Trent’s Picks for Pairing Wine with Lobster

Growing up in Nine Mile Creek on the south shore of the Island, there was never a question about what we were having for dinner on Mother’s Day. Lobster. A quick trip down to the wharf was all it took to secure a few pounds of delicious crustaceans.

Homemade potato salad, coleslaw, broccoli salad and of course mom’s homemade bread are all part of the experience. Our family has always been partial to traditional lobster boiled (in briny water), and served chilled with drawn butter on the side for dipping.

For the last number of years we have seen the wine drinkers among us hunting for the ultimate pairing. Some like the crispness and steely minerality of Chablis, while others preferred buttery Chardonnay from California. The die-hard Sauvignon Blanc fans were all about Sancerre until a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was introduced. Some of the more mature (in age) among us, usually enjoy a Riesling from Germany or Ontario with its great balance of sweetness and acidity. Personally, I love the bone-dry fresh acidity of a Loire Valley Muscadet with any shellfish, whether it’s lobster, clams or oysters.

Below are a list of Trent’s suggestions for great wines to pair with lobster:

CHARDONNAY:

Chardonnay and Lobster

Sterling Vintner’s Collection Chardonnay

Medium deep yellow straw colour; upfront aromas and flavours of pear, oaky vanilla and cantaloupe; extra dry, medium bodied, well balanced with good length. From Calistoga, California.


PINOT GRIGIO / PINOT GRIS:

Pinot Grigio and Lobster

Pierre Sparr Reserve Pinot Gris

A delicious, smooth and creamy Pinot Gris with ripe pear, baking spice and soft citrus flavours fresh on the palate. From Alsace, France.

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

A classic Pinot Grigio with refreshing green apple, peach and citrus notes. From Alto Adige-Trentino, Italy.


SAUVIGNON BLANCS:

Sauv Blanc and Lobster

Langlois Château de Sancerre

Expressive aromas of citrus and exotic fruit notes. From Sancerre, France in the Loire Valley.

Sauv Blanc and Lobster

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Intense aromas of pink grapefruit, key lime, passion fruit and pineapple. Flavour-packed and balanced with lots of mouth watering acidity and a fresh and zesty finish. From Marlborough, New Zealand.


CHAMPAGNE / SPARKLING:

Sparkling Wine and Lobster

Benjamin Bridge Methode Classique NV

The palate is luscious, but with good intensity and vibrancy. Featuring both substantial structure and elegance, vibrant notes of lime blossom and hints of smoke echo through an expressive finish. From Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Sauv Blanc and Lobster

Pol Roger Brut

Pol Roger Brut Champagne diplays a beautiful golden straw coloured hue, as well as abundant and fine bubbles. With light flavours of honeysuckle and white jasmine, lingering on vanilla and brioche notes. From Champagne, France.


MUSCADET

WINE and Lobster

La Sablette Muscadet

This wine offers a fine, intense and delicate bouquet. Slightly smoky with lemon and menthol and exotic fruit notes. On the palate it is round, fresh and crisp with a persistent finish.