by Ronald

Crab Cake Wine Pairing | Perfect Wines Pair Tips

June 3, 2024 | Food & Wine

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Crab Cake Wine Pairing – Perfect Wines Pair Tips

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

As we turned our passion for wine into the celebrated Wander Wine Carriers brand, we discovered that the perfect wine pairing, like the ideal travel companion, can transform ordinary moments into cherished memories. Today, let’s explore how to pair wines with crab cakes, enhancing not just flavors but also the experiences that surround them.

Pairing wine with crab cakes can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With so many different types of crab cakes and wines, it can be challenging to find the perfect match.

Whether you prefer red or white wine, there are several options that will complement the delicate flavors of crab meat and enhance your dining experience.

Crab Cake Wine Pairing - Perfect Wines Pair Tips

When pairing wine with crab cakes, choose a wine that has bright acidity and citrus notes. Some excellent choices include New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chenin Blanc.

If you prefer red wine, Pinot Noir and light-bodied reds from the Alsace region are good choices. A dry Riesling or other acidic white wine can also be a perfect match for crab cakes.

When serving crab cakes, consider adding a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce to enhance the seafood taste. You may also want to try a hot sauce or whole-grain mustard for a little extra kick.



Key Takeaways

  • Choose a wine with bright acidity and citrus notes for the perfect pairing with crab cakes.
  • Consider adding a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce to enhance the seafood taste.

And if you’re planning to host a wine party where crab cakes might star on the menu, enhance your hosting skills with our guide on hosting a wine party, including DIY tasting cards and notes. This resource will help you organize a memorable event!

Tasting Cards & Notes: DIY

Crab Cake and Wine Pairing Essentials

Crab Cake and Wine Pairing Essentials

If you are a seafood lover and a wine enthusiast, then you know that finding the perfect wine to pair with your favorite seafood dish can make all the difference in your dining experience. Crab cakes are no exception. Here are some essential tips to help you select the perfect wine to complement the delicate flavors of your crab cakes.

Understanding Crab Cake Flavors

Crab cakes are typically made with lump crab meat, which has a sweet and delicate flavor. The flavor notes of the crab cake can be enhanced by the addition of different spices, such as Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, or a blend of spices.

The texture of the crab cake can range from crispy fried to golden brown baked, depending on the recipe.

If you’re keen to expand your seafood and wine pairing knowledge beyond crab cakes, check out our detailed guide on Chilean Sea Bass and wine pairings, where you’ll find the best wines to complement another popular seafood dish.

Chilean Sea Bass with Wine - Best Pairing Guide

Selecting the Perfect Wine

When selecting the perfect wine to pair with your crab cakes, find a wine that complements the sweetness and richness of the crab meat without overpowering it. You also want to consider the texture and flavor notes of the crab cake.

For those of you who enjoy a good deal without compromising on quality, our post on the best Cabernet Sauvignon under $25 offers great value picks that might surprise you, even with crab cakes!

Cabernet-Sauvignon

Wine Varietal Recommendations

Here are some wine varietal recommendations that are excellent choices for pairing with crab cakes:

  • New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: This wine has bright acidity and citrus notes that pair well with the delicate seafood taste of the crab cake. It is a popular choice among seafood pairings and is a personal preference of many wine lovers.
  • Chenin Blanc: This wine has a crisp acidity that complements the buttery flavor of the crab cake. It is a great pairing for those who prefer a dry wine.
  • Pinot Grigio: This wine has a hint of sweetness and is a good match for the delicate flavors of the crab cake. It is a medium-bodied white that is perfect for those who prefer light wines.
  • Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine has a delicate flavor that pairs well with the delicate crab cake flavor. It is a good choice for those who prefer red wine.
  • Dry Riesling: This wine has a crisp white wine taste that is perfect for cleansing the palate between bites of the crab cake. It is an excellent choice for those who prefer a dry sparkling wine.

These are just a few standout wine varietals that pair well with crab cakes. When selecting the right wine, consider the flavor notes of the crab cake, your personal preferences, and the dining experience you want to create. With the art of wine pairing, you can elevate your crab cake dining experience to a whole new level.

Pairing Tips and Serving Suggestions

Pairing Tips and Serving Suggestions

When pairing wine with crab cakes, there are a few tips that can help you find the perfect match. By considering the wine’s body and acidity, as well as the flavor notes of the crab cake, you can create a dining experience that is truly unforgettable.

While mastering the pairing of wine and crab cakes, don’t forget to brush up on your manners with our wine tasting etiquette tips. Knowing the dos and don’ts can enhance your and your guests’ enjoyment at any wine-tasting event.

Wine Tasting Etiquette

Pairing by Wine Body and Acidity

One of the most important factors to consider when pairing wine with crab cakes is the wine’s body and acidity. For crab cakes, you want to choose a wine with a bright acidity that can cut through the richness of the crab cakes.

Wines like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and dry Riesling are excellent choices because they have a crisp acidity that can balance the buttery flavor of the crab cakes.

If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a Pinot Grigio with delicate flavors can be a good choice. However, keep in mind that red wine can overpower the delicate flavors of the crab cakes.

Accompaniments and Condiments

When serving crab cakes with wine, it’s important to consider the accompaniments and condiments that will complement the flavors of both the wine and the crab cakes.

Lemon wedges and a squeeze of lemon can add a bright, citrusy note that pairs well with a crisp white wine. Tartar sauce and whole grain mustard can also be a great pairing because they have a hint of sweetness that can balance the acidity of the wine.

If you’re looking for a spicier pairing, hot sauce can be a great option. Old Bay seasoning, a blend of spices commonly used in Maryland crab cakes, can also be a good choice because it has a complex botanical finish that can complement the flavor notes of the crab cake.

Crab Cake Recipes for Wine Pairing

When making crab cakes at home, there are a few ingredients that can help you create the perfect pairing with wine.

Panko bread crumbs can add a crispy texture that pairs well with a dry sparkling wine. Black pepper can add a subtle heat that can balance the sweetness of a sweet wine.

If you’re looking for a wine that can stand up to the richness of the crab cakes, a medium-bodied white like Pinot Gris or Pinot Blanc can be a great choice. For a palate-cleansing option, try serving your crab cakes with a dry white wine like an acidic white wine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What red wine complements crab cakes best?

While white wine is the traditional pairing for crab cakes, a light-bodied red wine can also complement the flavors of the dish.

Pinot Noir is a good choice as it has delicate flavors and bright acidity that won’t overpower the taste buds. Another option is a dry red blend from the Alsace region, which has a complex botanical finish that can enhance the buttery flavor of the crab cakes.

Which white wine pairs perfectly with crab cakes?

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is a standout wine for crab cakes, as it has crisp acidity and iconic tropical fruit notes that can balance the richness of the crab cakes. Other excellent choices include Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and dry Riesling.

The key is to choose a wine with bright acidity and citrus or herbal notes that can cut through the delicate crab cake flavor.

How do I choose the best wine to pair with crab cakes?

When selecting a wine to pair with crab cakes, consider the sweetness and richness of the dish. If the crab cakes have a hint of sweetness, a sweet wine can be a good match.

For a classic crab cake recipe with Old Bay seasoning, a crisp white wine or light-bodied red can be a good match. Personal preferences also play a role, so experiment with different wines to find your perfect match.

Can you suggest a wine pairing for Dungeness crab?

Dungeness crab has a sweet and delicate seafood taste that pairs well with dry sparkling wines or aromatic white wines. A dry Riesling or Chenin Blanc can also be a good choice, as they have bright acidity that can complement the sweetness of the crab meat.

What wine would you recommend serving with crab pasta?

Crab pasta dishes typically have a creamy sauce that can pair well with a medium-bodied white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Gris. A dry white blend can also be a good option as it can enhance the flavor notes of the crab cake.

What is an ideal wine pairing for crab imperial?

Crab imperial has a rich and buttery flavor that pairs well with a medium-bodied white wine, such as Pinot Blanc or Chardonnay. A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, can also be a great pairing as it has delicate flavors and bright acidity.

Which wine enhances the flavor of King crab legs?

King crab legs have a sweet and delicate flavor that pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A dry sparkling wine can also be a palate-cleansing option that can enhance the seafood taste.

What wines pair well with Maryland crab cakes?

Maryland crab cakes are traditionally paired with a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. However, a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, can also be a good match.

Which alcohol pairs seamlessly with crab cakes?

A glass of wine is the perfect complement to crab cakes, as it can enhance the flavors of the dish without overpowering them. However, a light beer or a refreshing cocktail with a hint of citrus can also be a great pairing.

What white wine should I use for cooking with crab?

When cooking with crab, a dry white wine with bright acidity can enhance the flavors of the dish. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are good choices. They have crisp acidity and citrus notes that can complement the sweetness of the crab meat.

A squeeze of lemon or a dollop of whole grain mustard can also enhance the flavor of the dish.


As we conclude our journey through the delicate art of pairing wines with crab cakes, remember that each pairing is a story waiting to be told, just like the stories behind every bottle we cherish. Don’t miss out on crafting your own wine-tasting stories at home. Subscribe now and receive a FREE step-by-step guide to hosting a memorable wine-tasting event, complete with expert advice, perfect pairings, and printable tasting sheets. Join our community and enrich your wine journey with us!


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