The modest oyster spends its life in one spot, immobile, filtering seawater for an average of three years until it grows to market size. While a fresh-shucked oyster comes bathed in that briny dressing, it also has flavors and textures that aficionados scrutinize with the rigor of a wine tasting. Its multifarious character invites a surprising range of pairing options (the popular Irish pairing of raw oysters with Guinness stout is a must-try).
Try them with different wines to bring out all their complexities.
BRINY
Oysters taste unabashedly of the sea. If you think of raw oysters as a salty snack akin to olives, nuts or ham, then take a cue from Spain and pair with fino Sherry. Its combination of full-body, bracing acidity and savory nuttiness stands up to oysters’ most brazen side.
MELONY
Many oysters have notes of cucumber or underripe honeydew. This fruitiness is enhanced by sweet wine. The sweetness of Auslese Riesling from Germany is offset by acidity and stony minerality that lift, rather than smother, the delicate oyster.
METALLIC
While the Kimmeridgian soils of Chablis are rich with oyster shells, it’s the Chardonnay’s trademark steely, flinty character that melds with oysters’ coppery metallic notes, making for an exceptionally complementary pairing.
CUSTARDY
Large, plump oysters have a custardy quality with a subtle hint of sweet cream. Muscadet is a classic pairing due to its acidity and salinity notes. But those produced sur lie—with extended lees contact—lend creamy, yeasty notes that also showcase oysters’ richer side.
This article originally appeared in the December 31, 2021 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Click here to subscribe today!
Published: December 12, 2021
