#ThisWineThatDish | Vanessa V Series | Curried Shrimp

This is a dish that I have made more times than I can count. Every year pretty much since we were first married hubby asks for Curried Shrimp for his birthday dinner. It actually started way back when we were dating. A favourite spot was the old King Nesptune restaurant in New Westminster. We spent many an evening there and I’m pretty sure the first time Mike ever took me out to dinner it was at that restaurant.

The recipe has evolved a bit over the years but it remains a favourite and it is so easy to make. This year it was paried with the Vanessa Vineyards 2021 V Series.

2021 V Series

Sémillon 75% / Riesling 25%

Flavour Profile

Our ‘V Series’ is the beginning of something special. This is the first white blend in this series. This wine is a unique blend of Sémillon and Riesling grapes that shows pale but brilliant straw yellow in the glass. On the nose, spring flowers and fresh, vibrant fruits shine through like white peach and ripe apple. This wine has full-bodied texture a crisp acidity all while being refreshing. ‘V Series’ has a lot to give – this is the perfect summer sipper.

Winemaking

The ‘V Series’ of wine is a passion project, brilliantly executed by our Master Winemaker Howard Soon. This curated blend of white grapes were hand-picked and whole cluster-pressed. The goal was to capture the essence of the grapes with very little skin contact. This is the first wine in the series, but won’t be the last.

Growing Conditions

Overall, the 2021 growing season was mostly normal. At the end of June, we experienced a heat dome and the hot spots moved slowly throughout the valley, making us water heavily to keep the vines cool.

I loved this wine! It is the perfect pairing for this rich seafood dish. The wine is crisp and refreshing, dry with excellent acidity. Hints of minerality and some herbeaceous notes. Easy drinking on its own or paired with any seafood, cheeses or lighter fare.

Although the V series white wine is an ideal summer wine it is equally delicious and versatile even on the coolest of nights. Think cozy evenings in front of the fireplace, add a bowl of popcorn, your favourite flick, or just by itself while you enjoy a good book.

This wine has been served exclusively in the Vanessa Tasting room. Please contact the winery directly for price and availability.

The Dish

Curried Shrimp

Ingredients:

Fresh or thawed frozen prawns or shrimp
grapeseed or coconut oil
Coconut milk
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon grated garlic
1 teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cumin
red pepper flakes, optional
cilantro, Italian parsley, or green onions for garnish
lime wedges

Prepare the shrimp by peeling (if using whole in shell shrimp), dry with a paper towel. Use a mild oil like grapeseed oil or coconut oil if you have it.

Sauteed the shrimp in the oil in a medium/hot pan just until slightly golden, do not overcook, sprinkle the salt and pepper onto the shrimp as they cook. Using another small frying pan add all the dried spices and toast for a few minutes on high, being careful not to burn them. (include the red pepper flakes if using).

Add the coconut milk to the shrimp and turn down to medium, add the toasted spices.

Heat through and serve topped with chopped cilantro or Italian parsley and lime wedges.

Enjoy!

note: if you don’t have all the spices in your cupboard you can use your favourite curry spice instead, just remember to toast it as it brings out the flavour. For the version pictured I sauteed some leeks to add to the dish.

VANESSA VINEYARD

Carved from stone, fuelled by sun, a vineyard like no other

Wine notes courtesy of the winery. My notes (in italics) Images: MyVanCity I received complimentary wine to facilitate this feature. All opinions are my own.