What drinks to pair with sushi? Pros say think beyond sake

Many of New York City’s most sought-after reservations are at elegant, not to mention pricey, sushi counters. These omakase, or chef’s choice menus, range from minimalist, traditional Japanese-style meals, where the fish is simply brushed with soy sauce, to more creative offerings with powerful garnishes such as caviar and kimchi. In Japan, the pairing of choice is generally green tea or sake. 

But in New York, high-end Japanese restaurants believe that wine and spirit pairings should be an option, too. It’s important that new sushi spots such as Jōji at One Vanderbilt and Kotaru in Midtown West have installed beverage directors to help guide customers. Many places now offer expanded by-the-glass wine options. (Spoiler alert: If you’re looking for one wine that pairs well with almost every sushi order, it’s Champagne.)

Some of the wine lists are extensive. At the Michelin-starred Sushi Noz on the Upper East Side, there are almost 1,000 options, ranging from funky juras from France, to fancy bubbles. Beverage director Gene Sidorov explains that the restaurant’s goal was to “become not only a sushi- but a wine-lovers’ destination”. About 90% of the list is dedicated to wine; the remainder is sake. Sidorov adds that “wines provide a more diverse and unique beverage pairing option” to accompany chef Nozomu Abe’s dishes, which are often inspired by global travels. For instance, his signature grilled langoustine in bouillabaisse was created after a trip to Spain. 

While Noz’s list is far-ranging, others are directed. When the stylish omakase spot Noda moved to the Flatiron District a year ago, beverage director Jonathan Adler introduced a Champagne-only drinks pairing, which includes five different pours. Adler believes it’s the optimal accompaniment because the wine’s effervescence allows “the taste of the fish to linger harmoniously with the flavour of the Champagne”.

A specific sushi beverage pairing depends on a number of factors: the type of seafood; if it’s been aged and, if so, for how long; whether it’s been seasoned with soy sauce; whether it’s been garnished with fiery wasabi. But there are some overall guidelines that can help ensure you aren’t ruining the pricey fish that’s about to be handed to you. Bloomberg Pursuits chatted to drink experts at some of New York’s most acclaimed sushi parlours for their best pairing alternatives to ubiquitous sake. 

Fatty tuna like chu-toro or o-toro

The pairing: Dry rosé Champagne or a floral shochu such as SG Kome.
Why: A deeply flavoured rosé Champagne is a wonderful accompaniment to fattier sushi, especially luxurious o-toro. Louis Andia, general manager at Nakaji on the Bowery, prefers an aged Champagne (his pricey recommendation is a Dom Perignon rosé). He says the fish’s unctuousness “stands up to the tannins, while the acidity cuts the fattiness”. Alternatively he recommends shochu, the Japanese grain liquor, in particular one which will have notes of yeast and melon. 

Shellfish such as ebi (shrimp) or scallop (hotate)

The pairing: A herbaceous French sauvignon blanc, such as Pascal Jolivet.
Why: “A well-chilled glass of sauvignon blanc,” says Sushi of Gari manager Tomomi Hiroishi, is the best pairing for sweet shellfish. He’s especially keen on French Sancerre, such as the one by Pascal Jolivet, which has notes of berries and green fruits, but isn’t so strong that it overpowers the sweetness of an option such as shrimp.

Lean and mild-flavoured fish, such as ika (squid) or kinmedia (golden eye snapper)

The pairing: Champagne, preferably a blanc de blancs, such as Champagne Larmandier-Bernier or Krug grand cuvée.
Why: A nonvintage Champagne with subtly nuanced flavours works with the delicate taste of leaner fish. Noda’s Adler says the chardonnay grapes in a blanc de blancs “provides wonderful acidity and minerality to allow the flavours of the nigiri, and its delicate taste, to shine through”.

Semi-fatty fish, such as kanpachi (amberjack) or hamachi

The pairing: Champagne, preferably an aged one such as Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame.
Why: The effervescence, acidity and full-bodied nature of an aged Champagne pairs well with the buttery and velvety texture of fish with a bit of richness. Benjamin Shiau, general manager and sommelier of Kotaru, says the ideal sparkling pairing should also have a yeasty, brioche-like aroma, with some stone fruit, too.

Roes, such as uni or ikura (salmon)

The pairing: A nutty-tasting Champagne, such as Vilmart & Cie or Chartogne-Taillet. Why: Sushi Noz’s Sidorov believes that creamy uni “goes well with an especially textural and savoury Champagne”. He says to look for one that’s savoury and not too acidic, with oxidated flavours that will balance the uni while still carrying its salty minerality.

Oily fish, such as saba (mackerel) or aji (horse mackerel)

The pairing: A high-acid sauvignon blanc, such as Villa Russiz Superiore’s Collio.
Why: To contrast the richness of the fish, Hisanori Yamamoto, vice-president of Icca in Tribeca, suggests a fruity wine with enough acidity to offer contrast. “You’ll appreciate the way the wine’s acidity cuts through the oiliness of the saba, creating a perfect match.”

Sweet seafood, such as unagi (freshwater eel) or anago (sea eel)

The pairing: An acid-forward rosé from France, such as Domaine Tempier Bandol.
Why: Junxi Chen, head sommelier at Jōji that opened in Midtown in partnership with chef Daniel Boulud, recommends drinking a rosé with enough acidity that can balance out the fatty flavour and texture of eel. Look for one that’s “rich and savoury, yet full of bright red fruit and resinous herbs”, such as Domaine Tempier Bandol.

Tamago (rolled omelette)

The pairing: Whisky, such as the Macallan Rare Cask.
Why: Tamago is the traditional ending for most omakase meals. So Takuya Kubo, head chef of Sushi Ginza Onodera’s New York outpost, suggests concluding with a high-proof spirit such as a good whisky. He believes that one with smoky notes will accentuate the egg’s natural sweetness. Kubo likes the Macallan Rare Cask because of its deep flavours of raisin and chocolate.

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