Shrimp and grits is a classic, comforting Southern dish with a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This culinary delight features succulent, plump shrimp sautéed with aromatic spices and butter until tender and slightly caramelized. It is then served atop a bed of creamy grits, made from coarsely ground corn that has been slow-cooked to perfection with a hint of richness from butter or cheese. The shrimp are then placed on top of the grits, creating a delightfully indulgent meal.
Pairing wine with shrimp and grits requires selecting a wine that complements the dish’s rich and savory flavors without overpowering them. Opt for a light to medium-bodied white wine, such as a Chardonnay or a Viognier, which can enhance the shrimp’s delicate taste and the creamy grits. The wine’s subtle fruitiness and well-balanced acidity will harmonize with the dish’s nuances, creating a delightful dining experience that highlights the best aspects of both the food and the wine.
Wine Characteristics To Pair With Shrimp & Grits
White Wine Characteristics |
|
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Acidity | Medium – High |
| Tannins | Low |
| Fruitiness | Medium – high |
| Spiciness | Low |
| Body | Medium – Full |
Red Wine Characteristics |
|
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Acidity | Medium |
| Tannins | Low |
| Fruitiness | Medium – high |
| Spiciness | Low |
| Body | Light – Medium |
Best Red Wine To Pair With Shrimp & Grits
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a wonderful pairing for most dishes. The wine is fruity with good acidity that will bring balance to the dish without overpowering it.
Barbera
Barbera has a nice acidity and it’s low on tannins. This, along with its red fruit flavor complement the creaminess of the grits but won’t overpower the flavor of the shrimp.
Rosé
The bold berry flavor of Rosé goes very well with shrimp, and its acidity brings balance to the rich, creamy grits.
Best White Wine To Pair With Shrimp & Grits
Chardonnay
Chardonnay’s creamy, buttery quality is a lovely pairing with the creamy grits, and the flavors of citrus, along with apple, will highlight the shrimp.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris, with its citrus notes, goes well with seafood, and the acidity will act as a palate cleanser between bites, cutting through the richness of the grits.
Viognier
This full bodied white has lucious stone fruit flavors and moderate acidity. It would balance the richness of the grits and its fruit flavors will complement the shrimp.
Best Wine To Drink With Shrimp & Grits
The best Shrimp and Grits wine pairing is a medium to full bodied white that will complement the creamy grits and highlight the shrimp. A light, fruity red can also be a great choice.
- Chardonnay
- Viognier
- Rosé
- Grenache
