Best Wines to Pair With Every Shrimp Dish (2024)

Wine pairing is a nice way to give your pallet a new experience. It’s also the perfect way to level up any meal including a delicious shrimp dish. Whether you’re enjoying fried shrimp, garlic shrimp, or shrimp curry, here are the perfect wines to match each shrimp dish. From crisp whites to bold reds, there’s a wine for every shrimp lover’s taste.

Great wine pairings for shrimps

Shrimp Fried Rice

A medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing and herbaceous, balancing the savory shrimp and eggs. Its citrus notes cut through richness while still satisfying. The herbaceous grapefruit flavors of Sauvignon Blanc complement the ginger and scallions in the fried rice.

Garlic Shrimp

Nothing says “garlic” like an Italian Pinot Grigio. Its melon and stone fruit flavors provide a bright counterpart to intense garlic flavors. The pear and apricot notes in Pinot Grigio nicely offset the roasty, savory garlic compounds. Vegetable-forward Sauvignon Blanc would also shine here with its green bean and asparagus character.

Coconut Shrimp

For coconut shrimp, serve a medium-sweet Pinot Noir or Merlot. Berry and cherry flavors complement the tropical coconut without overpowering it. The cherry cola and cocoa notes in Pinot Noir pair sublimely with the creamy coconut milk and plump shrimp.

Shrimp Po’Boy

A juicy Gruner Veltliner or Grüner Veltliner is perfect for a shrimp po’boy. Its green pepper and herb aromas reflect the sandwich’s Cajun influence, while crisp acidity prevents heaviness. The peppery, vegetal qualities of Gruner Veltliner echo the kick of Creole spices and the brightness of sliced jalapeños.

Shrimp Curry

For a spicy shrimp curry, a food-friendly Chenin Blanc with peach and honey notes tames the heat without diluting the complex flavors. An off-dry Riesling would also do the trick with apricot, melon, and ginger spice notes. The honeyed sweetness and peach flesh in Chenin Blanc balance the fiery chilies and coconut milk.

Shrimp Salad

Serve a floral and fruity Pinot Grigio, Viognier, or Albariño with a shrimp salad. Their stone fruit, citrus, and melon flavors marry the mayonnaise and bright vegetables for a refreshing lunch. The pear, citrus, and melon of these wines mimic the crunch of celery and red onion while refreshing the palate.

Tips for pairing shrimp and wine

Wine and shrimp pairing requires some careful consideration to achieve a harmonious combination. Here are some tips that can help you up your pair game:

Choose a Light, Crisp White Wine

Wines with citrus, herbaceous, or tropical fruit flavors like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Grüner Veltliner, or Viognier pair beautifully with shrimp. These wines complement the delicate sweetness of shrimp without overpowering them. They provide bright acidity and minerality to lighten the dish.

Consider an Off-Dry Sparkling Wine

Prosecco, Cremant, or Cava would be perfect for adding some bubbles and brightness to shrimp co*cktails or shrimp salad. Their gentle sweetness and crisp acidity create an effervescent contrast to the brininess of shrimp.

Regional Wines Highlight Local Flavors

If serving shrimp gumbo, a full-bodied white from Louisiana will represent the dish’s essence. For garlic shrimp pasta, a Frascati or Vermentino from Italy ensures every bite tastes of the Mediterranean. Choose wines that highlight the characteristic ingredients and flavors of the meal.

Subtle Oak Notes Create Depth Without Overpowering

Light, creamy oak from Savennières, Grüner Veltliner, or Pinot Blanc from Alsace provides depth and richness without overwhelming the delicate sweetness of shrimp. These nuanced oak flavors enhance the dish rather than becoming the focal point.

Tannins Can Be Intriguing When Contrasted Properly

Pair sauteed shrimp with chorizo to a dry, tannic red like Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, or Lambrusco. The tannins help cut through the richness, and acidity provides balance. Use tannins as a seasoning to enhance the savory flavors. The contrast creates an interesting juxtaposition.

Balance Sweet and Salty for Complexity

For sweet and sour shrimp, choose a slightly sweet white, rosé, or light red wine to contrast the brininess of shrimp and balance the sweet and sour components. The wine can tie together flavors that might otherwise clash, resulting in a cohesive and compelling dish. Subtle sweetness in the wine enhances the other flavors rather than masking them.