What foods go best with which wines? Most wine lovers know that red wine goes better with red meat and white wine goes better with seafood and chicken. In truth, there are many exceptions to these two rules of thumb.
To find the perfect pairing, you need to think about both the parts of each dish and the result you want. Do you want your guests to feel like they had a well-balanced meal, like when the richness of a strong Cabernet goes well with the deep flavor of a beef bouillabaisse? Or maybe you’re more interested in matching a wine with a certain part of a dish, like a Syrah that goes well with mushrooms.
Clearly, there are many viable paths to creating a final wine pairing that will achieve your culinary aims. This is definitely true when it comes to matching wine with seafood, especially shrimp and prawn flavors.
Shrimp is a versatile and popular seafood ingredient used in dishes around the world. From shrimp scampi to coconut shrimp shrimp soup to shrimp salad there are endless ways to prepare these succulent crustaceans. But when it comes to wine pairings, what bottles go best with the various shrimp preparations? In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the key factors in choosing a wine pairing for shrimp, the best grape varieties and styles, as well as specific recommendations for different shrimp dishes.
Why Shrimp Pairs Best with White and Sparkling Wines
In general, shrimp pairs very well with white wines and sparkling wines. The reason is that shrimp has a delicate flavor and texture that would easily get overpowered by the tannins and boldness of most red wines. White wines and sparklers like Champagne tend to be more light-bodied, crisp, and acidic – all great qualities for complementing shellfish without drowning it out. The briny seafood essence of shrimp works nicely with the citrus and mineral notes often found in whites and bubblies.
That said, there are some lighter reds like Pinot Noir that can work with shrimp in certain preparations. We’ll cover those cases later. But for the most part, sticking with whites and sparkling wines is a foolproof strategy when looking for a shrimp wine pairing.
Important Factors for Picking the Best Wine with Shrimp
Beyond color, here are some other factors to consider when matching a wine with shrimp
Shrimp Cooking Method – Grilled, fried, baked etc. can impact the flavors
Sauces & Seasonings – Buttery, citrusy, spicy all play a role
Accompaniments – Noodles, rice, veggies paired with shrimp
General Flavor Profile – Overall dish flavors from mild to highly seasoned
Taking these elements into account will help narrow down the best wine style, region, and grape. Now let’s get into specifics.
Best Grape Varieties for Shrimp Pairings
1. Chardonnay
With its versatility to take on oak and malolactic fermentation, Chardonnay can work with rich, creamy shrimp dishes like scampi linguine. Unoaked styles pair better with lighter shrimp preparations.
2. Sauvignon Blanc
The lively acidity and grassy, citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc are perfect for complementing herby or lemony shrimp recipes.
3. Sparkling Wines
Bubbly wines like Prosecco, Cava, and Champagne have refreshing acidity that cuts through fried or cocktail shrimp.
4. Riesling
Off-dry Rieslings match well with spicy or coconut shrimp thanks to subtle sweetness balancing heat.
5. Albariño
This bright, aromatic Spanish white’s lemon-lime and salinity work well with simply prepared grilled or sautéed shrimp.
6. Rosé
Dry rosés complement a wide range of shrimp dishes from Mediterranean to Southwest style.
7. Pinot Grigio/Gris
The racy acidity and clean fruit of this Italian white make it an ideal pair for shrimp scampi in particular.
8. Pinot Noir
If you must drink red, Pinot Noir is a lighter style that can work with grilled shrimp or tomato-based shrimp pasta.
9. Gewürztraminer
Off-dry Gewürztraminer has the weight and floral, spicy notes to stand up to creamy or highly seasoned shrimp.
Best Wine Regions for Shrimp Pairings
In addition to grape variety, where the wine comes from can help guide shrimp wine pairings. Here are top regions suited for shrimp:
- Chablis, France – Steely, minerally Chardonnay
- Marlborough, New Zealand – Zingy Sauvignon Blanc
- Albariño, Spain – Bright, coastal white
- Willamette Valley, Oregon – Elegant, fruit-forward Pinot Noir
- Loire Valley, France – Food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc and rosé
- Mosel, Germany – Fruity, slightly sweet Riesling
Focus on cool climate regions when selecting wines to go with shrimp. The higher acidity works better with seafood than very ripe, lower acid wines.
Best Wine Style Tips for Pairing with Shrimp
Beyond varietal and region, keep these wine style guidelines in mind:
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Light-bodied – Shrimp can’t stand up to high alcohol, full-bodied whites
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Crisp & acidic – Cut through richer sauces and seasonings
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Dry to off-dry – Any perceptible sweetness should complement, not overpower
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Unoaked – When choosing Chardonnay, avoid buttery, oaky styles
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Young & fresh – Pick recent vintages as opposed to strongly aged wines
Following these parameters will ensure you choose a wine that flatters rather than overwhelms the shrimp.
Best Wines to Pair with Popular Shrimp Dishes
Now let’s get into specifics on picks for some of the most popular shrimp recipes:
Shrimp Cocktail
Best wines: Sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, Prosecco
The effervescence and palate-cleansing acidity of bubbly is perfect for cutting through the richer cocktail sauce.
Shrimp Scampi
Best wines: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino
Leaner, brighter whites work best to balance the buttery, garlicky flavors of traditional shrimp scampi.
Coconut Shrimp
Best wines: Off-dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Txakoli
The subtle sweetness in these whites pair nicely with the coconut coating while having enough acidity to prevent cloying.
Grilled Shrimp
Best wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Rosé, lightweight Chardonnay
Grilled shrimp can take a wide range of crisp, dry whites. Fruit-forward rosé is also a great option.
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Best wines: Buttery, oaked Chardonnay
The rich cream sauce calls for an equally full-bodied, creamy oaked Chardonnay to mirror the flavors.
Shrimp & Grits
Best wines: Dry Chenin Blanc, aged Chardonnay, Viognier
The hearty Southern flavors of shrimp with smoked sausage and grits demand a more substantial white wine.
Shrimp Tacos
Best wines: Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, Soave, Vinho Verde
Fresh, herby shrimp tacos pair well with vibrant, clean whites that won’t clash with Mexican seasonings.
Shrimp Jambalaya
Best wines: Dry Rosé, unoaked Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
For shrimp jambalaya’s spice and range of flavors, you want a white wine with some weight that can also cut through the heat.
Red Wine Options for Shrimp
While we generally recommend white or sparkling wines with shrimp, if you love red, go for these lighter food-friendly red options:
- Pinot Noir – Leaner style with high acidity
- Beaujolais – Fruit-forward Gamay-based reds
- Cru Beaujolais – Elegant, minerally versions of Gamay
- Chianti – Look for youthful, fruit-driven Chianti
- Bardolino – Light Italian red made from Corvina
Stick to bright, low-tannin reds and you may just find a red that works with your shrimp dish.
Finding that perfect wine match ultimately comes down to the exact preparation and sauce served with the shrimp. But in general, crisp and acidic whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, Pinot Grigio and Sparkling wines are extremely versatile for pairing with all kinds of shrimp recipes. For red wine drinkers willing to think a bit outside the box, go for a food-friendly Pinot Noir or Gamay-based wine. Whatever you choose, use the guidelines here to confidently select a wine that will beautifully complement your shrimp and make for a fantastic pairing.
Suggestions for Wine and Shrimp Pairings
Here are some ideas for good wines to go with a number of popular shrimp dishes from a few main groups.
The most basic dish you can make is shrimp cocktail. It’s made with cooked, cold shrimp and cocktail sauce, which tastes great together because they are both fresh and tangy. Consider a dry Riesling, which will play well with the horseradish component of cocktail sauce.
Another party staple, bacon-wrapped shrimp is a bit heartier, but still on the lighter side. Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a salty appetizer that is often passed around at a catered event or served as a small dish that everyone shares at a sit-down meal. This dish goes well with an oaked white Chardonnay because it helps balance out all the tasty salt that makes you thirsty.
Garlicky, rich, and satisfying, scampi is another quintessential shrimp preparation. The flavor of this scampi comes from just a few simple ingredients, whether it’s served by itself or on top of hot linguine. You can stay safe and drink a Pinot Gris or a white blend, but for your next shrimp scampi, try something new and try a rosé. Because it is high in minerals and acidic, a good rosé can help clear the palate, which your guests may appreciate after all that garlic.
People are still crazy about dumplings, and shrimp is often one of the main ingredients in these tasty treats. As we’ve already said, most white wines will go well with shellfish dumplings. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris is a safe choice. Dont be afraid to reach for an interesting Gewurztraminer, however. The fruity French style of this American favorite will go well with the earthy ginger spices that are used in most Chinese dumpling recipes.
“Barbecue” shrimp usually means Cajun or New Orleans-style shrimp cooked in a mix of spicy, buttery, lemony, and oniony flavors that are hard to resist. In The Big Easy, shrimp that have just been caught that day are often used to make barbecue shrimp. A real barbecue shrimp dish wouldn’t be overpowered by much flavor, but now is also not the time for a light white wine’s delicate touch. A hearty Chardonnay, especially one with noticeable oakiness, is one promising choice. This will depend on how strong the flavors are in the barbecue shrimp sauce. A well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon might go surprisingly well with it.
No list of shrimp dishes would be complete without a mention of another New Orleans classic: shrimp gumbo. Like other roux-based dishes, gumbo presents a pairing challenge thanks to its complexity. No doubt that it is worth the trouble to find the right partner for your gumbo, but it can still be hard. It can help to consider the spiciness of your gumbo. If its on the “Northern” side of spicy (in other words — not very spicy), think Pinot Noir. For deep, spicy gumbos, try something more adventurous, like a lively, mineral-forward Viognier.
When you need to pair shrimp and wine, go beyond the traditional mindset. Yes, white wine is generally an appropriate fit for seafood. But shrimp can be used in so many different ways that it’s easy to miss a great chance to try something new that goes well with the overall taste of a dish.
View the large JJ Buckley Fine Wines online library to discover the ideal wine to go with any shrimp dish.
Still not sure? Don’t worry—our consulting team is ready to help you figure out what to pair with what, suggest well-rated wines, or find your new favorite bottle.
Wine and Shrimp Pairing Tips
Shrimp is served throughout the world in seemingly endless variations, from Thai street food to a component of an infamous, $9,000 seafood pizza served at Renato Viola in Salerno. This unassuming shellfish is as versatile as chicken, as popular deep-fried as it is sauteed in rich, buttery scampi sauce.
Apart from preparation, different geographic regions produce distinct shrimp flavors. Briney shrimp from the Spanish Mediterranean is a world away from the enormous, brine-y shrimp pulled in from the waters surrounding Japan. Firm, meaty Massachusetts bay rock shrimp offer yet another shrimp flavor profile. Shrimp (and their close cousins, prawn) are found throughout the world. The list of shrimp and prawn varieties is nearly endless.
It’s easy to see why pairing shrimp with wine can be hard, even for wine lovers who do it all the time. There are a few general tips that can help you get started, however.
- Consider the saltiness of the shrimp. Wine should be less dry if it’s more salty to make it taste better.
- Consider the region. It’s no surprise that wines from the same region as the shrimp often go very well together.
- Consider the season. Because shrimp is so versatile, it can be used all year long in both light summer dishes and hearty winter seafood stews. It’s usually a good idea to match the heavyness of the food with the strength of the wine.