Serving up crab or lobster? This is the wine pairing you need. These crustaceans offer a feast for the senses, and the right wine can elevate the experience to something truly extraordinary. As the warmer months invite lobster rolls and the soft flavors of fresh crab, pairing them with a exquisite bottle of wine is a fitting tribute to these oceanic delights. To shed light on optimal pairings, Vajra Stratigos, the Director of Operations at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, provided some savory insights.
“I’m a Chenin Blanc devotee,” Stratigos shared with a hint of enthusiasm. “Which means my heart belongs to wines from Vouvray and the regions nearby.” Nestled in the Loire Valley, Vouvray is acclaimed for its Chenin Blanc wines. Stratigos elaborated on a unique style called Moelleux: “It’s richer, rounder, yet maintains that bright, refreshing acidity characteristic of Chenin.”
Both crab and lobster carry a distinct salinity that dances delightfully on the palate, complemented seamlessly by the velvety notes of Chenin Blanc. As Stratigos articulated, “When indulging in crab or lobster, consider not just the opulence but the need for balance. I suggest the Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont from 2017.” Interestingly, this precise wine echoes other conversations about beginner-friendly wines, marking it as accessible yet sophisticated.
Exploring the Magic of Vouvray’s Wines
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Whether curating a seafood feast or enjoying a sun-soaked afternoon with crab ceviche, Chenin Blanc stands as an adaptable companion ready to shine. The specificity of Stratigos’ recommendation — selecting the 2017 Domaine Huet’s Moelleux — stems from the character-building unpredictability of Vouvray’s vineyards. Each vintage yields different grape profiles, which can be perplexing but ultimately enriching for enthusiasts willing to explore the flavor nuances from various years. While this is true for many wines, Vouvray’s variability is particularly poignant.
Understanding the Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont label unfolds layers of appreciation. Domaine Huet signifies the producer, Vouvray denotes the region, and Moelleux describes the wine style. Yet, a key element lies in the name Le Mont. This vineyard is famed for its robust minerality, where the stones enrich the grapes with their unique terroir. Pairing this minerality with the Moelleux style culminates in a wine that perfectly complements the sweetness and brininess of crab and lobster. The 2017 vintage encapsulates a beautiful balance ideal for enhancing seafood’s delicate flavors.
Ultimately, indulging in a glass of Chenin Blanc while enjoying crab or lobster isn’t just about the food and drink; it’s an experience. It’s about the warmth of shared meals and the happiness they bring. For me, sipping a chilled Domaine Huet while savoring freshly cooked lobster evokes memories of summer trips by the coast, laughter, and unhurried days under the sun. Each sip, an echo of life’s simple joys, serves to remind us that food and wine intertwine not just in flavor but in emotion.
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