Best Wine to Pair with Shrimp

The classic shrimp cocktail, with its chilled shrimp and zesty cocktail sauce, is best complemented by a Sauvignon Blanc. Its crisp acidity and citrus notes cut through the tangy sauce and enhance the shrimp’s sweetness. For a celebratory twist, Prosecco offers lively bubbles and a touch of fruitiness that refreshes the palate between bites.

Lightly charred, smoky grilled shrimp pairs beautifully with a vibrant Pinot Grigio, whose clean, crisp profile amplifies the shrimp’s subtle flavors. Alternatively, Vermentino brings a hint of salinity and herbal notes, echoing the grilled character and making it a standout match for this preparation.

Shrimp scampi, with its garlicky, buttery sauce, calls for a white wine with enough body and acidity to balance the richness. Chardonnay—especially unoaked—offers bright citrus and apple notes that complement the dish. For something a bit zestier, Albariño brings lively acidity and stone fruit flavors that lift the flavors of the shrimp and sauce.

Shrimp tacos, often topped with fresh slaw and a squeeze of lime, shine with a slightly off-dry Riesling, whose touch of sweetness balances any spice and brightens the dish. A dry Rosé is another excellent option, offering refreshing red fruit notes and crisp acidity that pair well with the vibrant taco toppings.

Pasta dishes featuring shrimp—whether in a light tomato, cream, or olive oil sauce—are enhanced by a versatile Pinot Bianco, which brings gentle fruit and floral notes. Gavi, an Italian white, offers a mineral-driven profile that matches the delicate flavors of shrimp and pasta alike.

• Focus on freshness – Choose wines with crisp acidity to enhance the delicate sweetness of shrimp without overwhelming it.
• Consider preparation – Lightly grilled or chilled shrimp dishes benefit from vibrant whites, while richer preparations like scampi need wines with more body.
• Balance richness – For buttery or garlicky sauces, opt for wines with sufficient acidity to cut through the richness and refresh the palate.