Sushi in All Its Glory!
A delectable medley of raw fish, vinegared rice, and nori seaweed, Sushi is a popular Japanese dish loved by people around the world for its exquisite taste, texture, and visual appeal. Served with wasabi, pickled ginger or gari, soy sauce, and pickled daikon, there is an almost unlimited number of different styles to prepare this dish, with “sushi” being an umbrella term for them.
You have Chirashi sushi, meaning scattered sushi, which is a combination of raw fish, seasoned rice, and vegetables. Inari sushi is for those who prefer rice balls and tofu over raw fish cuts. Maki sushi is all about nori seaweed wraps and rice rolls. Nigiri sushi features tiny rice balls that are delicately covered with thin slices of fish. And Oshi sushi, made using an oshibako, looks like little rectangular cakes stuffed with clams, shiitake mushrooms, scrambled egg bits, and pickled mackerel.
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(4.9 / 5) What Wines Pair Well With Sushi?
If you were in Japan, you’d probably pair sushi with a glass of sake. And while sake is a traditional match for sushi, wine is also an exceptionally good alternative, and for some, a better choice, too. Wondering what wines pair well with Sushi? Let’s find out!
The key to perfect sushi wine pairing is evaluating the spices and textures of the dish and the body and flavor of the wine. For instance, if you’ve ordered yourself a Chirashi Sushi platter, a bottle of Alto Adige and Trentino would complement the delicate notes of raw fish and sautéed vegetables splendidly.
A Little Bit More Acidity?
On the other hand, if you’re looking to enjoy rice balls with fried tofu, a glass of sparkling wine such as Pignoletto will amp up the flavors of this sushi dish to a whole other level. Then there is dragon roll, which combines smoky eel with a classic hoisin-bbq sauce and slices of avocado, that goes best with a light, aromatic white wine like Grüner Veltliner. And for something fried like a plate of tempura, a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, packed with the zing of passion fruit and honeydew, is just what you need.
Believe it or not, no matter what type of Sushi you’re having, there’s always a great choice of wine to go with it. If you’re looking for the best red wine with sushi, a Pinot Noir with its rich density would pair incredibly well with fish to elevate the flavors. And if you’re more of a white wine lover, a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would offer the perfect acidity and freshness to make it the best white wine with sushi.
Best White Wines With Sushi
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
- Name — Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Cloudy Bay
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Lime, Lemon Skin, Passion Fruit, Peach
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Tangerine, Pear, Pineapple, Apricot, Citrus, Orange Blossom, Grapefruit
- Alcohol Content — 13.2%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sushi, Oysters, Lobster, Sea Bass, Flounder, Brussel Sprouts
Tasting Notes
Made from the green-skinned grapes that hail from the Bordeaux region of France, the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is packed with acidity, tons of freshness, and tropical flavors of white peach, grapefruit, passionfruit, gooseberries, and honeydew. While Sauvignon Blanc originates in France, the varieties from New Zealand are the best in the world, and when paired with sushi, this light-bodied white wine delivers an exquisite experience on your palette.
Seasoned rice and raw fish have naturally subtle flavors, so if you’re looking for wines that will accentuate the sushi flavors without overpowering them, this Sauvignon Blanc is among the best wines to go for. Thanks to its zesty and acidic notes, the wine helps neutralize the saltiness of the soy sauce and elevates the taste of sushi with every bite.
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Valdadige
- Winery — Santa Margherita
- Country/Region — Italy, Veneto, Valdadige
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Apple, Pear, Peach, Apricot, Nectarine
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Strawberry, Cherry, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Cherry, Almond, Butter
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sushi, Lobster Roll, Poultry, Seafood, Shellfish, Mozzarella Cheese, Japanese
Tasting Notes
Flaunting a pale, straw yellow hue, Santa Margherita’s Pinot Grigio Valdadige is a dry white wine made from grapes that are softly crushed and fermented for at least 10-15 days. On the nose, this Italian wine has a clean, fresh aroma with a pleasantly enjoyable aftertaste of green apples and light to medium acidity. Fruity and fresh on the palate, this wine leaves subtle notes of tropical, nutty flavors.
Santa Margherita’s Pinot Grigio Valdadige is a light to medium-bodied wine that is well-structured, has great character, and is bone dry. If you’re looking for a perfect wine to match with sushi and seafood dishes, a bottle of Pinot Grigio Valdadige is a lovely way to go. It’s got a smooth, savory finish and a sweet taste of stone fruits that remain on your tongue after every sip.
Best Red Wines With Sushi
Copain Tous Ensemble Pinot Noir
- Winery — Copain
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Mendocino County, Anderson Valley
- Type — Californian Pinot Noir
- Aroma — Pomegranate, Strawberry, Oak, Cedar, Vanilla, Berries, Cherries, Green Tea
- Grapes — Pinot Noir
- Taste — Raspberry, Strawberry, Cherry, Vanilla, Cedar, Earthy Notes
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sushi, Beef Stroganoff, Cold Meats, Roast Lobster, Pan-seared Salmon
Tasting Notes
With a lush and vibrant character, Copain’s Tous Ensemble Pinot Noir is a dry and light-bodied red wine with a smooth, clean finish. This Californian Pinot Noir radiates a bright and deep burgundy tint and is a plush wine with soft tannins. On the nose, you get intense notes of pomegranate, anise, white pepper, and sage, followed by the sweet and earthy aromas of raspberries, cherries, oak, and vanilla.
Let the wine sit for a while and you will be greeted with scents of wild strawberries, cherries, and black tea. Leaning more toward the acidic side, this well-balanced red wine is medium-bodied and juicy. It’s an elegant wine with a scintillating blend of spices and earthy notes, making it a great wine to pair with sushi.
Juggernaut Pinot Noir
- Name — Juggernaut Pinot Noir
- Winery — Juggernaut
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
- Type — Californian Pinot Noir
- Aroma — Cranberry, Strawberry, Violet, Hibiscus, Sage
- Grapes — Pinot Noir
- Taste — Cherry, Raspberry, Cinnamon Spice, Vanilla, Charred Wood, Grapefruit, Cassis
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lamb Kebabs, Pork Chops, Seared Beef Tenderloin, And Blackened Sea Bass
Tasting Notes
Robust and smoky, Juggernaut’s Pinot Noir is yet another Californian Pinot Noir that pairs beautifully with sushi and seafood. Aged for 12 months on average in both new and used French oak barrels, this is a well-balanced wine with low tannins that complement a diverse variety of cuisines. It has a medium-bold body that travels smoothly on the palette while enhancing the flavors of your dish with every bite.
On the nose, Juggernaut’s Pinot Noir imparts nostalgic, earthy aromas of oak, tobacco, waffle cones, and vanilla. With a swirl in your glass, you’re acquainted with the fruity fragrances of strawberries and raspberries. Refreshingly acidic, Juggernaut’s Pinot Noir compliments the flavors of fish, sushi rolls, and maki platters. Featuring soft and silky tannins, this wine offers a smooth and delectable finish with the lingering aftertaste of black cherries, orange zest, and spices.
Best Rosé Wine With Sushi
Minuty Rosé et Or
- Winery — Minuty
- Country/Region — France, Provence, Côtes de Provence
- Type — Provence Rosé
- Aroma — Citrus, Jasmine, White Flowers, Mint, Honeysuckle, Candy
- Grapes — Grenache
- Taste — Pink Grapefruit, Melons, White Peach, Strawberries, Raspberries, Butter, Clove
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sushi, Chilean Bass, Indian Cuisine, Seafood Salad, Roast Chicken
Tasting Notes
With a vibrant salmon color and translucent hues in the bottle, Minuty’s Rosé et Or is the perfect summer wine to pair with sushi. Made from hand-picked Tibouren and Grenache grapes, this is a complex wine that has elegance and finesse. On the nose, this wine exudes a bouquet of floral aromas like those of roses, jasmine, and mint.
Sharp notes of citrus and white flowers are also detected. The palate is fruity with flavors of pink grapefruit, white peach, melons, and strawberries, with earthy and herbaceous elements. Paired with salmon sushi rolls, this full-bodied rosé with moderate acidity and a sharp finish will create an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
Finding that perfect bottle of wine to go with your sushi isn’t as difficult as you may think. The best way to perfect your sushi wine match is to try and marry the dish’s primary ingredients, flavors, and textures with a wine that’s well-balanced in terms of its taste, texture, and finish.
White wines, for example, go well with raw fish, spicy sauces, Mexican cuisine and fried sushi delicacies, whereas red wines are best paired with grilled meats and seafood like salmon. Rosé, on the other hand, pairs wonderfully with almost any cuisine. If you’ve been struggling to pair sushi with a wine that will highlight the dish instead of overpowering it, hopefully, this list of wines can help you find a delicious match for your meals.
