DECANT’s Feast of Seven Fishes: Tinned Fish & Wine Pairings

1. Antipasto: Spiced Calamari Crostini

• Wine Pairing: Franck Bonville Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France NV
• Featuring: Spiced Calamari in Ragout Sauce, José Gourmet, Portugal

Kick things off with elegance. The bright acidity and fine bubbles of this Grand Cru Champagne cut through the richness of the spiced calamari, while its citrus and brioche notes mirror the lemon zest garnish. A sparkling start to the feast!

2. Primo: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Spicy Anchovies

• Wine Pairing: Marco Cecchini Friulano, Friuli, Italy 2021
• Featuring: Spicy Anchovies in Olive Oil, IASA, Italy

This Friulano's minerality and crisp orchard fruit flavors balance the heat of chili flakes and the briny punch of anchovies. Its subtle almond finish echoes the toasted breadcrumbs, tying the dish and wine together beautifully.

3. Insalata: Tuna Salad with Green Pepper and Onion

• Wine Pairing: Niepoort 'Dócil' Vinho Verde, Portugal 2023
• Featuring: Albacore Tuna Loins with Onion & Green Pepper, Artesanos Alalunga, Spain

Light, citrusy, and slightly effervescent, this Vinho Verde refreshes the palate and highlights the delicate flavors of the tuna salad. Its green apple and lime notes amplify the vinaigrette’s brightness without overpowering the dish.

4. Zuppa: Razor Clam Brodetto with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Herbs

• Wine Pairing: Ott 'Fass 4' Grüner Veltliner, Wagram, Austria 2022
• Featuring: Razor Clams in Brine, José Gourmet, Spain

Grüner Veltliner brings herbal and citrusy flavors that complement the broth's saffron, garlic, and chili notes. Its crisp acidity enhances the delicate brininess of the razor clams, while hints of white pepper and minerality add depth.

5. Secondo: Grilled Polenta with Sardine Pâté

• Wine Pairing: Birdhorse Wines 'Shake Ridge Ranch' Barbera, Sierra Foothills, Amador Co., California 2020
• Featuring: Nuri Sardine Pâté in Spiced Olive Oil, Portugal

This Barbera is a perfect partner for the smoky, rich sardine pâté. Its bright acidity cuts through the oiliness of the fish, while red cherry and earthy spice notes elevate the dish’s creamy mascarpone and crispy polenta.

6. Contorno: Marinated Horse Mackerel with Basil and Capers

• Wine Pairing: Paolo Bea 'Rosso de Veo' Rosso, Umbria, Italy 2018
• Featuring: Horse Mackerel in Olive Oil and Basil, Ati Manel, Portugal

A bold and rustic red like this Rosso brings structure to the earthy, herbaceous flavors of the marinated mackerel. With dark fruit, leather, and savory herbal notes, this wine enhances the basil and caper flavors beautifully.

7. Dolce: Sweet Crostini with Salmon Rillettes, Lemon, and Dill

• Wine Pairing: Silvia Zucchi Lambrusco di Sorbara, Brut, Emilia-Romagna 2023
• Featuring: Rillettes of Salmon with Lemon and Dill, Les Mouettes d'Arvor, France

This sparkling Lambrusco offers delicate red fruit notes and lively acidity, making it a surprising but perfect match for the sweet-savory salmon crostini. Its slight fizz cuts through the richness of the rillettes and complements the honey drizzle.

Why Tinned Fish and These Wines?

Pairing tinned fish with thoughtfully chosen wines makes for an elevated yet approachable holiday feast. These wines are as versatile as the dishes, bringing a mix of texture, balance, and discovery to the table. Together, they create a seamless celebration of flavor, tradition, and simplicity.