SUSHI AND THE PROPER WINE
It hasn't even crossed my mind to cook anything the last 10 days. Heat and kitchen is a very difficult task and what to eat with these high temperatures, is also a quiz for very strong solvers. So if the idea of becoming a Rambo in the kitchen doesn't appeal to you either and you've exhausted the souvlaki/pizza options, the next one that suits the season and is an excellent combination with some favorite wines is sushi. In addition to being light and tasty, it also has great nutritional value. Below I have chosen the ones I prefer and the proper wines that highlight them.
1.California Crab Roll
These are crab crumbs, avocado pieces, or melted and thin cucumber sticks wrapped in a sheet of seaweed (nori). These are also known as inside-out rolls since the rice that gives them volume surrounds them and usually has black sesame or raw fish egg pearls (tobiko), which offers extra saltiness. The textures are different and each ingredient adds a unique flavor. The wine that pairs well with it is the Sauvignon Blanc from the Selections of Constantine and the Antonopoulos Vineyards. The acidity of the variety will balance the flavor of the crab and avocado, while it will be a companion to the cucumber in a very refreshing pairing.
2.Shrimp Tempura Roll
In the same style as above, the rice roll includes the seaweed wrapped with avocado, mayo, and fried shrimp with a crispy crust. This particular roll has similar textures, but here the intensity and rotation of flavors varies. The volume is increased by both the frying in the pan and the mayonnaise, while the sweetness of the shrimp then follows the salty element. The refreshing acidity and mineral notes of La Dilettante 2021 from Catherine et Pierre Breton will create a very intense tasting experience.
3.Spicy Tuna Maki Roll
Here things change and we have the classic roll with tuna, spicy mayonnaise, and rice wrapped in seaweed. The dish has an intensity of flavors and in the choice of wine, we should not forget that it is a combination of spicy, salty, slightly creamy from the spicy mayonnaise, and umami from the tuna. You will need a white wine with balanced acidity and explosively sweet aromas of rose, lychee, honey, honeysuckle, dried apricot, and bergamot. Gewürztraminer Vigna Kastelaz 2021 by Elena Walch, is ideal.
4.Sashimi Seabass Sushi
It is the simplest type of sushi and is nothing more than delicate fillets of raw fish. In this case, seabass. It has a very subtle taste, with a subtle sweetness and buttery texture. So regarding wine, it will be paired with similar characteristics so that those of the fish are not covered. Pinot Grigio 2022 from the winery St. Michael Eppan, will maintain the elegance of the dish.
5.Maki Salmon Roll
This roll will make the difference because it is one of those occasions when you can enjoy your red wine even on hot days, slightly chilled. The reason is the oily and fatty texture of the salmon, which will need a medium-bodied red wine with fine aromas of red fruits and soft tannins. Mountaineer 2022 from Akriotou Estate slightly cool will be delightful!
6.Vegetarian Roll
Chopped vegetables of various textures and intensity of flavors with rice and wrapped in nori. The most simple and classic ones have cucumber, colored sweet peppers, and avocado, while some may have radish, pickle, and tofu. Also the rice, as in all the above, can have enough spices or be flavored with herbs. The neutral and minimal flavors are also interspersed with the surrounding extravaganzas such as ginger pickles, soy sauce, and citrus sauce, which make the rosé wine a one-way choice. Lenga Pink 2023 from the Avantis Estate, has medium acidity and medium body, but explosive aromas of rose, loukoumi, strawberry, peach, and essence of sweetness that will pair perfectly with all of the above.
Christina Tsogka
