Sparkling Wine and Seafood
The Perfect New Years Eve
Pop the cork, pour the bubbly-it’s time to celebrate the New Year!
New Years Eve parties are the best, aren’t they? From black tie formal to laid back casual, one thing is certain- there will always be plenty of sparkling wine and good eats.
Cameron’s Seafood is no stranger to the good eats category (nor the bubbly).
Sparking Wine and Seafood
Sparkling wine and seafood for New Year’s Eve are a match made in gastronomic-heaven. Here is a simple breakdown of bubbles and the seafood best paired.
Dry and Citrusy
These sparkling wines tend to be those with the label of Brut or Extra Brut (meaning very dry, not sweet) and can be found in non-vintage Champagne or Cava. This is a great option for oysters, clams or any other ‘on a half shell’ shellfish dish.
Fruity and Floral
The fruity and floral category tend to be the most popular sparkling wines. Well balanced bubbles that are light, crisp and easy sippers. These are our Prosecco, Rose´, Dry Riesling and Lambrusco. Crab, lobster, most fish (salmon, cod, snapper, etc…) and shrimp pair very well with these wines.
Sweeties
These wines tend to have added sugar or are made with late harvest grapes and yes, they will be sweet. Great floral notes, a little citrus and tropical fruits on the palate. These wines will usually have ‘dolce’, demi-sec, doux, or Asti Spumante on their labels and/or made with Moscato grapes. Save these for after dinner, they may be a little too sweet for seafood.
Rich and Creamy
These are the coveted, aged sparkling wines. Most vintaged Champagne and Cava fall into this profile. Age adds a level of creaminess to the palate with toasty and nutty aromas. Another sparkling wine that will pair with any and all seafood- especially, crab, lobster and shrimp.
Bubbly Bar
The self serve bubbly bar is the perfect way to have guests pick and chose their favorite sparkling wine for the evening. I like having fresh fruit juices (mango, pineapple, orange and peach) available for guests to make bellinis or mimosas plus some mixed berries for garnish.
Sparkling Wine Friendly Seafood Appetizers
My all time favorite show stopper seafood appetizer for New Year’s Eve (which happens to be the easiest one to make) is called Fruits de Mer Platter. It is a towering seafood extravaganza filled with chilled lobster, shrimp, king crab legs, clams and mussels. Simply served with lemon, drawn butter and cocktail sauce, it pairs perfectly with any dry, fruity or creamy sparkling wines.
Individual Lobster Ceviche appetizers are stunning and flavorful. Toss chopped lobster meat with a little lime juice, salt, chopped cilantro and minced shallots. Fill either little aperitif glasses or large shot glasses with the mix and top with some avocado slices, diced tomatoes, diced mangoes and sliced jalapeño peppers (optional). This recipe works well with shrimp or jumbo lump crab meat too. Serve with some nice tortilla chips.
Pair this appetizer with any Brut or Extra Brut, dry sparkling wines.
Lastly, Shrimp and Crab Summer Rolls are another impressive New Years Eve Appetizer. Wrap moistened rice paper sheets around lettuce, basil leaves, mint leaves, shredded carrots, shredded radishes, our cooked fresh shrimp (peeled) and jumbo lump crab meat. Make sure to wrap them tightly, tucking in the ends before slicing in half. Serve with your favorite Asian peanut dipping sauce. Pair these fabulous rolls with either sparkling wines from the dry and citrusy category or fruity and floral.
Buy Seafood Online
The seafood is this article is available at our online store. As we say, ‘from shore to door, 3 days fresher than the grocery store’-all of our seafood is delivered right to your door when you schedule it, guaranteed! That’s convenience you need during the busy holidays!
Check out our friends at Gold Medal Wine Club for an amazing selection of wines, delivered right to your door.
We’d love to see your friends and family ringing in the New Year with Cameron’s Seafood and your favorite sparkling wines-share the holiday spirit on any of our social pages, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter be sure to tag us @cameronsseafoodonline. Happy New Year from Cameron’s Seafood!
By: Patterson Watkins
