Wine from Austria is a very good choice for sushi variations. To make the combination successful, there are a few rules to follow. A short guide and a selection of local wines to complement your sushi indulgence.
Sushi gives the bouquet of the wines a stage, as cold sushi usually only smells subtle. Wines with loud aromas such as those from the Muscat group are not in demand here. Sushi with vegetables calls for a lively Sauvignon Blanc, with shrimps the sushi can also tolerate a little more acidity, an elegant, not too mild Pinot Gris is a good choice here. Dry sparkling wines, especially Blanc de Blancs, are a safe choice with sushi.
For nigiri sushi (rice ball sushi), which is topped with fish, scampi or omelette, the acidity of the wine can be slightly higher than for maki, where the nori leaf, which acts as a wrapper, brings delicate bitter notes from the fermentation. One exception is the uro-makis, where only a small nori leaf covers the filling and which are "breaded" in sesame salt (gomashio) and sesame seeds: Here you could also consider a more powerful wine such as a Zierfandler, Rotgipfler or a Roter Veltliner.
Red wines, especially those with a higher tannin content, are not a good combination as they can produce unpleasant, metallic aromas. This is due to reactions with the protein content of the sea creatures. A fruity, young Zweigelt could be the right choice if smoked fish such as eel or mackerel is on board. On the other hand, delicately fruity rosé wines are conceivable in exceptional cases, but without woody notes and excessive alcohol. Stronger Grüner Veltliners can be paired with the deep-fried sushi versions inspired by the USA. When combining sushi with wines, it is important to remember that too high an alcohol content usually makes the wasabi that comes with it appear aggressive and pungent. Fine white wines with a subtle minerality are preferred here: Chardonnay without noticeable wood, Pinot Blanc, Veltliner, but also delicately fruity sweet Riesling work well.
By the way: Austrian wine is also enjoying growing popularity in Japan itself. Wine exports to Japan last grew to 242,000 liters in 2022, which is 0.9% of the exported volume. At over 8.60 euros per liter, the highest average price for Austrian wines is achieved in Japan.
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