Hey there, foodies! I’ve been getting this question a lot lately on my blog, and honestly, I used to be pretty strict about the whole “white wine with seafood” rule myself. But guess what? Times are changing, and so are our wine pairing rules!
The Short Answer
Yeah you totally can drink red wine with shrimp! The old-school “only white wine with seafood” rule isn’t set in stone anymore. It’s all about personal taste and how you’re cooking your shrimp.
Why It Actually Works
Light-Bodied Reds Are Your Friends
- Pinot Noir
- Beaujolais
- Light Sangiovese
- Young Merlot
These lighter reds won’t overpower your shrimp dishes like those big, bold Cabernets might.
Best Shrimp Dishes for Red Wine
-
Grilled Shrimp
- The smoky char matches perfectly with light reds
- Works great with Pinot Noir
- The grilling brings out flavors that complement the wine
-
Tomato-Based Shrimp Dishes
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo
- Spanish Garlic Shrimp in Red Sauce
- Any spicy tomato-based dishes
-
Spicy Preparations
- Cajun-style shrimp
- Blackened shrimp
- Chili-garlic shrimp
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
Listen up, I’ve messed up enough wine pairings to know what works! Here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Temperature Matters
- Serve your red wine slightly cooled (like 60°F)
- Don’t serve it room temp – that’s too warm!
-
Watch the Tannins
- Heavy tannins = metallic taste with seafood
- Stick to low-tannin reds
My Favorite Red Wine + Shrimp Combos
| Shrimp Dish | Best Red Wine Match |
|---|---|
| Grilled Garlic Shrimp | Pinot Noir |
| Spicy Cajun Shrimp | Beaujolais |
| Shrimp Fra Diavolo | Light Sangiovese |
| BBQ Shrimp | Young Merlot |
When to Skip the Red Wine
Tbh, there are some times when you might wanna stick to white:
- Raw shrimp cocktail
- Light citrus-based shrimp dishes
- Simple steamed shrimp
Real Talk: Breaking the Rules
Y’know what? At the end of the day, drink what you like! I’ve seen people enjoy heavy Cabs with their shrimp and love it. The wine police ain’t gonna come knock down your door!
Quick Tips for Success
- Start with lighter reds
- Consider the sauce more than the shrimp
- Trust your taste buds
- Don’t be afraid to experiment
Bottom Line
The old rules are more like guidelines now. I’ve hosted countless dinner parties where we’ve paired reds with shrimp, and guess what? Nobody died! The key is matching the weight and intensity of your wine with your dish.
Remember guys, the best wine pairing is the one YOU enjoy. Don’t let anyone tell you different! If you’re vibing with a red wine and shrimp combo, then you’re doing it right!
Got any favorite red wine and shrimp pairings? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’d love to hear what’s working for you!
#winepairings #foodie #shrimprecipes #winelover #cookingwithlove
Would you like me to break down any part of this article further?
Coconut Shrimp Wine Pairing
I recently made this coconut shrimp recipe at home and paired it with a Riesling from Alsace. Let me tell you how good it was. Omg, it was so good together. The slight sweetness from the Riesling perfect balanced out the spicy dipping sauce, the Riesling’s acidity perfect cut through the coconut crust. Highly recommend.
Alternative Wines with Shrimp Cocktail
When I make shrimp scampi, I serve the same wine that I use to make the sauce. For me, shrimp scampi will always pair best with Pinot Grigio. I love the tartness of the Pinot Grigio with the lemon sauce and the parsley picks up on the greener notes in Pinot Grigio. And usually, Pinot Grigio isn’t too expensive so you don’t feel bad using it to make the scampi sauce.
The Ultimate Guide to Shrimp Wine Pairing
FAQ
Can I drink red wine with shrimp?
If you prefer red wines, choose light and fruity reds such as Pinot Noir or Gamay. Their soft tannins and red fruit aromas pair well with shrimp.
Can you eat seafood with red wine?
While white wine is typically the go-to for fish, certain red wines—like a light-bodied Pinot Noir—pair beautifully with oily fish like salmon or tuna.May 30, 2025