An Expert Explains Why Sushi Rolls With Cream Cheese Are The Only Ones That Pair With Red Wine

When people talk about tannins in wine, they are referring to the naturally occurring compounds that exist in grape skins and stems. Tannins give your mouth an astringent, dry sensation, and too much of them can overwhelm the flavors of delicate foods, like fish and shellfish. This is why the general “rule” is to avoid pairing sushi with bold red wines (which are often high in tannins). 

But as expert Nicki McTague advises, lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can work in some situations. These varietals can handle the mouth-coating nature of cream cheese and can also complement oily or fatty fishes, like tuna and salmon. So, if cream cheese in sushi isn’t your thing, try the wine with rolls that feature these types of fish.

Sushi rolls that come covered in a creamy sauce or topped with a mayonnaise-based drizzle will also do well with Pinot Noir, as the texture in the mouth will mimic that of cream cheese. For other, lighter types of sushi rolls, hand rolls, and nigiri, stick with lighter wines if you want to fully experience the flavors of what you’re eating. If you’re not a fan of white wines, consider a dry rose. This type of wine has the body of whites but often carries the fruit character of reds, giving you the best of both worlds, and acts as a winning partner to sushi.