Sardinhas Assadas

Sardinhas assadas are whole sardines grilled over charcoal: the skin chars, the fat renders into the flesh, and the result is intensely saline, smoky, and rich with oily fish character. The combination of charcoal smoke and high omega-3 fat is the structural challenge: the wine needs enough acidity to cut the oil, enough mineral character to engage the salinity, and no oak whatsoever.