How to choose the right wine for sushi?
Wine for sushi

Pairing wine with sushi is an artwhich significantly enhances the culinary experience. Finding the perfect wine that harmonises with the subtlety and variety of sushi flavours is a major challenge. The key is to understand the contrasts and complementarities between the sushi ingredients and the characteristics of the chosen wines. You are interested in, how to match wine with sushi? Read our short guide.

Basic principles of evaporation sushi with wine

The best wine for sushi are mainly white or pink variants, but sometimes also red. The most common choice is single-vineyard wines, although this is not the rule. It is worth remembering the following rules:

The delicate flavours of sushi are best matched with wines with a mild flavour profile, so that neither element dominates the other.

Wines with high acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc, are able to balance the heaviness of certain types of sushi, such as those with fatty fish.

Sushi is characterised by a deep umami flavour, especially with ingredients such as nori seaweed. Wines with mineral notes, such as some Chablis from Burgundy, can work perfectly with this aspect.

Sweeter sushi variants, such as those with Japanese tamago omelette, pair well with semi-sweet or sweet wines like Riesling.

Wine for sushi - suggested combinations


Salmon sushi - salmon pairs perfectly with Pinot Noirwhose delicate flesh and notes of red fruit enhance the flavour of the fish without overpowering it.

Tuna sashimi - The full-flavoured pieces of tuna combine perfectly with the cool fresh Rosé, whose fruity notes and lightness subtly accentuate the delicacy of the fish.

Maki with avocado - green creamy avocado in popsicles will find its reflection in a rich but fresh Chardonnay, preferably with a fine oak finish.

Nigiri with shrimp - tender sweet shrimps require a wine with a subtle sweetness and high acidity. Semi-sweet Rieslings or Gewürztraminer will be an excellent choice here.

Temaki with vegetables - white wines such as Verdejo fit perfectly with the freshness and crunchiness of vegetables in temaki.

Other important notes


Ensure the right temperature wines for sushi - serve the wines chilled, but not too cold, so as not to lose their richness of flavour.

Don't be afraid to experiment - create different combinations of wine with sushi. Everyone has unique taste preferences, and discovering them is part of the pleasure of tasting.

You could try combining sushi with prosecco or wines of the frizzante variety.

Discovery, how to match wine with sushiis a journey full of flavours and surprises. Allow yourself to explore and have fun mixing different textures, flavours and aromas. What matters most is to enjoy every bite and every sip, celebrating the harmony between cuisine and wine. W Sushi Zushi We would be happy to organise a wine tasting with sushi. Feel free to contact us.

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