WHAT WINE TONIGHT

What wine goes with crab cakes?

Good crab cakes are mostly crab — sweet, briny, delicate — with a fried edge and usually a creamy sauce. High-acid whites cut the fry and the remoulade while flattering the crab's sweetness.

Best overallWhite

Dry riesling

Lime, green apple, electric acid

Acidity slices through the crust and sauce; a whisper of fruit sweetness flatters the crab.

Shop from ~$15 · Vivino

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CelebratorySparkling

Blanc de blancs

All-chardonnay sparkling — chalky, fine

Bubbles plus brine is an old friendship — and fried seafood makes it even better.

Shop from ~$25 · Vivino

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Best valueWhite

Pinot blanc

Soft orchard fruit, gentle

Round enough for the cake, quiet enough for the crab — an underrated value.

Shop from ~$14 · Vivino

Affiliate link · prices vary by retailer

Sommelier's tip

Old Bay seasoning leans the dish spicier — nudge toward the riesling.

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