Pairing: Seafood and Shellfish

Seafood and shellfish, with their briny, delicate flavors, are a culinary delight that requires thoughtful wine pairing to enhance their natural sweetness. Whether it's grilled shrimp, buttery lobster, or briny oysters, these dishes demand wines with bright acidity and subtle fruit notes that complement the richness of seafood without overpowering it. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Albariño often works wonders by balancing the delicate, oceanic flavors with their zesty citrus and green apple notes. The right wine pairing will elevate even the simplest seafood dish into a memorable dining experience.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • Seafood (Shrimp, Lobster, or Scallops): Delicate and naturally sweet, seafood is the star of the dish.
  • Butter: Adds richness, especially for lobster and shrimp, often creating a luxurious sauce.
  • Garlic: Enhances flavor with a mild pungency that complements seafood.
  • Lemon: Brings bright acidity to balance the richness of butter or creamy sauces.
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill): Adds a burst of freshness, essential for highlighting seafood’s delicate flavors.
  • White Wine: Used in sauces or marinades to add complexity and depth.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Peel and devein shrimp. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the garlic butter sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and add a splash of white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc).
  3. Grill the shrimp: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque.
  4. Combine: Toss the grilled shrimp in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Serve With

Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño

Learn More About the Best Pairings

Sauvignon Blanc

A highly aromatic white wine grape variety known for its refreshing acidity and diverse flavor profile

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Albariño

Albariño, also known as Alvarinho in Portugal, is a white wine grape variety primarily grown in the Rías Baixas region of Spain and the Vinho Verde region of Portugal.

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