What Wine Should You Pair with Tuna?

Tuna is an exceptional fish, prized for its rich flavor, firm texture, and culinary versatility. Whether grilled, seared, in tartare, on skewers, or simply pan-fried, both bluefin and albacore tuna deserve wines that match their bold taste. But how do you choose the right one? What wine should you drink with tuna to create the perfect pairing? Here’s our guide to successful food and wine combinations, tailored to your recipe and the type of wine.

Which White Wine Goes Best with Tuna?

As with most fish, white wines are often the go-to pairing for tuna—especially when it’s served raw, such as in tartare or thinly sliced carpaccio. A dry, mineral white wine, like an AOC Chablis, will highlight the delicate character of raw tuna. Whites from the Loire Valley, such as AOC Sancerre or AOC Pouilly-Fumé, bring freshness and white fruit aromas that elevate refined dishes like citrus tuna tartare.

If you're serving a seared tuna filet with a lemony sauce, richer whites like Chenin Blanc or Viognier make for excellent pairings. Aromatic and lively whites made from Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling are also great matches for tuna sushi or exotic recipes, offering balance and freshness to the dish.

Can You Drink Red Wine with Tuna?

Unlike most fish, tuna can pair beautifully with red wine. Its deep red flesh, reminiscent of meat, holds up well to structured reds with soft tannins. For grilled, seared, or rare tuna, a Pinot Noir from Burgundy or Alsace is a wise choice. It brings red berry notes and freshness without overpowering the fish’s flavor.

Red wine lovers can also turn to a Gamay from Beaujolais, such as an AOC Fleurie or AOC Saint-Amour, for a light and fruity match. If your tuna is marinated or served with soy sauce, try a chilled, light red from Languedoc made with Cinsault—a slightly unconventional but delicious option. The goal is to avoid overwhelming the tender flesh while offering a pleasant depth of flavor.

Top Food and Wine Pairings with Tuna

Here are a few pairing suggestions for the most popular tuna dishes:

• Tuna tartare: a dry, mineral white such as AOC Chablis or AOC Sancerre
• Grilled bluefin tuna: a light and fruity Burgundy Pinot Noir or Gamay
• Pan-seared sesame tuna: a rich white like Chardonnay or Viognier from the Rhône Valley
• Tuna skewers with soy sauce marinade: a light Languedoc red or aromatic Alsace white
• Baked tuna with vegetables: a gastronomic rosé from Provence
• Tuna with honey and ginger: a slightly sweet white like a Jurançon demi-sec
• Tuna sushi and sashimi: a crisp, aromatic white such as an Alsace Grand Cru Riesling
• Basque-style tuna: a low-tannin red or white wine from the Basque region

These pairings take into account the flavor of the fish, its cooking method, sauces, and seasoning intensity. Thanks to its generous flesh and bold taste, tuna stands out from other fish and welcomes both classic and bold wine pairings. Great chefs have long embraced this, crafting imaginative wine matches with tuna. Whether you prefer crisp whites, elegant reds, or are in search of the perfect balance, you’ll find the ideal wine for any tuna-based dish.

Cooked or raw, just consider the preparation and lead flavors, and choose a wine that enhances them. For a flawless food and wine experience, explore our carefully selected bottles available now on Avenue des Vins, straight from the winemakers themselves!