Sushi and white wines – As you may have guessed, sushi is more enjoyable when paired with white wine, which pairs well with sushi rice and fish. Indeed, the variety of aromas in the white wine will complement the delicate flavor of raw fish. You can pair sushi, sashimi, and other makis made with white fish with a lively Chardonnay with woody notes. For fatty fish such as salmon, a dry white wine such as Macon or Chablis may be preferable. A variety of fish will pair well with a floral white wine, such as a sauvignon blanc or a Riesling. Avoid excessively sweet white wines, as they would overwhelm the flavor of sushi. Be mindful, however, of the sauces and condiments that accompany the dishes, as they must also be taken into account. And don’t forget to aerate your wine to fully appreciate its aromas (yes, even white wine requires aeration!).
What type of wine complements sushi?
Off-dry Riesling – Rieslings are the traditional dry German white wine. These wines are produced from a specific grape that grows only in certain regions of the German countryside. The origin of both the beverage and the grape remain unknown. However, the German Riesling is an excellent complement to numerous dishes.
Traditionally, rieslings were considered a dessert wine to be consumed after a meal. Rieslings are renowned for their crispness and refreshment. Rieslings can range in sweetness from sweet to medium sweet to dry. When eating sushi, a dry riesling is the best wine to pair with the dish. Ordering something spicy, such as tuna tataki with spicy ponzu? Then an off-dry Riesling is the ideal wine to pair with that dish.
Sweeter wines will temper the heat and refresh your palate. Therefore, the best wine to pair with a spicy hot dish is always a dry wine.
White or red wine pairs better with sushi?
Pinot Noir – Red wine lovers, have no fear! You may have heard that white wine and fish go well together, but some rules are meant to be broken. The secret is to choose a light-bodied red wine with low tannins, such as Pinot Noir. Strong tannins can impart a metallic flavor to fish, which should be avoided.
Try sparkling wines and bone-dry white wines such as Muscadet, Assyrtiko, Vinho Verde, Albario, and Ugni Blanc with raw fish (aka Trebbiano).