Sushi is a delicious and unique culinary experience.
While there are many different types of sushi, most of them share some common flavors like vinegar, rice, and crab or fish.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what wine pairs with sushi.
Whether you are a sushi novice or an experienced connoisseur, this guide will help you find the perfect wine to complement your favorite sushi dishes!
What Wine Pairs With Sushi?
Generally, lighter white wines such as Gruner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Riesling, prosecco, Champagne, or Sauvignon Blanc are good options for pairing with sushi.
These wines have mild acidity, which complements most types of sushi without overwhelming the flavor.
Avoid using wasabi and soy sauce because the saltiness can ruin the wine flavor.
If you prefer red wine with your sushi, then Pinot Noir or Zinfandel are good choices.
These powerful red wines provide a bold flavor that stands up well to the richness of strong sushi like black cod.
If you’re eating salmon, tuna, or crab, opt for a bottle of white wine with a slight sweetness to bring out the delicate flavors.
Sushi drenched in flying fish roe is a natural pairing for champagne or prosecco.
Read More: What to Pair with Malbec. Not sure what to pair with your favorite glass of Malbec? Here are our favorite pairings!
Does Chardonnay Go With Sushi?
Yes, chardonnay is one of the best wines to pair with sushi.
This light and refreshing white wine has a mild acidity that works well with the subtle flavors in many different types of sushi.
Additionally, its citrusy notes add a nice brightness that complements the umami flavor of raw fish.
Whether you prefer traditional nigiri or trendy sashimi rolls, chardonnay is an excellent choice for pairing with your favorite sushi dishes.
Read More: Serving Ice Wine. We explore pairing Sushi, along with other delicious foods, with Ice Wine!
What Are Some Different Types of Sushi?
There are many different types of sushi, each with its own unique flavor profile and texture.
- Nigiri is typically made with a slice of raw fish or seafood on top of a small rectangle of rice
- Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish served without the rice
- Maki rolls are filled with ingredients like vegetables, seafood, and pickled ginger wrapped in nori seaweed
Regardless of your favorite type of sushi, there are many delicious wines that pair perfectly with these tasty dishes!
Tips for Serving White Wine With Sushi
1. Place your dual zone wine fridge for at least an hour before serving. This will help ensure that it is properly chilled.
2. If you are serving sake, it can be served chilled or heated as you prefer.
3. When it comes to sushi, always err on the side of caution and go for a slightly sweeter wine. This will help offset the saltiness of the fish and rice.
4. Proceed with caution when it comes to wasabi and soy sauce. These flavors can easily throw off the delicate flavor of fine champagne or riesling.
5. Consider serving tea as well as wine to help clear away strong flavors before enjoying a sip of the wine you have chosen.
6. Eat slowly and sip a little at a time. The rice in sushi will expand and make you feel full more quickly than other meals.
Enjoying the wine and sushi slowly will help your body digest better and prolong your experience!
We love to eat sushi every chance we get, and we love pairing it with white wine. White wine and sushi is a natural flavor pairing that we never get tired of.
Watch this video to learn a little about pairing sake with foods to create a more authentic Japanese experience.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a bottle of wine to enjoy with sushi, opt for a bottle that isn’t bone dry or go for traditional sake.
You can experiment with different types of sake that will greatly expand your wine world.