Lent is the time of year when millions of people fast or abstain from certain foods or activities. Red meat becomes and “no-no” on Fridays and fish becomes the meal of choice. What better time to explore wines that pair well with fish or seafood?

A – Albariño is a white wine grape from the northwest coast of Spain. The cool and misty climate combined with just the right amount of sunshine guarantees the Albariño to be quite aromatic. This grape is noted for its peach or apricot fragrance and usually produces a light wine with high acidity and an alcohol level around 12 percent. This delicate wine pairs well with the delicate flavors of fish. One to try: Lagar de la Santina 2013 Albariño

P – Picpoul de Pinet is a dry white wine made from the Picpoul grape native to Languedoc region of France on the Mediterranean coast. Picpoul de Pinet is a designation used within the Languedoc region for white wines made exclusively from Piquepoul blanc in the Pinet commune as well as Mèze, Florenzac, Castelnau-de-Guers, Montagnac and Pomérols. These wines with their green-gold color have a full floral aromatic display and fresh acidity with flavors of citrus, mainly lemon, and aniseed. Just like Albariño, this wine is designed to be drunk young and is great with fish but pairs extremely well with shellfish. One to try: Domaine des Cadastres 2013 Picpoul de Pinet

C – Champagne Yes, you read it right! Champagne is a perfect choice for raw oysters. They go incredibly well together because of the slightly delicate nature of the raw oyster combined with its mineral or metallic flavor. The bubbles in champagne highlight the minerality of the oysters. Just remember: avoid the sweeter versions and find a good dry champagne.

S – Sauvignon Blanc is a well-known grape and many often misunderstand what they should be tasting when they buy this wine. First of all, there are two distinctive styles of Sauvignon Blanc - the fruity (often grapefruit), grassy style from New Zealand and the more rounded oaky style with hints of melon. The latter has also been referred to as Fume Blanc. One to try: Ceviche 2013 Sauvignon Blanc from California’s Central Coast. With bright fruit and a crisp acidity, this one is great with sushi or grilled salmon.

By all means, this is not a complete list of wines that pair well with seafood. Don’t be afraid to try any wine with your Lenten meals this season because wine is always about the experience. What tastes good to one may not taste good to another. Now, let’s just hope you didn’t give up wine for Lent!