Recipes, wine pairings, and a taste for the extraordinary
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter and Vampire Chardonnay
Some pairings are destined to meet.
The rich, buttery texture of grilled salmon finds its perfect companion in Vampire Chardonnay. With bright citrus, crisp apple, and subtle oak notes, the wine cuts through the richness of the fish while complementing the fresh herbs and lemon butter. It's an elegant meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare—whether you're dining beneath the setting sun or long after darkness falls.
Just Follow These Steps:
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter
Serves: 4
Ingredients
FOR THE SALMON
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lemon, sliced
FOR THE LEMON HERB BUTTER
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of sea salt
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
In a small bowl, combine all the Lemon Herb Butter ingredients. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Grill the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) for about 5–6 minutes. Carefully flip and cook another 2–4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer to serving plates and immediately top each fillet with a generous spoonful of the Lemon Herb Butter so it melts over the warm salmon.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional herbs if desired.
Suggested Sides
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Wild rice pilaf
- Fresh arugula salad with shaved Parmesan
WINE PAIRING: Vampire Chardonnay
Vampire Chardonnay is a natural companion for grilled salmon. Its bright acidity refreshes the palate while notes of crisp apple, citrus, and gentle oak beautifully complement the buttery texture of the fish and the fresh herbs. The lemon butter mirrors the wine's vibrant citrus character, creating a balanced pairing where neither the food nor the wine overpowers the other.
Serve the Chardonnay chilled and enjoy each bite alongside a sip for a pairing that's both refreshing and richly satisfying.
Because some meals deserve a wine that's just a little... immortal.