A fine seafood experience with perfect wine pairing
Oysters are one of the finest delicacies of French cuisine and develop their full flavour with the right accompaniment. A fresh Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, with its mineral flavour and lively acidity, is the ideal partner for this exquisite dish. Find out here which wines go perfectly with French oyster dishes and how to serve them in style.
Which wines go best with French oyster dishes?
Fresh oysters have an intense sea flavour with a slightly salty and mineral note. They call for a wine that emphasises their flavours without overpowering them. Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire is known for its crisp acidity, fresh citrus flavours and pronounced minerality, which harmonise perfectly with the freshness of the oysters.
Wine recommendations
1st Sancerre (Loire, France)
- Why? Sancerre is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the world and offers a striking minerality with flavours of gooseberries, citrus fruits and fine herbs that go perfectly with oysters.
- Recommended region: Loire, France
2nd Pouilly-Fumé (Loire, France)
- Why? Pouilly-Fumé is characterised by its smoky minerality (‘fumé’) and a fine spiciness that elegantly underlines the saltiness of the oysters.
- Recommended region: Loire, France
3rd Muscadet Sèvre et Maine (Loire, France)
- Why? This dry, slightly salty white wine with a hint of citrus is a classic accompaniment to seafood and enhances the maritime flavour of oysters.
- Recommended region: Loire, France
The recipe
Oysters French style
Cooking utensils
- 1 Oyster knife
- 1 Kitchen towel
- 1 Large bowl or serving platter
- 1 Small bowl for the vinaigrette
- 1 Ice cubes for the presentation
Ingredients
- 12 fresh oysters (e.g. Fine de Claire or Belon)
- 1 EL Lemon juice
- 1 EL Shallots, finely chopped
- 1 TL White wine vinegar
- Fresh black pepper
- Ice cubes for serving
- Sea salt (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the oysters:
- Rinse the oysters thoroughly under running water.
- Carefully open the shell with an oyster knife by inserting the knife into the hinge area and turning it slightly.
- Cut through the muscle of the oyster and remove the top shell.
- If necessary, sprinkle oysters with a little lemon juice to remove any remaining sand.
Prepare the vinaigrette:
- Mix the lemon juice, shallots, white wine vinegar and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl.
- Serve this mixture with the oysters or spoon it directly onto them.
Serve:
- Fill a large bowl with crushed ice or coarse sea salt.
- Place the opened oysters on top so that they are stable.
- Serve with lemon wedges and the prepared vinaigrette.
Recommended side dishes
- Fresh baguette with butter
- Fine herb butter
- Thin slices of smoked salmon