What Wine Goes With Sushi?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Choose crisp, dry, unoaked wines. Dry sparkling wine is the most versatile choice for a mixed sushi platter. Dry Riesling, Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc also work. For fatty tuna or salmon, a light Pinot Noir or dry rosé works. Avoid heavy, oaky or tannic wines.
Quick decision
- Mixed sushi platter→ Champagne or another dry sparkling wine
- White fish nigiri and sashimi→ Dry Riesling or Grüner Veltliner
- Tuna or salmon→ Dry rosé or light Pinot Noir
- Spicy rolls or eel with sweet sauce→ Off-dry Riesling
Delicate flavors need delicate wines
Raw fish, rice and a little vinegar are subtle. High-acid, low-oak wines stay out of the way and refresh between bites.
Soy, wasabi and ginger
Salty soy sauce makes tannic wines taste harsher. Wasabi heat is better with lower alcohol. A touch of sweetness, as in off-dry Riesling, handles sweet eel sauce and spicy mayo.
Common questions
- Is sake better than wine with sushi?
- Sake is the traditional choice and pairs beautifully. If you prefer wine, dry sparkling wine and dry Riesling are the closest all-rounders.
Choosing a glass? See the Champagne and sparkling wine glasses its makers document, in the free Wine Glass Finder.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.