4 Delicious Wines to Pair with Shellfish

Whether you’re hosting a tasting party or simply enjoying a meal at home, no culinary experience is complete without the proper wine pairings.

From meat to fresh fillets of fish, the opportunity to create mouthwatering matches is truly endless, but what about shellfish?

Shellfish are traditionally paired with light whites and sparkling wines, but with so many delicious options in our Wine Department, how do you choose?

While a “perfect pairing” is ultimately judged by what you enjoy, the four recommendations below represent a robust selection of some of our current favorite wines to drink with shellfish like oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp and scallops.

Stop by the Wine Department to give them a try this summer and always feel free to ask your local Heinen’s Wine Consultant for a recommendation based on your menu and preferences.

1. Joseph Drouhin Chablis
Made from Chardonnay in the Chablis appellation of Burgundy, this crisp, dynamic wine features aromas of lemon and grapefruit. Upon your first sip you’ll be immediately greeted by vibrant and clean citrus flavors. Oak plays a minimal role in most Chablis, making it perfect for wine fans that enjoy unoaked varietals.

2. St. Supery “Dollarhide Ranch” Sauvignon Blanc
This is one of the best California Sauvignon Blancs we have ever tasted, with honeysuckle and Meyer lemon aromas that leap from the glass and lead to flavors of lemongrass and ripe melon. While it possesses the traditional acidity found in Sauvignon Blanc, this single vineyard selection also offers creamy hints thanks to a touch of French oak barrel aging.

3. Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay
Our friends at Alexander Valley Vineyards continue to churn out some of the tastiest Chardonnay values in Sonoma County. The Wetzel family lovingly creates this estate-produced wine using perfectly ripe grapes grown along the Russian River. This alone gives their Chardonnay consistent ripe fruit notes, like juicy green apple, peach and pineapple with the perfect amount of buttery oak notes to finish.

4. Pine Ridge Sparkling Chenin Blanc+Viognier
On a recent visit to the beautiful Pine Ridge Winery in Napa Valley, our wine experts were greeted with a glass of this deliciously unique sparkling wine. Made from an unlikely pairing of Chenin Blanc and Viognier, this fruit-forward aromatic charmer delivers ripe pear and apricot notes on a juicy frame. If you are a fan of a simple dash of hot sauce on your oysters, this is the wine for you!

By Heinen's Grocery Store

In 1929, Joe Heinen opened the doors of a small butcher shop on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio, aiming to establish himself as the city’s purveyor of quality meats. As customers came into Heinen’s new shop for their meat purchases, they began asking him to carry groceries as well. Joe added homemade peanut butter, pickles and donuts and by 1933, business had grown enough to include a line of produce and canned goods. Heinen’s Grocery Store was born.