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Seafood · Wine pairing

What wine goes with lobster?

Lobster dipped in butter is made for rich, oaked Chardonnay. White Burgundy, Champagne and Viognier are elegant alternatives.

The rule: Butter loves butter: a creamy Chardonnay.

Lobster

The 3 best wines with lobster

  1. Chardonnay

    1 Chardonnay Full-bodied white (oaked) or crisp (unoaked)

    Oaked Chardonnay’s richness mirrors drawn butter.

    Serve 48-55°F Good bottles from $12; top Burgundy $50+

  2. Champagne

    2 Champagne Dry sparkling wine

    Elegant and celebratory; Blanc de Blancs especially.

    Serve 43-48°F Non-vintage from $35; vintage $70+

  3. Viognier

    3 Viognier Full-bodied aromatic white

    Peachy and lush: great with lobster rolls.

    Serve 50-55°F From $15; Condrieu $50+

Best on a budget: A Sonoma or Chilean Chardonnay for under $20.

Also good

What to avoid

  • Tannic reds. They clash with sweet lobster meat.

It depends how you cook it

If you’re having…Pour
Lobster roll (mayo)Unoaked Chardonnay or rosé.
Lobster roll (butter)Oaked Chardonnay.
Lobster bisqueDry sherry or Chardonnay.

Frequently asked questions

What wine goes with lobster tail?

Oaked Chardonnay is the classic, especially with drawn butter. Champagne is a great celebratory alternative.

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