5 Top Wines to Drink with Sushi
The art of pairing wine with sushi can elevate the dining experience, but with such a delicate balance of flavours, textures, and ingredients in sushi, selecting the right grape can be tricky. From crisp whites to champagne, here are five top wines to drink with sushi you can easily get from wine store.
1. Riesling
Riesling is a crowd-pleaser when it comes to pairing with sushi. This aromatic white wine, is known for its bright acidity and natural sweetness, which balances out the saltiness and umami of soy sauce and wasabi.
The fruit-forward notes of green apple, apricot, and honey in Riesling bring a fresh contrast to the raw fish, while its crispness cleanses the palate after each bite. Whether you’re enjoying a platter of sushi rolls or sashimi, Riesling pairs beautifully with a variety of fish, from tuna to salmon.
2. Champagne or Sparkling Wine
Who says bubbles are just for celebrations? Champagne and other sparkling wines make a fantastic pairing for sushi due to their effervescence and acidity, which cuts through the richness of fish.
Refreshing your palate between bites, makes each mouthful as enjoyable as the first. For sushi, look for a Brut Champagne or a dry sparkling (like Prosecco or Cava) which won’t overpower the flavours of the fish but instead offer a lively contrast that enhances the dining experience.
3. Pinot Noir
While white wine is often a go-to for sushi, light reds can work wonders, too. Pinot Noir, with its soft tannins and bright fruit flavours, is a great option to pair with sushi, particularly those with richer fish like tuna or salmon. Its subtle earthy undertones and low acidity make it versatile enough to complement the food without overpowering the flavours.
If you’re enjoying a sushi roll with a bit of seared tuna or even a spicy tuna roll, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice to bring out the delicate flavours of the fish while providing a bit of complexity.
4. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is another crisp and refreshing white wine that pairs beautifully. Known for its zesty acidity and citrus notes, this wine works especially well with light, delicate fish like halibut. The herbaceous character of Sauvignon Blanc also complements the seaweed used in sushi, making it a harmonious choice for rolls wrapped in nori.
The wine’s high acidity cleanses the palate between bites, which is perfect for flavourful ingredients like ginger, wasabi, or pickled vegetables.
5. Chablis
If you’re looking for a wine that truly lets flavours shine, look no further than Chablis. This French Chardonnay, grown in the cooler climate of Burgundy, is known for its steely, mineral-driven profile and crisp acidity. It’s light-bodied with subtle citrus, green apple, and flinty notes, making it an ideal match for sushi.
Chablis pairs exceptionally well with delicate fish like flounder, snapper, or other white fish. Its clean finish and bright acidity enhance flavours without overshadowing the taste of the fish.
Conclusion
Pairing wine with sushi doesn’t have to be complicated, but choosing the right wine can certainly elevate your meal. Whether you opt for the sweetness of Riesling, the effervescence of Champagne or the crispness of Sauvignon Blanc, these wines will perfectly complement fresh, delicate flavours. Next time, make sure you have one of these wines on hand to create the perfect pairing experience!
