Sushi, the epitome of Japanese gastronomy, goes perfectly with a carefully chosen selection of wines. Finding the right sushi wine can turn a simple evening into a memorable culinary experience.
Why pair wines with sushi?
1. Enhance the delicate flavours of sushi
Sushi, often made with raw fish, vinegared rice and seaweed, requires wines capable of enhancing its flavors.
- Key point: Wines must be subtle, so as not to overpower delicate aromas.
2. Offering an alternative to sake
Wine offers an interesting alternative to traditional drinks such as sake or Japanese beer.
- Benefit: A good wine brings complexity and a Western touch to the tasting experience.
3. Harmonizing textures
The different textures of sushi, from the melt-in-your-mouth fish to the crunchy vegetables, go well with the right wines.
The perfect wines to accompany sushi
1. Dry white wine: the classic choice
A dry white wine is ideal with sushi, thanks to its freshness and lightness.
- Recommended grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, dry Riesling, Pinot Gris.
- Pairings: Salmon sushi, tuna sashimi, cucumber maki.
2. Sparkling wines
The bubbles provide a refreshing sensation that cleanses the palate between bites.
- Examples: Champagne brut, Crémant d'Alsace, Prosecco.
- Pairings: Tempura, fried sushi, spicy maki.
3. Rosé wine
Well-balanced rosé wines pair well with more complex sushi flavors, such as spices or sweet-and-salty sauces.
- Recommended grape varieties: Grenache, Cinsault.
- Goes well with: Teriyaki chicken maki, vegetarian sushi.
4. Light red wine
A light, low-tannin red goes well with sushi, oily fish or grilled meats.
- Recommended grape varieties: Gamay, Pinot Noir.
- Pairings: Mackerel sushi, eel nigiri.
The best wine and food pairings for different types of sushi
1. Salmon sushi
- Recommended wine: A dry white wine like a Loire Sauvignon Blanc.
- Why: The liveliness of the wine balances the richness of the salmon.
2. Tuna sashimi
- Recommended wine: A dry Riesling or a light Pinot Noir.
- Why: These wines complement the subtle aromas and tender texture of tuna.
3. Spicy Makis
- Recommended wine: A sparkling wine or a lightly fruity rosé.
- Why: Bubbles or fruity notes soften spices.
4. Nigiris with grilled eel
- Recommended wine: A lightly oaked Gamay or Chardonnay.
- Why: These wines go well with the smoky, sweet notes of eel.
5. Shrimp tempura
- Recommended wine: Champagne brut or Crémant d'Alsace.
- Reason: Effervescence cleanses the palate after frying.
Tips for successful wine and sushi pairings
1. Focus on freshness
Wines should be fresh and light so as not to mask the flavours of the sushi.
- Example: A Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to be served between 8 and 10°C.
2. Take sauces into account
Soy and wasabi sauces add intense flavors that call for well-balanced wines.
- Tip: Opt for sparkling or slightly sweet wines to counterbalance the salinity.
3. Adapt according to ingredients
Each type of sushi has unique characteristics that influence the choice of wine.
- Example: A vegetarian maki calls for a more floral wine like a Viognier.
Mistakes to avoid at a sushi and wine party
1. Choosing a wine that is too tannic
Tannic red wines can overwhelm the delicate flavors of sushi.
- Example to avoid: A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.
2. Neglecting wine temperature
A wine served too hot or too cold can unbalance the taste experience.
3. Ignore guest preferences
Vary the types of wine to suit all tastes during the evening.
Current trends in wine and sushi pairing
1. Interest in organic and natural wines
Wine lovers prefer environmentally-friendly wines to accompany their sushi.
2. Themed tastings
More and more restaurants are offering evenings dedicated to wine and food pairings, with a special focus on sushi.
3. Daring experiments
Sommeliers explore innovative combinations with red wines or exotic sparkling wines.
Conclusion: perfect matches for a successful sushi evening
Pairing wines with sushi adds a refined dimension to your meal. A well-chosen dry white wine, sparkling wine or rosé can enhance every bite. Take the time to explore different combinations to offer your guests a unique culinary experience.
If you enjoyed this article, please read the following article "The differences between organic, biodynamic and natural wine", which may also be of interest to you!
