Sushi and wine, when the pairing wins you over

Sushi is considered the dish of dishes, a Made in Japan delicacy whose consumption in Italy has grown exponentially in recent years.

Sushi reigns in every region of Italy with many different variations: nigiri, hosomaki, futomaki, uramaki, temaki, chirashi, gunkan e sashimi.

Considered an elixir of long life, sushi is also a crudista cure-all because of excellent raw materials and authentic flavours combined with low-fat and easily-digested constituents such as fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, rice, algae and avocado, all coming together in a harmonious amalgam of form, colour and aroma.

Nigiri is a small ball of white sushi rice crowned with a slice of fish raw, cooked or marinated and each order à la carte, on the conveyor belt or take-out is  a still-life, the product of a careful assembly of ingredients and flavours.

To fully appreciate sushi, gorging is not the way to go. You need to learn its secrets and choose an accompaniment that sets it off, transforming it into a sublime moment of pleasure.

Sushi and wine are both extraordinary ingredients, two players that have advanced for centuries in all cultures on different stages, are now destined to perform together.

When you think of sushi, the first thing that comes to mind is sake, known as Japanese rice wine even though it is actually closer to beer.

Given that in general the ideal wine for most fish dishes ought to be young and crisp with mineral notes, the most important thing is that it not mask the flavour of the fish.

To maximise this culinary experience in perfect Japanese style, here are three wines to try with sushi and set the stage for a new concept in cuisine.

Langhe DOC Rossese Bianco

Langhe Rossese is a white wine with an ample nose and a citrus bouquet with pleasing grassy nuances. It has a distinct personality, both lively and tasty, with tertiary perfumes that open up to mineral notes. Perfect with a Philadelphia roll, try it with unagi maki and don’t miss it with uramaki either with spicy tuna tartare or a prawn tempura.

Langhe DOC Nebbiolo

Langhe Nebbiolo has a distinct and ample nose, with fragrances of dried fruit and raspberry. An exceptionally-balanced palate and round tannins provide velvety sensations and notes that mingle perfectly with olfactory impressions, a well-structured wine that begs to be tried with prawn and amberjack sushi. Salmon and avocado are a winning combination and opulent ingredients such as these need an equally intense and structured wine.

Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC Spumante Rosè Metodo Classico

Nebbiolo d’Alba Spumante Rosè Metodo Classico is the ideal fizzy to go with a sushi hors d’oeuvre. Delicate notes of elderflower meld with citrus notes and delicate spring meadow nuances. On the palate the promises of the nose aren’t betrayed; acidity and contour are well-balanced, providing a round, tasty glass of wine. Ideal with smoked fish, perfect with sashimi, its smooth zest makes it an ally of soya sauce.