No matter where your Taste Great Southern journey takes you, from vineyard hopping, ocean-side sparkling and canapés or bustling markets, there’s one flavour that defines our coastline: the pristine, briny bite of a Leeuwin Coast Albany Rock Oyster.
Grown in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Great Southern, Albany Rock Oysters are delicate, creamy and perfectly balanced. And like any great ingredient, they deserve to be paired well.
We asked Sommelier Cyndal Petty to share her take on what to drink with Albany Rock Oysters, from sparkling and Riesling to a very dry Martini. Here’s what she’ll be pouring.
“When finding a wine to go with an Albany Rock Oyster, you’ll always be safe with sparkling, acid-driven whites and most good-quality rosé. These chosen lubricants work because they don’t overpower the oyster’s delicate flavour. When paired properly, each component should enhance the other. Like gold against sun-kissed skin… or a good husband.
Luckily, being a colder wine region, bright, poised, high-acid whites are the bread and butter of the Great Southern, so you have plenty to work with. You are chasing acidity that cuts through the creamy, umami-leaning texture and leaves your palate clean and dry, ready for the next oyster. Riesling, in particular, is ideal. It cannot be rivalled as a match. Its clarity and precision are exactly what oysters need.
Another key marker when pairing is nuance without dominant characters. No heavy oak. No distracting edges. Nothing should compete.
A very dry Martini also works fabulously.
Here are five things I would drink with Albany Rock Oysters.
La Violetta ‘Patio Nat’ Sparkling
There are plenty of bad pét-nats out there. But if I’m going to bet my firstborn on one showing up year-round, it’s La Violetta’s Patio Nat. Delicate, lightly textural and refreshing without trying too hard. Exactly what you want beside brine and silk.
Shepherd’s Hut Riesling
Porongurup Riesling is chalky, detailed and searing with acidic intention. It cuts through creamy oyster flesh like a squeeze of fresh lemon, finishing the mouthful dry and refreshed.
Monty’s Leap Rosé
Rosé is the perfect aperitif, and this is one of the best at its price point. Slightly rounder and riper, but still crisp enough. A little indulgent. Just like an oyster. Indulge me, dears.
Lange Estate Riesling
From Frankland River, where Rieslings tend to carry a little more fruit weight and body. Still bright with acidity and balance, but with a gentle generosity that makes you drink more than intended. The same pairing rules apply here.
Dry Martini, made with Giniversity London Dry
I’m not entirely sure why this works so well. but I’ll tell you this: some of the finest evenings of my life have begun with oysters and a Martini. Add hot chips and the world will bend a knee.”
As you can see, an Albany Rock Oyster doesn’t need much. Just good company and something bright in the glass. This Taste Great Southern, why not try a pairing or two yourself on the Leeuwin Coast Oyster Trail, where you can easily seek out and get your fill.
