Pairing Wine With Shrimp: Our 9 Most Delicious Pairings!

wine with shrimp

Quick Answer: Any crisp refreshing white wine that you prefer! My suggestions would be Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Albariño (not listed below). For a red wine, go with the light bodied Pinot Noir. However, if you having a spicy shrimp dish, then go with Zinfandel!

Shrimp is a delicious and versatile seafood that can be prepared in many different ways. Whether you’re grilling, sautéing, poaching shrimp, or having shrimp tempura, it pairs perfectly with a refreshing glass of wine.

So in this article, let’s go over some tips to pair wine with shrimp. And I’ll show you some of our favorite wine pairings with shrimp!

Table of Contents

9 Best Wines With Shrimp

1) Sauvignon Blanc

chardonnay vs sauvignon blanc image

Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing white wine that pairs perfectly with shrimp. The wine’s acidity complements the sweet and slightly briny flavor of shrimp, making it an excellent choice for any shrimp dish. 

Also, its a great choice for those who prefer lighter wines that are not sweet or heavy.

BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC

2) Pinot Grigio

sauvignon blanc vs pinot grigio

Another light and refreshing white wine that pairs well with shrimp. Again, the wine’s crisp acidity and bright citrus flavors make it an ideal complement to helps to balance the sweetness of shrimp. 

Also, the acidity helps to enhance the flavor of the shrimp, making it taste brighter and more fresh. And just like Sauvignon Blanc, the light-bodied wine doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors of shrimp.

BEST PINOT GRIGIO

3) Riesling

chateau ste michelle Riesling tasting notes

Riesling is known for its high acidity, which can help to cut through the richness of shrimp sauces. Additionally, Riesling can have varying levels of sweetness, which can tame the heat of the spicy shrimp dishes. Overall, its just a versatile, crisp white wine that will go well with many different preparations of shrimp.

BEST RIESLING

4) Chardonnay

pinot grigio vs chardonnay comparison

Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that pairs well with richer shrimp dishes. Because the wine’s buttery texture and oaky flavors match the richness of the creamy sauce often used in shrimp scampi or risotto dishes. Furthermore, the wine’s buttery notes can enhance the flavor of the dish, making it taste even richer and more decadent.

So, if you are having a heavier shrimp dish, consider pairing it with a Chardonnay.

BEST CHARDONNAY

5) Viognier

Viognier vs Chardonnay

Viognier is a highly aromatic wine that can complement the subtle flavors of shrimp. Plus, the wine’s floral and fruit notes can enhance the flavor of the dish and provide a pleasing contrast to the shrimp’s mild flavor. 

Also, Viognier has a rich texture that can balance with light preparations of shrimp. But also, the wine is known for their distinct oiliness which will pair well with succulent shrimp dishes and creamy sauces.

BEST VIOGNIER

6) Rosé

best rose wines at Kroger

Rosé is a light and refreshing wine that pairs well with grilled or roasted shrimp dishes. Because the wine’s fruit-forward flavors and bright acidity complement the smoky, slightly charred flavors of grilled shrimp. Also Rosé is a great choice for those who prefer a slightly fruitier wine than Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

For example, one dish that pairs really well with dry Rosé is BBQ shrimp. Because the wine’s fruity and refreshing notes complement the spicy and tangy flavors of the sauce. Additionally, the wine’s high acidity can help to cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce.

BEST ROSE

7) Sparkling Wine

different types of Champagne vintage champagne

Finally, any sparkling wine (Prosecco, Cava, Champagne) is a great choice for those looking to add some fizz to their shrimp pairing. And the wine’s crisp acidity and effervescence complement the delicate flavor of shrimp, making it an ideal pairing for appetizers, shrimp tempura, or light seafood dishes. 

So, if you’re looking for a palate cleanser, consider pairing it with a glass of Champagne! Plus its just a fun and festive way to enjoy your shrimp!

BEST CHAMPAGNE

8) Zinfandel

best zinfandel tasting notes

Zinfandel is a medium to full-bodied red wine that pairs well with spicier shrimp dishes. Because the wine’s intense fruit flavors and peppery notes complement the robust spices used in many Cajun or Creole shrimp recipes like shrimp gumbo. 

Also its a great choice for those who prefer a bolder wine than Pinot Noir.

BEST ZINFANDEL

9) Pinot Noir

Merlot vs Pinot Noir Comparison

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that pairs perfectly with shrimp. The wine’s earthy notes and subtle tannins complement the sweet, delicate flavors of shrimp. 

Also, Pinot Noir has low tannin levels, making it an excellent option for smoky and spicy shrimp dishes, like BBQ shrimp. Plus, the soft tannins will help balance the heat of the shrimp.

BEST PINOT NOIR

Tips for Pairing Wine With Shrimp

Pairing wine with shrimp can be a delicious and rewarding experience. However, it can also be challenging if you’re not familiar with the flavors and textures of different wines. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wine to pair with your shrimp dish:

  1. Consider the preparation method: The way you prepare your shrimp can affect the wine pairing. For example, grilled or roasted shrimp pairs well with a light and fruity wine like Rosé. While shrimp scampi with a creamy sauce pairs well with a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay.
  2. Think about the flavors/sauces of the dish: The flavors of the shrimp dish can also influence the wine pairing. For example, shrimp with a spicy or tangy sauce pairs well with a wine with a higher acidity, like Sauvignon Blanc, to balance out the heat.
  3. Consider the texture of the shrimp: The texture of the shrimp can also impact the wine pairing. For example, fried or breaded shrimp pairs well with a light and crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. While poached or steamed shrimp pairs well with a delicate and aromatic white wine like Riesling.
  4. Keep it simple: When in doubt, opt for a light and crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  5. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different wine pairings and see what works best for your taste preferences. Wine is all about personal preference, so try different combinations to find your perfect pairing.

Different Sauces for Shrimp

shrimp wine pairings

Shrimp can be influenced by the sauce that is being used. Therefore, the sauce can affect the wine pairing. So here are some tips for pairing wine with different sauces:

  1. Garlic Butter Sauce: Garlic butter sauce is a classic sauce used in shrimp dishes. It is creamy and buttery with a strong garlic flavor. This sauce pairs well with a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay. The wine’s buttery texture and oaky flavors complement the creamy sauce and the garlic flavor.
  2. Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that is commonly used in shrimp pasta dishes. This sauce pairs well with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. The wine’s light tannins and fruit flavors complement the acidity of the tomato sauce.
  3. Lemon Butter Sauce: Lemon butter sauce is a tangy and buttery sauce that pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s citrus flavors complement the tangy lemon in the sauce, and its acidity balances the buttery flavor.
  4. Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Creamy Alfredo sauce is a rich and creamy sauce that pairs well with a full-bodied white wine like Viognier. The wine’s floral aromas and rich flavors complement the creamy texture and the nuttiness of the Parmesan cheese in the sauce.
  5. Spicy Sauce: Spicy shrimp dishes pair well with a light and crisp white wine like Riesling. The wine’s sweetness balances the heat of the spice and the acidity complements the flavors of the dish.

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