I’ve been a pescetarian for many years, eating a vegetarian diet that includes dairy, eggs and some fish.
As a red wine lover, I’m often asked how it’s possible for me to love red wine when I don’t eat the dishes that are meant to accompany red wine.
Call me creative, brilliant or just not very picky, but I’ve never had a problem finding good dishes to pair with the red wines that I love. It helps that I subscribe to the philosophy of pairing what I like to eat with what I like to drink. It also helps that I love everything cheese. Give me red wine, hard cheese and bread, and I’m in seventh heaven.
Going beyond cheese and bread, the name of the game for pescetarians, just like for omnivores, is balance. You don’t want the wine and the food to compete. A lightly dressed garden salad, for example, would all but disappear if served with a big, bad red wine. A richly dressed Caesar salad, on the other hand, could work beautifully with a big, bad red wine.
As a starting point, here are some of the pescetarian dishes that I’ve really enjoyed with five of the most popular red wines.
These pairings are meant to inspire experimentation. I would love for you to add to this table. Please share your pescetarian pairing ideas here.
Cheers!
As an independent wine consultant with WineShop At Home, I absolutely enjoy bringing a taste of the Napa wine country home to you one sip at a time. Whether you simply love to drink wine, seek a special personalized wine gift, or are in search of a new wine jobs opportunity as a wine consultant, feel free to contact me for a truly unique wine tasting experience!
Cheers,
Betty Kaufman, WineShop At Home
Donna McCord says
August 24, 2011 at 8:44 pmI wasn’t familiar with being a pesceterian, but now I know! Love the meal plans you paired with wines…it makes me want to try one all those wines with one of dishes you list here. A great guide for anyone who is willing to do some experimentation!
BettyKaufman says
August 25, 2011 at 3:40 pmI’m so glad you like the meal plans. I agree that it is fun to experiment. If you try any of these, please let me know what you think. Thanks for your wonderful comments. I really appreciate them. Cheers!
Jeanine Brown says
August 26, 2011 at 10:37 amBetty,
Thanks for the creative article. I always thought red wine can go with so many vegetarian dishes and you proved my point.
I am not a vegetarian, but prefer to eat a low meat diet and several of my friends don’t eat meat. Your chart comes in handy when it comes to serving wine and food. I love it!
BettyKaufman says
August 26, 2011 at 11:00 amI’m so glad. Please let me know about your experiences with trying out these different pairings.
Bliss says
September 12, 2011 at 8:36 pmThis is a question really, and not a comment. I’m not sure if you answer Q’s here, but I thought I’d give it a shot! Its my pescetarian girlfriend’s birthday tomorrow. She loves Shiraz and Pinot Grigio. I wanted to get both, prepare dinner for her tomorrow evening, and was wondering if you have any meal suggestions that would be delicious with both wines. I’m not asking for a detailed recipe, just maybe something to give me a little insight AND inspiration! Thank you!
BettyKaufman says
September 13, 2011 at 9:06 amTwo great wines! Pinot Grigio goes great with spicy foods such as Thai dishes. It also goes great with baked potatoes with melted cheddar, sour cream, chives and black pepper. It also goes well with salads. Shiraz/Syrah is a great BBQ/campfire wine. So it goes great with BBQ-friendly dishes such as pasta salads and brownies. I hope that helps. Have fun!