“Finishing food is about the tiny touches. In the last seconds you can change everything.” - Mario Batali
Shrimp is such a versatile protein, you can enjoy them steamed, grilled, or broiled. Yet, one of my favorite ways to enjoy shrimp is when it is fried with buttermilk! These bitesized treats, are perfect to enjoy solo, tossed in a salad, or piled high on a sandwich. I absolutely love pairing buttermilk fried shrimp with Crémant, a delicious sparkling wine.
Buttermilk fried shrimp with spicy aioli.
Buttermilk Fried Shrimp
These crispy buttermilk shrimp are marinated in lemon pepper, red pepper, and a pinch of sea salt for 24 hours. The flavor of these shellfish are so lovely, and the citrus and spicy notes pair wonderfully together.
When choosing a wine for this dish, you’ll want something light and refreshing. A crisp, fresh, and sparkling white wine would compliment these fried shrimp perfectly.
Williamsburg Winery, Crémant de Loire Wedmore Place
Crémant de Loire
Williamsburg Winery, located in Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, VA has a hidden gem on their wine listing, a wonderful Crémant. It is simply lovely, and is served at their hotel, Wedmore Place. This wine is bottled and produced at Château de la Presle in France. I stumbled upon this delicious sparkling white wine during my bridal shower several years ago, and is a staple always kept in my home.
Not familiar with Crémant? Crémant de Loire is produced in the Anjou-Saumur and Touraine regions of Loire Valley.
The primary grapes traditionally used in this wine are:
Chenin Blanc,
Cabernet Franc, or
Pinot Noir
With Chenin Blanc more commonly used in this sparkling wine, you’ll taste the following primary notes:
Lemon
Quince
Pear
Honey
Chamomile
Bread or Toast
On the nose you’ll immediately find:
Hazelnut
Almonds
Vanilla
Liquore
This wine is so delicate, fresh, clean, and crisp, the perfect compliment to really any fried dish, but particularly buttermilk fried shrimp. I truly enjoy this pairing, and it’s one of my favorites to indulge in. You can pair Crémant with several other dishes like salmon, curry, and smoked trout.
XO, Analise