The Ultimate Guide to Wine Pairings for Jambalaya, Scallops, Lobster and More

By David Gadd | Published on 2021-11-08

Are you looking for the perfect wine to pair with your seafood dishes? From jambalaya to lobster, scallops to oysters, there’s nothing quite like the perfect wine to bring out the flavor of your favorite seafood dishes. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the best wines to pair with jambalaya, scallops, lobster, and more. We’ll look at white wines for seafood dishes, red wines for seafood dishes, shellfish wine pairings, and wine pairings for surf and turf dishes. So, grab a glass and let’s dive in!

Best Wines to Pair with Jambalaya

When it comes to pairing wine with jambalaya, there are several options to choose from. For a classic jambalaya, a dry white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio is a great choice. These wines have a crisp acidity that helps to cut through the richness of the dish. For a spicier jambalaya, a fuller-bodied white such as a Chardonnay or a Viognier can help to balance out the heat.

For a red wine pairing, a light-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir is a great option. Pinot Noir has a light body and a bright acidity that pairs well with the bold flavors of jambalaya. For a heartier jambalaya, a medium-bodied red such as a Zinfandel or a Syrah can help to bring out the flavors of the dish.

No matter what type of jambalaya you are serving, there is a wine out there that will pair perfectly. Experiment with different wines to find the perfect pairing for your jambalaya. With the right wine, your jambalaya will be even more delicious!

Pairing Wine with Scallops

When it comes to pairing wine with scallops, you have a lot of options. For a light and delicate flavor, try a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines will bring out the sweetness of the scallops without overpowering the delicate flavor. If you’re looking for something a bit bolder, a Chardonnay or Viognier can be a great choice. These wines have a bit more body and can stand up to the scallops’ flavor.

For a red wine pairing, a lighter-bodied red like a Pinot Noir can be a great choice. Pinot Noir has a light and fruity flavor that won’t overpower the scallops. If you’re looking for something a bit bolder, a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can be a great choice. These wines have a bit more body and can stand up to the scallops’ flavor.

No matter what type of wine you choose, be sure to serve it slightly chilled. This will help bring out the flavors of the scallops and the wine. Also, be sure to pair the wine with the other ingredients in the dish. For example, if you’re serving scallops with a creamy sauce, try a white wine with a bit of sweetness to balance out the richness of the sauce.

Best Wines for Lobster Dishes

When it comes to lobster dishes, there are a few key factors to consider when selecting a wine. First, the richness of the lobster should be taken into account. If the lobster is cooked in a rich sauce or butter, a fuller-bodied white wine or a light-bodied red wine will pair nicely. If the lobster is served with a lighter sauce or is steamed, a lighter-bodied white wine or a light-bodied red wine will be a better choice.

When selecting a wine for lobster dishes, consider the flavor profile of the dish. If the lobster is served with a creamy sauce, a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc will pair nicely. If the lobster is served with a tomato-based sauce, a Pinot Noir or a Sangiovese will be a good choice. For a lobster dish with a spicy kick, a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer will be a great pairing.

Finally, consider the type of lobster you are serving. If you are serving a sweeter lobster, such as a Maine lobster, a Chenin Blanc or a Viognier will pair nicely. For a more savory lobster, such as a spiny lobster, a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc will be a great choice. No matter what type of lobster you are serving, there is a wine that will pair perfectly with it.

White Wines for Seafood Dishes

When it comes to pairing white wines with seafood dishes, there are a few key points to keep in mind. First, the weight of the wine should be considered. Lighter wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling are best suited for lighter seafood dishes such as scallops, shrimp, and oysters. For heartier seafood dishes, such as crab cakes, lobster, and salmon, a medium-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or Viognier can be a great choice.

Another important factor to consider when pairing white wines with seafood is the flavor profile of the dish. For dishes with a creamy sauce or a hint of sweetness, a white wine with a touch of sweetness, such as a Moscato or Gewürztraminer, can be a great choice. For dishes with a spicy kick, a crisp, acidic white such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can help to balance out the heat.

Finally, when pairing white wines with seafood, it’s important to consider the region the dish is from. For example, a seafood dish from the Mediterranean region would pair nicely with a white wine from the same region, such as a Greek Assyrtiko or a Spanish Albariño. These wines will have similar flavor profiles to the dish and will enhance the overall experience.

Red Wines for Seafood Dishes

When it comes to pairing seafood dishes with red wine, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of seafood you’re serving will determine the type of red wine you should pair it with. For example, a light and delicate fish such as sea bass or sole will pair best with a light-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir, while a richer fish such as salmon or tuna will pair better with a medium-bodied red such as a Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon.

When it comes to shellfish, the same rule applies. A lighter shellfish such as shrimp or crab will pair best with a light-bodied red, while a richer shellfish such as lobster or scallops will pair better with a medium-bodied red. For dishes that combine both light and rich seafood, a medium-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir or a Merlot will be a great choice.

When pairing red wines with seafood dishes, it’s also important to consider the other flavors in the dish. If the dish is spicy, a bolder red such as a Zinfandel or a Syrah will pair well. If the dish is creamy, a lighter red such as a Beaujolais or a Pinot Noir will be a great choice. For dishes with a lot of acidity, a medium-bodied red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot will be a great choice. No matter what type of seafood dish you’re serving, there’s sure to be a perfect red wine to pair it with.

Shellfish Wine Pairings

Shellfish is a delicious and versatile seafood that pairs well with a variety of wines. Whether you’re looking for a light and crisp white wine to pair with shrimp scampi or a bold and full-bodied red wine to pair with king crab legs, there’s a perfect wine for every shellfish dish.

When pairing wine with shrimp, look for a white wine that is light and crisp with a hint of fruitiness. A Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio are both great choices. If you’re serving a spicy shrimp dish, a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer will help to balance out the heat. For a richer dish, such as shrimp scampi, a Chardonnay or a Viognier will pair nicely.

For a lobster dish, a bold and full-bodied red wine is a great choice. A Cabernet Sauvignon, a Merlot, or a Zinfandel will all pair nicely with lobster. If you’re serving a lighter lobster dish, such as a lobster salad, a Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais will be a great choice. For a richer lobster dish, such as a lobster mac and cheese, a Syrah or a Malbec will pair nicely.

Wine Pairings for Surf and Turf Dishes

When it comes to surf and turf dishes, there are a few options when it comes to wine pairings. For a classic surf and turf dish, such as steak and lobster, a full-bodied red wine is a great choice. A Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot will pair nicely with the steak, while a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc will bring out the sweetness of the lobster.

For a more adventurous surf and turf dish, such as steak and shrimp, a medium-bodied red wine is a great option. A Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel will pair nicely with the steak, while a Riesling or a Chenin Blanc will bring out the sweetness of the shrimp.

For a lighter surf and turf dish, such as grilled shrimp and scallops, a light-bodied white wine is the perfect choice. A Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio will pair nicely with the shrimp, while a Chardonnay or a Viognier will bring out the sweetness of the scallops.

Wine Pairings for Oysters

Oysters are a classic seafood dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of wines. Whether you’re enjoying them raw, fried, or in a soup, there’s a wine that will bring out the best in the dish. For a classic pairing, try a dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. This wine will bring out the briny, salty flavors of the oysters and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

For a more unique pairing, try a sparkling wine like Prosecco. The bubbles will add a light, refreshing touch to the dish, while the bright acidity will cut through the richness of the oysters. For a more full-bodied pairing, try a Chardonnay. The creamy, buttery flavors of the wine will pair perfectly with the richness of the oysters, while the oak notes will add a subtle smokiness to the dish.

Finally, if you’re looking for a bolder pairing, try a Pinot Noir. The earthy, spicy flavors of the wine will provide a nice contrast to the briny flavors of the oysters, while the tannins will add a nice structure to the dish. No matter what type of wine you choose, you’re sure to find a delicious pairing for your oysters.

Conclusion

When it comes to pairing wine with seafood dishes, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every seafood dish has its own unique flavor profile and texture, and the best wines to pair with them will vary depending on the dish. However, with this ultimate guide to wine pairings for jambalaya, scallops, lobster, and more, you can be sure to find the perfect wine to complement your seafood dish. From white wines to red wines, shellfish pairings to surf and turf dishes, this guide has you covered for all your seafood and wine pairing needs.