Sushi is a delicate, complex dish with many flavor impressions at once — the salty umami from soy, the light acidity from rice vinegar, and the fresh ingredients. This places special demands on wine selection.
Basic rule: Fresh, light white wine is always the safest choice for sushi. Avoid powerful red wines with lots of tannin — they clash with soy and fish.
The best wine for sushi
The absolute classic for sushi is a dry, mineral white wine with high acidity. Here are the best choices:
- Chablis — unoaked Chardonnay from Northern Bourgogne with minerality and freshness that pairs perfectly with fish and shellfish
- Grüner Veltliner from Austria — mineral, slightly peppery and fresh. Fantastic for sushi
- Dry Riesling from Mosel or Alsace — high acidity and minerality. See guide to Riesling
- Sauvignon Blanc from Loire (Sancerre) or New Zealand — fresh and herbal. See guide to Sauvignon Blanc
- Prosecco or Champagne — the bubbles' freshness cleanses the palate between bites
Can you drink sake — and what does it correspond to in wine?
Sake is naturally the traditional choice for sushi. It is made from rice and has a neutral, slightly umami-influenced taste that complements sushi rice excellently. Wine-wise, a dry sake corresponds to a light, mineral white wine — choose the two based on the same principle.
What about red wine with sushi?
Red wine and sushi are generally challenging — tannin reacts unpleasantly with raw fish and soy. The only exception is a very light Pinot Noir for makisushi with beef (gyukatsu) or tuna maki. Serve it lightly chilled at 14°C.
Wine for spicy sushi and wok
For sushi with sriracha, spicy tuna and other spicy variants, a off-dry Riesling or a Gewürztraminer from Alsace excellent — the light sweetness dampens the heat from the chili.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wine for sushi?
A dry, mineral white wine with high acidity is the best choice. Chablis, Grüner Veltliner, dry Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre are all excellent choices that complement the acidity of sushi rice and the delicate taste of fish.
Can you drink red wine with sushi?
It is generally discouraged — tannin reacts unpleasantly with raw fish and soy. The only exception is a very light Pinot Noir with sushi containing beef.
What does a good wine for sushi cost?
You don't need to spend much. A Chablis for 100-150 kr, a Grüner Veltliner for 80-120 kr or a dry Riesling from Mosel for 90-130 kr are all excellent choices for the price.
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