For years people have been pairing Chardonnay with seafood because it works so well. Especially popular are shrimp and lobster dishes with rich sauces like butter and cream. Rice, pastas and other starches provide the right texture for Chardonnay to compliment compatible food ingredients.
Cilantro Lime Rice with Shrimp
Finding the right Chardonnay can be a challenge since the range of styles is so vast. Where the grape is grown and if it is aged in wood barrels, usually oak, plays a significant role in determining the flavors and textures of the wine.
Talbott Vinyards grows the grapes for Kali-Hart in Monterey CA, one of the best places on earth for growing Chardonnay. The Pacific ocean provides a constant breeze that helps maintain a consistent cool temperature, perfect for the grapes.
The wine has refreshing flavors of pineapple and honeydew with refreshing acidity. The long citrus and tropical fruit finish has the right hints of French oak and minerality to match the clean and fresh flavors in this recipe.
The slightly creamy texture and lime flavors in the rice provide a great balance with the wine. This recipe isn't heavy with butter or cream, just enough to complement the wine and not over power it.