Shrimp is a versatile and delicious seafood that pairs beautifully with a variety of wines. Whether grilled, sautéed, or served chilled, the right wine can enhance its delicate sweetness and complement different seasonings and sauces. From crisp white wine to refreshing rosé, here are the best wines to pair with shrimp. We definitely lean towards dry white wine for shrimp, as red wine typically contains tannins that don’t enhance the flavor of the shrimp, but rather mask it. Seafood dishes can range from simple and light to rich and loaded with creamy sauce. Here are some of our personal preferences, so we can help you make the right choice!
Best Wines for Shrimp Pairings
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
Italian Pinot Grigio is such an excellent choice for seafood pairings. Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape variety, just grown in different regions. (It’s called Pinot Grigio in Italy, and Pinot Gris in France). This grape is known for its light, refreshing character, and is ideal for shrimp cocktail or lightly seasoned grilled shrimp. Its citrus and pear notes provide a clean, crisp contrast to the sweetness of the shrimp.
Sauvignon Blanc
This high-acid white wine is a fantastic match for shrimp, especially when served with citrus-based dishes or light herbs. Its bright, crisp acidity and notes of lime, green apple, and fresh herbs enhance the freshness of shrimp, but the high acidity can be intense. We really love to pair Sauvignon Blanc with a lightly seasoned shrimp recipe like lightly seasoned grilled shrimp skewers with a squeeze of lemon and some fresh herbs.
Chardonnay
There are two types of Chardonnay: Oaked and Unoaked. A rich, buttery oaked Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with creamy shrimp dishes like shrimp carbonara or shrimp Alfredo. Look for an oaked version for a deeper, more indulgent pairing with dishes that have rich flavors. An unoaked Chardonnay has a lighter, crisper taste that would pair well with a creamy shrimp and corn risotto or garlicky shrimp scampi.
Rosé (Still or Sparkling)
A dry rosé offers the best of both worlds with bright acidity and a hint of fruitiness, making it an excellent match for shrimp salad, shrimp tacos, or Mediterranean-style shrimp dishes. We specifically love light rosé wines from Provence region of France for their delicate flavor – they’re a great pairing for seafood!
Sparkling Wine
For a super fun pairing, try a glass of sparkling wine with fried shrimp or tempura shrimp. (We love Prosecco for a touch of sweetness, or even a Blanc de Noir (made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes). The effervescence (bubbles) helps to cleanse your palette and is like a light, bubbly contrast to crispy fried seafood.
More Wines to Pair with Shrimp:
- Vinho Verde (with simple, citrus and herb shrimp)
- Albariño (with fresh shrimp ceviche)
- Riseling (like an off-dry riesling with spicy shrimp dishes)
- Chenin Blanc (with BBQ shrimp)
- Pinot Noir (also great with grilled shrimp or shrimp scampi)
Tips for Pairing Wine with Shrimp
- Consider the shrimp preparation – Lighter dishes (usually with fresh citrus, fresh herbs, and lightly flavored sauces) pair best with crisp white wine. Richer preparations (like shrimp alfredo or shrimp carbonara) can handle a full-bodied white wine, like an oaked Chardonnay.
- Match the region – While not a solid rule, we still fall back to matching wines with dishes from their specific region if needed.
- Keep it chilled – White wines and rosés should be served at a cool temperature to bring out their best flavors.
- Drink what you like – if you know you aren’t a fan of oaky Chardonnay, skip it and go for an unoaked bottle instead! Wine pairings are a lot of fun, and you may even discover that you actually are a fan of certain wines in certain situations, but don’t force yourself to drink anything you absolutely do not like. There are so many wines out there – the best wine for your shrimp dish is whatever your taste buds tell you is best. 🙂
How to Serve White Wine
- Choose the right glassware – White wine glasses help enhance the aromas and flavors of your wine.
- Serve at the ideal temperature – Whites and rosés should be chilled between 45-50°F for the best experience.
Whichever wine you choose, the best pairing is the one that matches your shrimp dish and suits your taste. Cheers to enjoying delicious shrimp recipes with the perfect glass of wine!