With every new year comes a resolve to get a little healthier for many of us. Whether you vow to lose a few pounds or simply lower your cholesterol, wine can play a role in your healthy lifestyle. There are many studies extolling the health benefits associated with wine and it’s low carb too! A 5 ounce pour of dry white wine has roughly 120 calories and 4 grams of carbs. The same pour of dry red wine has 130 calories and 6 carbs. So rest assured, you can have your wine and drink it too, as long as it’s in moderation.
In this week’s top 5 list, you will find some great wine pairing ideas for heart healthy salmon. Keep in mind when it comes to creating the perfect pairing, sauces and seasoning play a critical role. Salmon is a delicious fatty fish that requires a wine with substantial acidity to cut through the oiliness of the fish.
Top 5 Wines to Pair with Salmon
1. Sancerre – Sancerre is a region in the Loire Valley of France that produces intense mineral 
driven wines with piercing acidity made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. This is the perfect companion for seared salmon salad or a mediterranean preparation with feta and capers.
2. Soave – This is a great alternative to Pinot Grigio. Soave is an appellation within the Veneto area of Italy. This wine is made primarily from the Garganega grape. It’s a light bodied dry white wine with fragrant aromas of citrus and stone fruit. The mouthwatering acidity make it a great pairing with salmon. Pair this smoked salmon or a lemon caper preparation. Look for the word “Classico” on the label, this term indicates that the wine came from a better vineyard site.
3. Rosé – It’s time to rethink pink. While rosés are made throughout the world, a mineral driven dry rosé from Provence, France or Germany are the perfect dancing partners with salmon. I particularly love this pairing with a salmon salad over a bed of arugula with strawberries and goat cheese. Many rosés boast juicy berry aromas and have piercing acidity that make it so incredibly perfect with fatty salmon. This wine acts like a little windshield wiper cleansing your palate in between bites.
4. Pinot Noir – If your preparation and side dishes are on the earthier side of the spectrum like a mushroom demi-glace with a fennel gratin, opt for a lighter red with higher acidity like Pinot Noir. Some of my favorite Pinot’s come from Burgundy, Carneros, Russian River Valley and Willamette Valley. For great values try experimenting with Chilean Pinot Noir, German Spatburgunder or Italian Pinot Nero.
5. Cabernet Franc – This blending grape of Bordeaux is experiencing great promise in America. It’s actually referred to as the Pinot of Bordeaux. When picked at the peak of perfection you will experience an earthy wine with bountiful aromas of juicy red raspberry, violet and sage. This is a perfect pairing with seared salmon with a Herbs de Provence crust and lentils.