4 Perfect Pairings for your next Sashimi night
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Sushi, with its delicate flavors, gorgeous craftsmanship, and artistic presentation, has become a global culinary favourite . Though not typically thought of as a food to enjoy with wine there are some great combinations worth exploring. Whether you’re indulging in traditional nigiri, flavorful maki rolls, or inventive sushi creations, there are some interesting combinations to try. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of pairing wine with sushi, and some more traditional Sake options.
Sashimi with Champagne or Sparkling Wine
Let’s start with the purest expression of sushi: sashimi. Slices of raw fish served without rice deserve a wine that can complement their pristine flavors while refreshing the palate. Champagne or sparkling wine, with their effervescence, crisp acidity, and delicate fruitiness, provide the perfect pairing for sashimi’s clean flavors. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the dining experience and leaving you refreshed and ready for more. This Gloria Ferrer NV Brut from Sonoma is lively the palate with citrus, toast and apple flavors and persistent effervescence. It’s also great value under $30.
Sushi Rolls (Maki) with Sauvignon Blanc
Sushi rolls, with their combination of fish, vegetables, and rice wrapped in seaweed, offer a wide range of flavor profiles and textures. A crisp and zesty Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with sushi rolls, cutting through the richness of ingredients like salmon, avocado, and spicy tuna. Its vibrant acidity and citrusy notes complement the umami flavors of the soy sauce and pickled ginger, creating a harmonious balance of flavors on the palate. This Craggy Range from New Zealand works perfectly. It’s Medium bodied and textural, with flavors of passionfruit and zesty lime. It’s beyond refreshing but still offers impressive depth and complexity in such an easy summer sipper and amazing value under $25. This one is case buy.
Tempura Rolls with Riesling
Tempura rolls, with their crispy fried coating and savory fillings, demand a wine that can balance their richness and provide a refreshing contrast. A slightly sweet and aromatic Riesling does the trick. With its vibrant acidity, floral aromatics, and flavors ranging from green apple to honeyed apricot, Riesling complements the crunchy texture of the tempura while cutting through the oiliness. Its touch of sweetness also harmonizes with the umami flavors of the soy sauce. Pierre Sparr Riesling from Alsace does just that offering Lemon zest, pear, lime blossom and flint. Another great value under $20.
Vegetarian Sushi with Grüner Veltliner
Vegetarian sushi, with its focus on fresh vegetables, tofu, and rice, offers a lighter and more delicate flavor profile compared to its seafood counterparts. Grüner Veltliner, a crisp and herbaceous white wine from Austria, provides an excellent pairing for vegetarian sushi. Its bright acidity, green apple flavors, and hints of white pepper enhance the freshness of the vegetables and tofu, while its mineral notes add depth to the pairing.
No discussion of sushi pairings would be complete without mentioning sake, the traditional Japanese rice wine that has been enjoyed for centuries alongside sushi. Sake offers a unique and culturally authentic pairing experience, enhancing the flavors of sushi with its nuanced profiles and delicate textures. Whether you’re enjoying nigiri, sashimi, or sushi rolls, there’s a sake out there to complement every bite and elevate your dining experience.
For a classic pairing with a wide range of sushi styles, consider a Junmai or Junmai Ginjo sake. These styles are known for their clean and crisp profiles, with subtle fruit notes and a slightly dry finish that complements the delicate flavors of sushi without overpowering them. Junmai sakes, in particular, pair well with richer and fattier fish like salmon and mackerel, while Junmai Ginjo sakes enhance the freshness of lighter fish like tuna and yellowtail. Schols Gobelsburg is a famed Austrian producer and with this one you’ll find juicy roundness, paired with a long, mineral driven finish due to the mineral rich soil.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore more complex flavor profiles, try pairing sushi with a Daiginjo or Nigori sake. Daiginjo sakes are highly refined and aromatic, with layers of fruit, floral, and umami flavors that add depth to the pairing. Nigori sakes, on the other hand, are unfiltered and slightly cloudy, with a creamy texture and sweeter profile that harmonizes beautifully with the umami-rich flavors of sushi. Just a caution, Sake can be very potent so check the alcohol content. This one is 16%.
Pairing wine or sake with sushi is a delightful way to elevate your dining experience and explore new flavor combinations. Whether you’re enjoying sashimi, sushi rolls, or nigiri, there’s a wine or sake out there to complement every bite and enhance the overall enjoyment of your meal. So, the next time you’re indulging in a sushi feast, don’t forget to uncork a bottle of your favorite wine and savor the perfect harmony of flavors. Cheers or Kanpai to new and delicious combinations.
