Chardonnay and Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Tonight’s Wine Adventure was inspired by me being in the mood for a Chardonnay from South Africa and needing to find a good food pairing that is delicious but also quick and easy to make.

Chardonnay is a fascinating wine.  It is one of the most popular grape varietals, but it can have very different aroma and flavor characteristics.  Wine makers can choose to age the Chardonnay in steel tanks (referred to as unoaked Chardonnay) or age the Chardonnay in oak barrels (referred to as oaked Chardonnay).   Chardonnay aged in steel tanks tend to have more of a crisp, citrus or green apple flavor, whereas Chardonnay aged in oak barrels tend to have a more rich, buttery texture with hints of vanilla or honey aromas. 

The wine selection tonight is Glenelly Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2014 from South Africa, which spent some time in oak barrels.  The first thing I noticed was the intensity of the aroma. I could smell the aroma immediately after pouring and before I even lifted up the glass.  Unlike other Chardonnay’s that I have tried, where the aromas smell of green apple and citrus – the Glenelly aromas reminded me more of ripe red apples and butterscotch.  The first sip starts off with a nice, rich texture and ends with a zippy citrus finish. 

Now for dinner! Some nights after work I am just looking to throw something together quickly. I had all the ingredients to prepare Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Alfredo Pasta. 

1. Bertolli Alfredo Sauce (or any jar alfredo sauce of your choice)

2. Angel Hair Pasta

3. Fresh Broccoli

4. Fresh Garlic

5. Shrimp

Steam the broccoli and set aside.  Prepare the angel hair pasta.  I always add some chicken bouillon to the water to help add extra flavor to the noodles.  Heat up the alfredo sauce and keep warm.  Prepare the shrimp.  I prefer to use raw shrimp but if you have precooked shrimp, that is okay too.  Peel and devein the shrimp and remove tails.  Then sauté the shrimp in butter with fresh garlic.  I add a little chicken bouillon to the butter.  Once done – mix the broccoli, shrimp and alfredo sauce with the angel hair pasta. 

If you don’t feel like making Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Alfredo Pasta – just know that Chardonnay also pairs nicely with buttered popcorn.

Cheers!

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