Red Lobster - Our Menus - Beverage Pairing

Beverage Pairing

Better Together

There’s only one person who can tell you what goes perfectly with your favorite dish – you. The tips below can get you started and help you explore. But ultimately, let your taste buds be your guide.

When you choose:

Consider:

Crab

Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay

Flounder or Sole

White Zinfandel or Sparkling

Lobster

Sparkling, Chardonnay or Saugivgnon Blanc

Salmon

Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, light Merlot, Chardonnay or White Zinfandel

Shrimp

Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay or White Zinfandel

Trout

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Sparkling

Chicken

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir

Beef

Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon

Red, White or What?

While it’s a myth that only white wine goes with seafood, the lighter the fish or meat, the lighter the wine. A good rule of thumb is to pair lighter-style wine, such as sauvignon blanc, with a lighter fish such as sole. A darker fish such as salmon can be a good match with a medium-style wine, such as a chardonnay or a pinot noir.

Balanced Tastes

Consider the overall flavors of your meal and choose something that works with and complements the main flavor. If your main dish is spicy, like Cajun-battered shrimp, a sweeter drink or slightly fruity wine can soften the spice and bring out the underlying flavors. Is it sweet, like honey-glazed halibut? You might want to balance it with a dryer wine. A rich, savory meal such as lobster often works well with a lighter but flavorful taste such as a sparkling wine.

Whatever you do, just remember, finding the perfect match is all about what tastes right to you and how adventurous you want to be with your next sip.