Muscadet pairs best with clams, chicken, grilled fish, goat cheese, mussels and oysters.  Muscadet is a light white wine which is dry, crisp and refreshing.  Muscadet should be drunk while it’s young.

When it comes to wine pairings, Muscadet white wine stands out as a versatile and refreshing choice. Hailing from the Loire Valley in France, this crisp and light wine is known for its citrus, green apple, peach, sea breeze and mineral notes, making it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes. Here are five delicious foods that pair beautifully with Muscadet:

Best Food Pairings with Muscadet

  1. Fresh Seafood:

    • Oysters: The classic pairing, Muscadet’s bracing acidity and minerality complement the briny freshness of oysters, creating a match made in seafood heaven.  Muscadet’s sea-breeze-kissed flavours make this white wine amazing with raw Oysters.
    • Grilled Shrimp: Muscadet’s zesty flavours enhance the delicate sweetness of grilled shrimp, offering a delightful contrast.
    • Moules Marinières: Muscadet is the traditional and perfect choice for this classic French dish of mussels cooked in a broth of white wine, shallots, garlic, and parsley. The wine’s minerality harmonizes with the briny mussels and enhances the aromatic richness of the broth.

  2. Light Salads:

    • Caesar Salad: The bright acidity of Muscadet cuts through the creamy dressing and enhances the crispness of the lettuce, creating a harmonious balance.
    • Caprese Salad: Muscadet’s citrus notes and clean finish beautifully accentuate this classic Italian dish’s ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella.
    • Salade Niçoise: The bright and zesty Muscadet is an excellent match for the medley of flavours in a Niçoise salad, including ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, and creamy hard-boiled eggs. The wine’s citrusy and mineral notes enhance the overall balance of this iconic French salad.

  3. Goat Cheese:

    • Goat Cheese Tart: Muscadet’s acidity and citrusy undertones match the creamy and tangy goat cheese in a savoury tart.
    • Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers: The wine’s minerality and slight effervescence contrast wonderfully with the mild heat of stuffed peppers while highlighting the goat cheese’s creaminess.

  4. Sushi and Sashimi:

    • Sashimi Platter: Muscadet’s clean, crisp profile complements raw fish’s delicate flavours and elevates the overall experience.
    • Sushi Rolls: Whether you prefer maki rolls with avocado or spicy tuna, Muscadet’s versatility shines through, enhancing the diverse flavours of sushi.

  5. Light Poultry Dishes:

    • Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken: Muscadet’s citrus notes of lemon, lime and grapefruit harmonize with the lemon and herb seasoning, making the chicken taste even more refreshing and flavourful.
    • Chicken Piccata: The wine’s acidity, citrus and mineral flavours complement the tangy capers and lemon sauce, creating a delightful partnership.

When selecting a Muscadet to pair with these dishes, look for bottles labelled “Muscadet Sèvre et Maine” or “Muscadet Sur Lie.”  The Subregion of Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine is considered the best example of Muscadet.  Muscadet Sur Lie is a Muscadet that has been aged, adding more complex flavours and richness to this typically light white wine.