wine, Muscadet has a refreshingly crisp acidity that is perfect for balancing out the briny flavor of steamed mussels. Its subtle notes of citrus and minerality can add an extra dimension to your seafood dish.
No matter which French white wine you choose, it’s sure to be a delicious pairing with steamed mussels.
2. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a dry white wine that matches nicely with steamed mussels, thanks to its light and buttery flavor. Its creamy texture and delicate notes of honey and peach go well with the sweetness of mussels.
It also has notes of citrus and apples which help complement the briny taste of the mussels without overpowering them.
The acidity in Chardonnay helps cut through any cream or butter sauces often used when steaming mussels, creating an even more flavorful experience.
3. Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is another excellent choice for pairing with steamed mussels, as it has a slightly sweet and acidic flavor that complements the brininess of the mussel meat.
This light-bodied white wine also has floral and citrus notes, which help bring out the subtle flavors of other ingredients in your recipes, such as garlic or herbs.
The slight sweetness makes it an excellent choice for those who don’t like overly dry wines but still want something light enough to pair with seafood dishes like steamed mussels.
4. Sauvignon Blanc
A Sauvignon Blanc is one of my bucket list choices to play with your seafood dishes, such as steamed mussels. With its crisp acidity and grassy flavors, Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of butter-based sauces and highlight the delicate flavor of the mussels.
This full-bodied white has notes of green apple and grass, making it an ideal match for any creamy sauces you might use in your recipes, such as garlic or white wine cream sauce.
Its herbal aromas also enhance the flavors of fresh herbs commonly used in steaming recipes, such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Dry Riesling
If you’re looking for something with more weight, try pairing your steamed mussels with a dry Riesling.
Riesling also goes nicely with many side dishes or sauces, making it a versatile accompaniment to any meal featuring steamed mussels.
This crisp, fruity white wine has a subtle sweetness balanced by zesty acidity and minerality. It cuts through the natural brine of the mussels, enhancing their flavors without overpowering them.
6. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the way to go if you’re in the mood for a bolder wine. This medium-bodied red wine has earthy flavors and pairs perfectly with the richness of steamed mussels in garlic butter sauce.
Not only does its lighter body and acidity help balance out the mussels’ richness, but its subtle fruitiness provides a more complex flavor profile than other wines.
Pinot Noir grapes tend to grow in cooler climates, which leads to a slightly tart finish and lower alcohol content, making them an excellent partner for lighter foods.
When serving Pinot Noir with steamed mussels, look for wines with higher acidity and mineral notes, such as those from the Burgundy region of France. This will help cut through the mussels’ richness without overpowering them or taking away from their flavor.
Pinot Noir is always a good choice for those who prefer reds. Its earthy tones are perfect for heavier dishes like steamed mussels in tomato sauce or garlic butter.
Additionally, Pinot Noir can be served slightly chilled, which helps to brighten up the dish and refreshes the palate with each sip. Enjoy your steamed mussels paired with a delicious bottle of Pinot Noir!
7. Merlot
A Merlot has bold and juicy flavors that add a subtle sweetness to the seafood, making it an ideal accompaniment.
Merlot is a medium-bodied varietal that offers flavors of cherry, plum, and blackberry with nuances of cedar and spice. Its balanced acidity and tannins bring smoothness to the palate, making it an ideal pairing for various seafood dishes.
To maximize the flavor profile of your meal, serve a bottle of Merlot at room temperature with your steamed mussels. This will allow the full richness of flavors to come through without overpowering the delicate flavors of the seafood. Enjoy!
8. Prosecco– For an extra boost of flavor
Of course, I’ve sparkled bubbly wine to elevate the mood with a mussel feast, Prosecco is always a great option. Its crispness and bubbles make it an outstanding balance to the buttery, earthy flavors of steamed mussels.
Prosecco is the effervescent bubbles in the wine that add an extra layer of flavor to this classic seafood dish.
Pairing Prosecco with mussels creates a unique taste that is light and refreshing yet full of flavor. The acidity in the wine helps cut through the mussels’ richness, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Not only will you enjoy all the wonderful flavors brought together by this pairing, but you’ll also be getting a few health benefits from Prosecco’s antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote good overall health.
With all of these fantastic benefits, it’s simple to see why Prosecco is such a popular companion to mussels. So, why not give it a try? You won’t regret it!
9. Cabernet Sauvignon
It is another full-bodied red that goes well with steamed mussels’ richness.
No matter which type of wine you choose to pair with your steamed mussels, it’s sure to be a match made in seafood heaven. So grab a bottle, invite some friends and family, and enjoy!
Mark my Word
Whether you are hosting a close dinner party or just looking for an ideal side dish to serve alongside your main course, steamed mussels make an excellent choice.
And when it comes time to choose which wine will best complement them, several varieties work well – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling are some of the best options available!
Just share my experience that I love to drink Pinot noir with steamed mussels. This is one of my best choices and the second one is Chardonnay.
Be sure to select a bottle from a region known for its seafood dishes. Look out for unwooded labels if you want something light yet flavorful enough to stand up against this delicious dish!
With these suggestions in mind, finding the perfect wine for your next dinner party shouldn’t be too difficult!
Experimenting with different types can help you find your favorite combination. Feel free to try out any (or all!) of these three suggestions! With the right pairing, you’ll take your next plate of steamed mussels from good to great!