South African Chenin Blanc Paired with Shrimp, Scallops, and Mango Salsa #WinePW

Are you looking for a wine to pair with your summer fare? Have you tasted a South African Chenin Blanc? Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s leading white grape variety, it’s affordable and comes in a range of styles including; sparkling, dry, off-dry, and sweet. I paired a summer appetizer of Shrimp, Scallops, and Mango Salsa with a dry style South African Chenin Blanc for a delightfully mouthwatering pairing.

This month the Wine Pairing Weekend group is exploring the wines of South Africa. Some of the group, including myself, received wine samples from Wines Of South Africa. As always, all opinions are my own. For more tempting South African wine and food pairing ideas, check the articles at the bottom of this post from the Wine Pairing Weekend Group.

Fast Facts About South African Wine

• 7th largest wine producing country behind;  1. Italy, 2. France, 3. Spain, 4. USA, 5. Australia, 6. Argentina
• 10th largest country for vineyard plantings
• 6th largest country for wine exports
• Wine production is centered around Cape Town
• Major vineyards and production are located in Constantia, Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Worcester
• Chenin Blanc also known as “Steen in South Africa is the most widely planted variety in SA
• The top white wine varieties; Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat d’ Alexandrie, Semillon
• The top red wine varieties; Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Merlot, Ruby Cabernet, Cinsaut, Pinot Noir

Sources: Paris-based International Organization of Vine & Wine April 2018 & South Africa Wine Industry Information and Systems of Paarl for the year 2017

Tasting Notes

2018 KWV Classic Collection, Chenin Blanc
Western Cape, South Africa
12.5% abv | SRP $11.99 (sample) | 100% Chenin Blanc

KWV Wines is based in the Paarl region, founded as a co-operative in 1918 with funding from the South African government to assist in stabilizing and growing the South African wine industry. In 1997, KWV became a privately owned company and no longer a co-operative. They produce wines and spirits.

Pale straw in color.  Medium(-) body and medium acidity. On the palate notes of green apple, lime, and a hint of pear. A refreshing light Chenin Blanc with balanced acidity.

Food Pairing

This light, crisp, dry style Chenin Blanc makes a nice apéritif wine or paired with sushi, light seafood, chicken, or salad dishes. I paired it with shrimp, scallops, and mango salsa. The lighter style of the wine is the perfect match for the simple, fresh seafood and mango salsa. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness in the shrimp and scallops. I am a fan of adding herbs to bridge flavors in the wine; the addition of cilantro in the salsa brings out floral and fruity notes in the wine.

Shrimp, Scallops, and Mango Salsa

Print Recipe

A light summer appetizer of Shrimp, Scallops, and Mango Salsa paired with a dry style South African Chenin Blanc for a delightfully mouthwatering pairing.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American, Caribbean, Seafood

Keyword Shrimp, Scallops, and Mango Salsa

Servings 2 as an appetizer

Author adapted from Martha Stewart and Eating Well Magazine

Ingredients

Sautéed Shrimp

• 6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, but leave tail on
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper

Seared Scallops

• 6 dry packed scallops, remove small side muscle
• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive
• salt and pepper

Mango Salsa

• 1 mango, peeled, pitted and cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 + cup fresh cilantro, chopped extra cilantro leaves for garnishing
• 1-1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 small jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• kosher salt to taste
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Instructions

Sautéed Shrimp

• In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the garlic for 30 seconds and then add the shrimp. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until cooked through, turning the shrimp half way through cooking.

Seared Scallops

• Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
• In a medium sauté pan over high heat add the olive oil and butter. When the pan is hot and just starting to smoke, gently add the scallops. Make sure they have enough room and are not touching each other. Sear for about 1-1/2 minutes per side, they will be slightly translucent in the center when done.

Mango Salsa

• Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl.
• To serve; arrange shrimp and scallops on individual plates or small platter with salsa on the side and wedges of limes. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

More Food and Wine pairing ideas for wines from South Africa from the Wine Pairing Weekend Group

• Camilla from the Culinary Adventures of Camilla offers A South African Braai (Rhymes with ‘Fry’) + A Trio of Chenin Blancs.
• Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm features Grilled Chicken Caesar paired with a South African Chenin Blanc.
• Lori of Dracaena Wines is Unlocking the Marvels of Nature ThroughWine.
• David of Cooking Chat shares South African Chicken with Chakalaka and Chenin Blanc.
• Deanna of Asian Test Kitchen features South African Chenin Blanc Paired with Vietnamese Food.
• Gwen of Wine Predator writes 3 Summer Wines from South Africa Shine for #CheninBlancDay #RoseDay #WinePW.
• Nicole of Somm’s Table shares A South African Pinot Feast Hamilton Russell, Tesselaarsdal, and a Glazed Pork.
• Sarah of Curious Cuisinere features South African Chutney Chicken and Chenin Blanc Pairing.
• Cynthia and Pierre of Traveling Wine Profs writes A Celebration of Wine Industry Upgrading Paired with South African Food Truck Takeout.
• Pinny of Chinese Food and Wine Pairings is sharing Spier Pinotage/Shiraz from South AfricanPlus Sliced Lamb as Wrappers.
• Jeff of FoodWineClick! features Gemaak en Gebottle Oorsprong: We’re Not in Kansas Anymore.
• Linda of My Full Wine Glass highlights Golden Wine from a Golden Land – South Africa.
• Jill of L’Occasion writes Making a Meal with Wine from South Africa.
• Cindy of Grape Experiences features A Family Affair: South African Chenin Blanc with Scallops, Tomatoes and Pesto.
• Jane of Always Ravenous writes South African Chenin Blanc Paired with Shrimp,Scallops, and Mango Salsa.
• Michelle of Rockin Red Blog is sharing Wandering into June with Lubanzi Wine and #WinePW.
• Jennifer of Vino Travels is featuring Zucchini Quiche with Raats Chenin Blanc from South Africa.