Raw oysters are among the most popular dishes served in restaurants and bars along the Gulf Coast. These mollusks feature sweet and briny flavors that the right wine can enhance, making your meal even more delicious and satisfying. Here are some popular wines to enjoy with oysters. 

4 Wines to Pair With Oysters

1. Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon blanc is a light, crisp, and acidic white wine made from green grapes grown in the Bordeaux region of France. This aromatic and herbaceous wine has tasting notes such as citrus zest and green pepper, which can lend a fruity zing to raw oysters and brighten their flavors. The acidic and zesty notes of sauvignon blanc may also complement spicy pepper and cocktail sauces often served and enjoyed with these mollusks.

2. Champagne

Champagne is a French sparkling wine made from small seedless grapes, such as chardonnay or pinot noir. Its effervescence and crispness can provide delicious textural contrast with smooth and velvety oysters. The slight sweetness of champagne may also complement the buttery and slightly metallic flavors of these mollusks. Champagne's bready notes may also complement the breadcrumbs in baked oyster dishes, such as Oysters Rockefeller or Alfredo. 

3. Muscadet 

Muscadet is a wine that originates in the Loire Valley region of France. Made from white grapes, this wine has tangy and salty notes that allow the natural flavors of oysters to emerge on the palate without overwhelming them. In fact, when enjoyed with raw oysters, muscadet may taste similar to adding a spritz of lemon. Its light body also contrasts beautifully with the springy texture of the mollusks.

4. Chablis

Chablis, which hails from Burgundy, France, features chardonnay grapes grown in soil enriched with fossilized oyster shells, making it an ideal companion to raw oysters. This wine has notes of white flower, lemon, and pear, which may balance the savory flavors of oysters. It also features a slight saltiness that can bring out the brininess of these mollusks. 

When you're in the mood for raw oysters paired with the perfect wine, head to Papa Rocco's. This bar and restaurant offers oysters served raw on the half shell along with a selection of white and red wines to patrons throughout Gulf Shores, AL. Call (251) 948-7262 to ask about oyster specialties and happy hour offerings. Visit the website to browse their menu and learn more about their delicious food and drinks.