Encruzado + Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Pasta. Shrimp. Wine. Yes please! We have the start of an incredible date night. 

Visit Little Sunny Kitchen for their Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe.  It will turn out delicious – even if you are not a master in the kitchen.  

Creamy shrimp pasta steps up with a mild seafood flavor in a rich and creamy sauce.  We need a wine that can complement the shrimp (but not overpower it) and match the creaminess of the sauce.    

Meet Encruzado

Encruzado is a native Portuguese white grape variety primarily grown in the Dão region, located in north-central Portugal. Nestled between granite mountains, the Dão region enjoys a unique climate with warm days, cool nights, and well-drained, granitic soils. This is an ideal condition for producing elegant, age-worthy wines.

   
Wine makers age Encruzado in both stainless steel and oak. When aged in stainless steel, it stays crisp and linear; when aged in oak, it gains a creamy, almost nutty roundness that matches the texture of the creamy pasta. I chose an oak aged, but either style works beautifully with this dish. Don't forget to serve it slightly chilled. 

Let's Eat 

Take that first bite of the pasta. Do you taste that creamy, garlicky goodness with just a slight brininess from the shrimp? Now go for the wine. Start by giving it a gentle swirl to release the aromas. Take a sip and notice how its fresh acidity balances the creamy texture of the pasta. Encruzado has a complex finish. Allow it to linger. You'll see! 

Why It Works 

Encruzado is known for its balance of freshness and texture which can cut through the richness of the sauce with a light acidity. You will notice that the wine offers notes of citrus, stone fruit, and subtle herbal or mineral undertones.  The Encruzado will refresh your palate in between bites of the pasta. It will enhance the flavor and leave a clean mineral finish that encourages another forkful. 

Saúde