Amazing Delicacy
When it comes to matching wine with mussels, the wine you choose should be dictated by its delicacy. In other words, the creamier your mussel course is, the heavier the wine you will pair with it. From classic Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc to a modern, dynamic Chardonnay, there are many white wines to combine with the sweet flavors of mussels. So, don’t worry. We will guide you step-by-step to the perfect mussels wine match!
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(4.8 / 5) What Wines Pair Well With Mussels?
Like any other ingredient, pairing wine with mussels depends on how you cook your seafood. For example, if you cook them Asian style with coconut and coriander, then a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Grüner Veltliner might be the best choice. Likewise, if you top them with garlic and breadcrumbs, a racy dry wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay, might match nicely.
If you stuff your mussels with meat, like sausage, and serve them in a rich tomato-based sauce, a creamy Chardonnay or a Spanish rosé could make a great combination. And if curry soup with mussels and chili flakes is your thing, a Viognier or off-dry Riesling will probably make a fantastic match.
But, Why Mussels?
If you are wondering, mussels are one of the best value seafood available. In fact, they are very reasonably priced and easy to find in any grocery store. Plus, you can cook them in any way you like. Mussels are rich in omega-3 acids, vitamins B12, A, and zinc. These help to boost the immune system. So, there is no reason NOT to go ahead and enjoy mussels!
But as I mentioned above, this article focuses on presenting the best white wines for the most awesome mussels wine pairing. Unfortunately, reds don’t do very well with mussels. Without further delay, here are 5 of the best whites to serve with your mussel dish:
Best White Wines With Mussels
Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Whitehaven
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, Gooseberry
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Peach, Apple, Pear, Honey, Grapefruit, Passion Fruit, Asparagus, Green Bell Pepper
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Mussels, Lobster Roll, Sea Bass, Seafood, Roast Chicken, Pesto, Ravioli, Napolitana
Tasting Notes
Refreshing, vibrant, and crisp, Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc shows notes of grapefruit, lemongrass, and Meyer lemons on the nose. The palate is zesty and smooth, packed with touches of white peaches, pears, and tropical fruits.
As the wine reaches the nose, bright aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, Meyer lemons, and honeysuckle appear. On top of that, this Sauvignon from Whitehaven features a palate of green elements, like wet grass, pears, apples, and green bell pepper. Flavors of white peaches, passion fruit, and apricots blend with ripe citrus peel for an excellent texture. Clean finish and intriguing acidity.
Founded by Sue and Greg White, the Whitehaven Winery is situated in Marlborough, New Zealand’s South Island. Sauvignon Blanc is the main variety produced at the winery, and is entirely grown, produced, and bottled in Marlborough. It is also certified sustainable by the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand organization.
Hartford Court Chardonnay
- Winery — Hartford Court
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
- Type — Californian Chardonnay
- Aroma — Sea Spray, Apple, Pear, Rock, Marzipan, Nutmeg
- Grapes — Chardonnay
- Taste — Peach, Apricot, Pineapple, Guava, Passion Fruit, Butter, Brioche Bread, Smoke, Wood
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Mussels, Roasted Salmon, Grilled Seafood, Polenta, Chicken With A Cream Sauce, Danish Blue
Tasting Notes
Rich and velvety, this Chardonnay is expansive and well-balanced. It shows layers of stone and green fruits and a touch of nutmeg. Elements of baking spice are also present, adding complexity and depth. This is a barrel-fermented Chardonnay. It is aged for almost a year in new and old French oak barrels.
The wine slips slowly out of the glass with aromas of sea spray, apples, pears, and crushed rocks. A hint of marzipan and a touch of nutmeg can be discerned, as they lead to the medium-bodied palate. There, it bursts with peaches, apricots, and pineapples, as well as a racy acidity. The finish is long and savory which makes it possibly the best white wine with mussels on our list.
Passionate About Russian River Valley
The Hartford Family Winery was established in 1993 because the owners appreciated the wine from the Russian River Valley. The winery is renowned for delicious wines of personality, with fruit sourced from some of the most challenging locations of the Hartford family’s vineyards. The family produces wines under two titles, one of which is Hartford Court. These are highly personable single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, with distinctive qualities inherited from the vineyard’s terroir.
Venica & Venica Jesera Pinot Grigio
- Winery — Venica & Venica
- Country/Region — Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Collio
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Caramel, Pineapple, Citrus Fruits, Apricot, Rose, Flower Notes
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pineapple, Pear, Citrus, Apricot, Caramel, Peach
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Mussels, Scallop, Baby Greens, Branzino, Cheesy Pasta
Tasting Notes
Coppery in color, from the short skin maceration, the wine has an intriguing bouquet that includes the flavors of jasmine, acacia, pepper, and green fruits. Savory in the mouth, reminding the bouquet aromas, this Pinot Grigio is refreshing, tasty, and creamy. As the wine opens, bright aromas of jasmine, acacia, ginger, pepper, pear, apple, and mimosa emerge. Close by, one can find scents of citrus and minerals. In the mouth, the wine is lively and juicy.
In fact, the taste reflects the nose, which is fine, as this means this is classic Pinot Grigio. Yet, the wine is defined by its creamy elements and brioche bread sensations, as well as its acidic character. The finish is long and bright, while the structure is great. A slight tannin feel can be sensed, coming from lemon peel touches.
A Synergistic Approach to Winemaking
Venica & Venica started in 1930, and in its 90 years of history, it has been through a series of generational changes, sacrifice, and success. Above all, it is a synergistic relationship between Italian winemakers and grape growers of Colio. Through their wines, Venica & Venica present their love of the land, the vineyards, and the grapes.
Jakob Schneider Niederhäuser Kertz Riesling Feinherb
- Winery — Jakob Schneider
- Country/Region — Germany, Nahe
- Type — German Riesling
- Aroma — Lilac, Apple, Crushed Stone, Flint, Rhubarb
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Peach, Guava, Apricot, Nectarine, Tart, Almond, Hazelnut
- Alcohol Content — 11.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Mussels, Sea Bass, Sashimi, Tuna, Baked Chicken, Crab Cake, Lobster Roll
Tasting Notes
A bit sweet, but a refreshing Riesling with a rhubarb and green apple character, framed in lilac and crushed stones aromas. Mouthwatering and welcoming. The wine starts with an aromatic bouquet of lilac, apple, crushed stones, and rhubarb. The mouth is delicious and laced with iodine and flint. At the same time, dynamic flavors of peaches, guavas, apricots, and nectarines add a sweet-tart sensation, something which I particularly appreciated. The acidity is refreshing, and the finish is sustained and lingering.
One of the Oldest German Wineries
Surrounded by some of the most prized vineyards of the Nahe, a dedicated wine village of Niederhausen, Germany, Jakob Schneider Winery has produced wine since 1575! Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most long-standing wine estates of the Nahel and Germany, in general. The cultivated wine area is 18 hectares, and 85% of this is planted with Riesling grapevines. Fine, exceptional quality wine.
Stags’ Leap Viognier
- Winery — Stags’ Leap
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Napa County, Napa Valley
- Type — Californian Viognier
- Aroma — Apple, Grapefruit, Lime, Nutmeg, Cinnamon Spice, Star Anise, Coriander
- Grapes — Viognier
- Taste — Apricot, Passion Fruit, Guava, Almond, Bergamot, Quinsy, Butter
- Alcohol Content — 14.1%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Mussels, Halibut, Grilled Chicken, Veal, Asian, Gorgonzola, Brie
Tasting Notes
This Viognier has a racing acidity and steely feel that adds greatly to its complexity and crispiness. Notes of stone fruits, almonds, and flowers define its bouquet and palate. Lengthy finish. Stags’ Leap Viognier starts with a nose of sliced apples and citrus, followed by notes of nutmeg and coriander.
Touches of cinnamon and star anise are also present on the bouquet, giving depth. The mouth is packed with ripe apricots, passion fruit, guavas, almonds, and bergamot. Medium-bodied, the creamy texture leads to a spiced, long finish. Refreshing acidity.
More Popular Than Ever Before
Stag’s Leap Winery was founded in 1893. But, because of Prohibition, it stopped production. It was re-established in 1971, and in 1997 it was purchased by Beringer Wine Estates. In the next decade, it was acquired by the Foster’s Group, from which it re-emerged in 2011, becoming Treasury Wine Estates.
A wine tasting area exists in the winery’s 19th Century manor bed-and-breakfast. The winery’s signature wine is Petite Sirah. Thanks to Stag’s Leap, Petit Sirah has become way more popular than ever before, as it was considered just a blending partner in the past.
Conclusion
I hope that you have found my suggestions so mouthwatering that you’re craving spaghetti with mussels now (add a bit of fresh-chopped basil on top, too). For us, these were some of the best mussel wine pairings you could possibly make. Just head to your local grocery store or favorite online wine shop and stock up on these wines with confidence. Till next time, I bid my adiós!
