Shrimp and grits is a dish true to any low country Southerner’s heart. If you’re looking for the best wines to pair with shrimp and grits you’re in the right place!.
There is a long history of shrimp and grits that combines Native American and West African cooking styles.
This tasty dish comes from the mixing of these two traditions that happened when Europeans first came to the Southeast of the United States, mostly in South Carolina and Georgia.
Shrimp and grits is a beloved Southern comfort food dish with humble roots and many creative modern twists. With its complex flavors and textures finding the right wine pairing can be tricky. So what wine goes best with shrimp and grits? Let’s break it down.
A Brief History of Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia It combines two inexpensive local ingredients – shrimp and ground corn Enslaved Africans likely added seasonings and cooking techniques that evolved the dish over time.
Originally a breakfast meal, shrimp and grits later became popular as a dinner entrée. Its popularity spread across the South and then nation-wide. These days you can find shrimp and grits on menus from dive bars to fine dining establishments.
While once a simple dish of shrimp, grits, salt and pepper, modern versions incorporate various ingredients like smoked sausage, cream, cheese, tomatoes, and spices.
General Flavor Profile
The core flavors of shrimp and grits are:
- Briny, sweet shrimp
- Creamy, starchy grits
- Smoky, salty pork flavors from bacon or sausage
- Spices like garlic, black pepper, hot peppers
- Herbs like parsley, green onion, thyme
- Richness from butter and cheeses
This unique blend of flavors can be difficult to pair with wine. Let’s look at pairing suggestions based on preparation styles.
Traditional Versions
Traditional shrimp and grits contain minimal ingredients – just shrimp, grits, salt, pepper, butter, and perhaps bacon or ham.
With its simple flavors, acidic white wines pair best. Unoaked Chardonnay has enough body and texture to complement the creamy grits without overwhelming the delicate shrimp. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio also work with their zesty citrus notes cutting the richness.
For a red wine option, try an earthy, medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir. The red fruit flavors balance the brine and butter while acids scrub the palate. Just avoid high tannin reds.
Spicy Versions
Many modern shrimp and grits recipes incorporate spicy elements like Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, peppers, and spicy sausage.
With heat in play, lean towards a sweeter white wine that won’t accentuate the spiciness. Riesling is a perfect choice. Its sweet citrus and stone fruit flavors contrast the heat while the high acidity cuts through richness. Gewürztraminer works similarly with its lychee and stone fruit notes.
If you want a red, try a fruity, low tannin option like Beaujolais or Dolcetto. Their juicy berry flavors and mild tannins won’t clash with spicy flavors. Avoid bold, dry reds.
Cheesy Versions
Cheesy shrimp and grits enriched with cream and cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan are extra rich and creamy.
With all that richness, a vibrant high-acid white wine is necessary to cut through and refresh the palate. Sauvignon Blanc has the herbal, citrus punch needed to stand up to cheesy richness. Unoaked Chardonnay also works with its bright apple and lemon notes.
Light, fruity reds can work too. Pinot Noir and Grenache offer plenty of fresh berry flavors to complement the cheese without overpowering. Just avoid heavier reds.
Tomato-Based Versions
Many shrimp and grits recipes feature a tomato-based sauce. The acidity changes the pairing considerably.
For white wine, stick with something equally high-acid like Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño to match the tomato brightness. Rosé is also a solid option with its berry flavors and crispness.
For reds, tomato-based shrimp and grits calls for Zinfandel or Sangiovese. Their jammy berry flavors and higher acidity align perfectly with the tomato sauce. Chianti Classico is an excellent Italian pairing.
Smoky Versions
Andouille sausage, bacon, ham and other smoked meats are commonly added to shrimp and grits, providing a lovely smoky flavor.
With smoky dishes, fuller-bodied whites that won’t get lost are best. Unoaked Chardonnay has the weight and texture to stand up to the smokiness. Viognier works as well with its stone fruit and floral aromas.
For reds, smoky shrimp and grits calls for a bold, fruit-forward option like Zinfandel or Malbec. Their jammy fruitiness balances the smoke and richness beautifully.
Best Wine for Shrimp and Grits
While many wines can work well, my personal favorite pairing is Sauvignon Blanc. Its lively acidity, grassy aromas, and citrus flavors consistently complement shrimp and grits regardless of preparation style. Its versatility makes it the best singular option.
Regional styles to try are New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with its intense tropical flavors or Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc featuring minerality and lemon flavors. A Sauvignon Blanc with some oak aging also works well by adding texture andcreaminess.
Beyond Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Rosé, Beaujolais, and Chianti Classico are other excellent choices. Experiment to find your own favorite shrimp and grits wine pairing!
Selecting and Serving Wine with Shrimp and Grits
When buying wine to pair with shrimp and grits, consider:
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Acidity – Shrimp and grits benefits from high acidity to cut richness. Focus on wines with citrus, tropical fruit, or minerality.
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Body – Too light and the wine gets lost. Too heavy and it overwhelms. Look for medium body and texture.
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Tannins – Lower tannins are best to avoid clashing with flavors. But don’t go too low or wine tastes flabby.
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Sweetness – A touch of sweetness balances spice and richness but avoid cloying wines.
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Flavor intensity – Shrimp and grits has assertive flavors so the wine needs decent intensity. But nothing too overwhelming.
Serve shrimp and grits wine chilled at 50-60°F to allow refreshing acidity and flavors to shine. Have fun with creative pairings of wines that emphasize vibrance, fruitiness, and balance!
Shrimp and Grits Wine Pairing Guide
- Traditional – Unoaked Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir
- Spicy – Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Beaujolais, Dolcetto
- Cheesy – Sauvignon Blanc, Unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache
- Tomato-based – Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Rosé, Zinfandel, Sangiovese
- Smoky – Unoaked Chardonnay, Viognier, Zinfandel, Malbec
With so many options, there’s a delicious wine pairing waiting for any preparation of shrimp and grits. Hopefully these recommendations give you a great starting point to find your perfect match. Sip away and savor Southern comfort food at its finest!
Types of Shrimp And Grits
Three different ways of making shrimp and grits are now common because the dish has changed over time. All of these styles have their own tastes and go best with a different type of wine.
No Sauce
Shrimp and grits used to be just grits, shrimp, bacon and its fat, and maybe some garlic and sliced onions. There was no sauce, just clean great tasting food.
If you’re going old school with your shrimp and grits consider pairing it with a full-bodied white while. Most New World chardonnay will fit the bill here.
These shrimp and grits aren’t spicy at all, but they are very rich with butter and bacon fat, which makes them very creamy. We like chardonnay here because of this.
Tomato-Based Sauce
Tomato based sauces added to shrimp and grits have become quite popular these days. Of course, the addition of the acidity from the tomatoes changes the wine pairing drastically.
When shrimp and grits are cooked with a tomato-based sauce, it’s best to reach for red wine. Something with a lot of tannins and acidity will go well with it and help cut through the depth of the dish. A Zinfandel or Grenache would be great options, or even a Valpolicella Ripasso.
With Smoked Sausage
Lately, many chefs have been adding smoked sausage in shrimp and grits recipes. The most common additions are andouille or kielbasa. These dishes often include a very light gravy that carries the smoky flavor of the sausage.
When you pair wine with fatty and smokey tastes, there are a few things you should remember. Generally, you want to go with a bolder wine that will stand up to the smoky flavor. Reds are a good option for this, especially Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. They have a strong flavor that will complement the smokiness of the dish. When it comes to fatty tastes, you want a wine that can cut through how rich the food is. This would go well with a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc because they are light and refreshing and won’t get lost in the fat.
How To Make Shrimp And Grits
As mentioned at the top there are a few distinct styles of shrimp and grits. We’re including our recipe for a more traditional style. We hope you enjoy!.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup grits
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Put shrimp, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Toss to coat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Before adding the shrimp to the pan, make sure they are pink and fully cooked. This should take about two to three minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Slowly whisk in grits and season with salt if needed. Lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and stir the grits often for 5 to 6 minutes, or until they get thicker. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Spoon shrimp over cooked grits. Top shrimp with Parmesan cheese and green onions.
Serve shrimp with grits immediately with a wonderful glass of wine!
SHRIMP & GRITS Recipe | How to Make The PERFECT Brunch Dish!
What wine goes with shrimp and grits?
Our pick for the best wine to pair with traditional shrimp and grits is Alexana Pinot Gris from Dundee Hills in Willamette Valley, Ore. What alcohol goes with shrimp and grits? White wine pairs the best with spicy or creamy shrimp and grits. If you’re not a wine drinker (that’s insane) you can drink a nice refreshing gin and tonic.
Is it good to have grits?
Grits is typically a porridge made out of corn meal. As corn kernels are highly processed to turn into fine powder, simple carbohydrates are present dominantly in grits. Hence, its not recommended for individuals with insulin sensitivity, diabetes and obesity. Besides, grits can be consumed occasionally only, say 30 grams of serve per week.
What wine goes well with shrimp?
White wine usually pairs well when cooking shrimp or any other seafood dish. Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would be ideal wines to use for shrimp. This is your go-to category. If possible, choose a wine that has a moderate alcohol content, preferably between 10 and 13 percent, and generous acidity. Use quality shrimp.
What to serve with shrimp and grits?
For an authentic taste of the South, consider serving your shrimp and grits with vegetables that work well as side dishes, like Southern green beans , Southern creamed corn, Soul food Southern collard greens, or Black folks Southern fried cabbage . Many Black folks add hot sauce as a condiment for added heat. And for dessert?