July 16, 2024

The Quintessential Wine for Oysters

Ah, summer. Lazy, backyard gatherings and outdoor hangs. Sometimes we can't resist a little fancier fare, like a fresh seafood platter delightfully stocked with shrimp, crab and oysters. Oh yes, delicious summer oysters!

Oysters have long been known as a delicacy to elevate any dining moment. But to truly appreciate them, we have to first talk about Muscadet!

What is Muscadet?

Muscadet is a crisp, dry white wine from the Loire Valley in France that’s known among foodies and wine nerds as the perfect wine for oysters.

Made from a grape called Melon de Bourgogne, Muscadet typically has high acidity, flavors of lemon, pear, or white peach, with a hint of salinity or stony minerality. Its lighter body and lower alcohol content (~12% ABV) make it a refreshing summer wine.

Pairing oysters with Muscadet

Sip the wine... slurp an oyster... sip the wine again and everything comes alive!

Like a squeeze of fresh lemon, the high acidity of Muscadet cuts through the richness of oysters, cleansing the palate with each sip. Creamier styles, such as Kumamotos or Pacifics, are excellent choices, creating a contrast that enhances both the wine and the oysters. Summer Oysters (see more below) are a must-try.

The wine's subtle minerality and hint of fruitiness mirrors the oyster's flavors. The crisp, clean body of Muscadet complements the briny, oceanic flavors of the oysters, filling your palate with so much goodness.

Then the wine finishes with a minerality, almost saline, and with the higher acidity, it leaves your mouth watering and begging for more.

What are 'Summer' Oysters?

Historically, oysters were consumed during the cooler months (September - April) because without refrigerated transportation, there was a risk of spoilage when distributing them inland from coastal cities. As such, oysters (during the fall and winter) became known for their traditionally firmer texture and a robust briny flavor.

Then, as refrigeration allowed more people to enjoy oysters year-round, we discovered Summer Oysters! Oysters during the summer and warmer seasons are softer and creamier. With warmer temperatures, summer oysters are more fertile, lending to their noticeably softer and creamier texture.

What are the Main Types of Oysters?

We're still geeking out with Muscadet, but here are some of the most popular types of oysters and ways to enjoy them with wine!

Eastern Oysters & Muscadet

ORIGIN: The East Coast of the United States, ranging from the Gulf of Mexico to the waters of Maine.

PROFILE: Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are known for their briny and slightly sweet flavor with a firm texture.

PAIRS WITH: Muscadet. Its bright acidity and mineral notes complement the briny and slightly sweet flavor of the oysters, creating a refreshing and balanced pairing.

>> Check out Domaine Bonnet-Huteau | Muscadet $22

Pacific Oysters & Sauvignon Blanc

ORIGIN: Originating from Japan, Pacific oysters are now farmed globally, particularly along the West Coast of the United States and in Europe.

PROFILE: Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) tend to have a sweet, creamy, and mildly briny flavor with a plump and silky texture.

PAIRS WITH: The zesty and herbaceous qualities of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the sweet, creamy, and mildly briny flavors of the oysters.

>>Check out Vincent Grall | Sancerre $38

Kumamoto Oysters & Champagne

ORIGIN: Originally from Japan, but now primarily in the Pacific Northwest.

PROFILE: Small but mighty, Kumamoto oysters are adored for their sweet and fruity flavor with a hint of nuttiness. They have a deep-cupped shell and a firm, meaty texture.

PAIRS WITH: In addition to Muscadet, Champagne’s effervescence and subtle yeastiness pair beautifully with Kumamoto oysters. The wine's crisp acidity and delicate bubbles highlight the sweet, fruity, and nutty flavors of Kumamoto oysters.

>> Check out Champagne Fleury | Blanc de Noirs Brut $65

European Flat Oysters & Chardonnay

ORIGIN: Native to Europe, also known as Belon oysters.

PROFILE: European flats (Ostrea edulis) are prized for their bold, briny, and slightly metallic flavor with a smooth, tender texture.

PAIRS WITH: We love this chiseled iteration of Chardonnay that's forcefully saline, almost crystalline in its purity of fruit. It accentuates the oyster's complexity and provides a clean, refreshing finish.

>> Check out Dom. de la Touraize Arbois | Chardonnay

Olympia Oysters and bubbles!🍾

ORIGIN: Native to the Pacific Northwest.

PROFILE: Olympia Oysters (Ostrea lurida) are the smallest of the main oyster varieties but pack a punch with their robust, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor.

PAIR WITH: Sparkling wine, or mix it up with a sparkling rosé. The bubbles and bright acidity balance the robust, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor of the oysters.

>> Check out L'archetipo | Sparkling Rose

Whether you’re enjoying a casual get-together or hosting an elegant dinner party, we hope we’ve inspired some new oyster-wine combos for your summer gathering.