What Wine Goes With Shrimp?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Shrimp is sweet and light, so crisp whites lead: Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. Garlic-butter scampi can take a medium-bodied Chardonnay. Grilled shrimp suits dry rosé, shrimp cocktail suits dry sparkling wine, and spicy Cajun or Thai shrimp suits an off-dry Riesling.
Quick decision
- Shrimp scampi (garlic butter)→ Pinot Grigio or medium-bodied Chardonnay
- Grilled shrimp→ Dry rosé or Albariño
- Shrimp cocktail→ Dry sparkling wine
- Cajun, Thai or spicy shrimp→ Off-dry Riesling
- Shrimp and grits→ Chardonnay
Crisp is the default
Citrusy, high-acid whites work like a squeeze of lemon on shrimp. They're the safest choice for most preparations.
Butter and cream add body
Scampi and creamy shrimp dishes are richer, so a white with more body — Chardonnay or a fuller Pinot Grigio — keeps up.
Heat needs a softer wine
Spicy seasonings make high-alcohol wines feel hotter. An off-dry Riesling or a fruity rosé calms the spice.
Common questions
- What wine goes with shrimp pasta?
- Pinot Grigio, Vermentino or Sauvignon Blanc for olive oil or garlic sauces; Chardonnay for cream sauces.
Choosing a glass? See the Sauvignon Blanc wine glasses its makers document, in the free Wine Glass Finder.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.