Best Wines to Serve with Sushi

While the traditional Japanese rice wine sake is the best-known partner for sushi, a glass of grape wine adds an intriguing note to sushi. The best wines to serve with sushi are those that offer subtle contrasts. A hint of sweetness in your wine pairs excellently with the deep-fried crunch of savory tempura.

We’re exploring what wine pairs with sushi, what to consider when deciding on a wine and the whys of these different pairings. If you’d like to know once and for all which wine goes to serve with sushi, read on.

Some Basic Sushi Pairing Principles

With the wide range of flavors you’ll encounter when eating sushi, finding a wine pairing with your meal might be a real challenge. Fortunately, we’re here to help, so let’s dive into the basics of pairing wine with sushi.

Spice—Whether from wasabi or a spicy sauce, beat the heat with an off-dry wine like Riesling, Chenin Blanc or Prosecco.
Salt—Salty loves sweet, so if you’re one for dipping your sushi in a bath of soy sauce, consider a white wine with a touch of residual sugar.
Sweet—When it comes to sticky rice, a combination of sugar and rice vinegar gives the rice its signature flavor. Look to an off-dry wine if you’re chowing down on inari (sweet fried tofu skin packed with sticky rice).
White wine—Sashimi and a dry white is a match made in heaven. Dry whites like Chablis, Pinot Gris and Cava enhance and complement, rather than overwhelm, delicate raw fish. However, oaky white wines should be saved for other occasions, as they overpower the delicate flavors of the fish.
Red wine—Contrary to popular belief, you can pair red wine with sushi. Yes, tannins cause raw fish to taste metallic. So, the secret is to pair the right red wine with the right sushi. A general guideline if you’re set on red is to stick to young, low-tannin, unoaked reds. Cooked sushi, whether fried, grilled or seared, is the direction to head if you’re craving red.

Now onto the pairings.

The Best Wines to Serve with Sushi

Grüner Veltliner

Dry and mineral, with herbaceous notes, Grüner Veltliner checks all the boxes for pairing with sushi. A high-acidity wine, it’s an outrageously good foil for creamy avocado maki or a more luxe dragon roll. Riper styles of Grüner complement the layers of tempura shrimp, avocado, ripe mango, rice and savory nori, while its vibrant acidity washes over the taste buds between bites.

Riesling

Riesling is easily one of the most versatile wines available, which is why it’s so highly rated among sommeliers. It also happens to be one of the best wines to pair with sushi. Love a spicy tuna roll or a rainbow roll? Riesling is the wine to pour, preferably a bottle with a kiss of sweetness. That residual sugar in off-dry and sweet Rieslings helps cool the heat of the spice as it washes over your palate, while the high acidity refreshes your taste buds and cuts through the fattiness of the tuna.

Sauvignon Blanc

Zesty, citrus-laden Sauvignon Blanc is always a winner with sushi, particularly vegetable rolls. Those subtle vegetal aromas and flavors that can pop up in Sauvignon Blanc mean it’s a natural choice for veggies like cucumber or eggplant. Steer clear of anything with oak—look to cool climate Sauvignon Blanc from France’s Loire Valley or Marlborough, New Zealand.

Chenin Blanc

Originally from the Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc is now grown in vineyards worldwide. Like Riesling, it comes in dry, off-dry and decadently sweet styles—and both dry and off-dry are wickedly good with spicy sushi. Oily fish like mackerel beg for a bright, refreshing wine, and Chenin Blanc fits the bill.

Chablis

Chablis is another excellent all-rounder with raw fish. Light and vibrant with clean apple and citrus flavors, this Chardonnay wine won’t overpower even the most delicate sushi, like uni (sea urchin). No need to stick to Chablis for sushi-friendly Chardonnay. The trick is to opt for unoaked Chardonnay that hasn’t been through malolactic fermentation—the process that gives certain Chardonnays their rich, buttery flavor. Buttery Chardonnays will overpower raw fish and clash with many of the ingredients used for sushi.

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

Richer versions of Pinot Gris out of Alsace and Oregon make phenomenal pairings with hamachi sashimi. Late-harvest Pinot Gris often has gingery notes, which are a top-notch option for fans of pickled ginger. If you prefer Italian-style Pinot Grigio, pour it with any light white fish rolls.

Sparkling Wine

Bubbles go shockingly well with sushi. The sweetness of scallop meat or sweet potato tempura shine with the fruity flavors of Prosecco. A Champagne, Cava or Crément should be the first port of call when tucking into tempura. Brut is the way to go, with the scintillating acidity and fizz offering a satisfying counterpoint to the tempura’s crunch.

Rosé Wine

We believe rosé wine goes with pretty much everything, sushi included. Many styles have all the freshness and minerality of a crisp white wine with just enough structure to satisfy red wine fans. Dry rosés à la Provence are a delight with ebi (prawn) nigiri or avocado rolls if you need a vegan option.

Pinot Noir

A young, fruity, low-tannin Pinot Noir is a good choice with fatty fish like tuna and salmon. Sushi with cream cheese (think Philly roll) or cooked sushi, like grilled unagi or marinated octopus, are solid pairings with Pinot Noir. Gamay is a fantastic backup. But stay away from any oak-aged, high-tannin reds.

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Candice, Personal Wine Advisor

I have over 10 years of experience in the wine and beverage industry, and have tasted some of the rarest and most sought-after wines. I'm your ideal oenophile today—pour me a Cru Beaujolais.

WSET – Level 2 Wines & Spirits Certified
CMS – Level 1 Sommelier Certificate

Barolo • Natural Wine • Austria/Germany • Island Wines

candice@laithwaites.com | (203) 523-2164