The Top Five Wines for Raw Oysters

The brine and sweet fragrant flesh of a shucked oyster is an essential tribute to the summer. The wines served alongside should reflect a bit of sunshine and refreshment, too. Here is our guide to five wines, all for under $15, that are a wonderful match.

Lustau Manzanilla Reserva (Jerez, Spain)

This bone-dry sherry is a perfect match for oysters. Its olive-brine and fresh citrus flavors are a perfect accompaniment—a great way to be introduced to the pleasures of this Manzanilla sherry.

Gramona Gessami Vino Blanco (Catalunya, Spain)

Floral on the nose (not surprisingly, the Spanish Gessami translates to Jasmine), with lemon-grass and ginger on a round frame balanced with a jolt of acidity.

Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco (Valdobbiadene, Italy)

A longtime favorite at the Wine School and such a wonderful bottle of sparkling wine. The creamy bubbles fold over the oysters. This is a special order in the good state of Pennsylvania. In a pinch, a bottle of Zardetto Prosecco will do the trick, too.

Vionta Albarino (Rias Baixas, Spain)

Fragrant with lime and honey, this Albarino boasts a palate of fresh pear and melon. Like the Gessami, the body of this white wine is both rich and vibrant.

D’arenberg The Hermit Crab (McLaren Vale, Australia)

A wonderful surprise, this Viognier/Marsanne blend retains enough freshness to work with oysters and adds the classic ginger/waxiness of this blend to the mix. Lovely.

You can find these wines with our wine finder. Good wine hunting!