How to harmonize Sushi and Wine
It is increasingly common to accompany Sushi meals and Wine. While this is not a classic harmonization, you make a mistake if you think that this harmonization might not work.
As is public knowledge, Sushi originates from Japanese cuisine and its beginnings were aimed at preserving fish meat in vinegared rice. It is now very common to serve this dish with wasabi and, in addition, there are countless creations – from fish to fruit.
If you want to start serving Sushi and Wine, you have to take into account some ingredients. These four overused ingredients can ruin the match:
- Shoyu Sauce
This sauce is made from fermented soy beans and salted with brine. Taking into account the salt present in its composition, this sauce can sour the wine leaving an unpleasant sensation when ingested.
- Teriyaki Sauce
This is the typical sweet sauce with a certain texture that is usually placed over grilled tuna or salmon. The texture, intensity, and sweetness of this sauce can cover all the light and subtle flavors of some wines.
For those who do not know, Wasabi is a green and spicy seasoning that can even interfere in the perception of some flavors, and it is characteristic of this sauce to affect the taste buds. This way, don’t abuse Wasabi if you’re trying a wine.
- Ginger
This is one of the most difficult ingredients to pair with wine. The fact that it is intense, acidic and slightly spicy can reduce our perception of the drink.
After this explanation, you will be ready to venture into the pairing of Sushi dishes with your favorite wine.
The first step is to remember that Sushi dishes are normally light dishes, often raw and made up of a wide variety of fish. The wines that are equally light and fresh will be the ones that will make a better combination.
For example:
If you prefer white wines
If you want to accompany Sushi with white wine, opt for a lighter white with high acidity.
We recommend wines with varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot, and Muscadet. These wines have the necessary acidity to accompany sushi and sashimi. If you prefer dishes accompanied with spicy or sweetened sauces and ingredients, choose aromatic white wines.
The Vinho Verde wines from Portugal accompanied it quite well and fulfill their role when it comes to sushi.
If you prefer Rosé wines
A little more structured than white wines, rosé wines are equally fresh and acidic. These can make delicious pairings, especially if accompanied by sashimi and pieces that have darker fish.
If you prefer sparkling wines
If you choose to drink Sparkling Wine when consuming sushi, opt for well-structured wines, which can be white or rosé. This should be a dry wine and avoid sweet wines.
If you prefer red wines
Despite the general preference being for the lighter wines described above, we cannot forget to mention the red wines that so many appreciate.
If you want to try a red wine when consuming sushi, opt for a light wine with pronounced acidity, preferably without going through oak barrels – as they are fresher and fruitier wines.
Have you tried harmonizing Sushi and Wine? If yes, what is your opinion, and what was your combination? We will open a space for the exchange of ideas on social media so that you can suggest winning harmonies in this way.
Finally, we leave some rules and suggestions.
- Light dishes call for light wines;
- Sushis and Sashimis harmonize better with sparkling and rosé wines;
- Creamy dishes or with fatty fish call for white wines;
- Hot dishes harmonize better with red wines;
- Be simple and delicate;
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