Home » The ultimate Chardonnay guide: 9 Perfect matches for your Sushi
Sushi and wine: a golden combination that I am all too happy to share with friends and family. For years, I have tested countless chardonnay during cozy sushi nights at my home. From fresh to full-bodied flavors, finding the perfect wine that takes sushi to the next level is an incredibly fun and especially interesting experience to do. After all, the right wine with the right sushi will make your palate a celebration. In this article, I share my nine favorite chardonnay of the moment, complete with flavor profiles, vineyard information, and the sushi they go best with. And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, be sure to check out my article on the best wine pairings with sushi. Let’s get started!
This fine chardonnay from Kleine Zalze’s Stellenbosch Vineyard Selection is an absolute treat for those who love tropical and accessible flavors. With notes of pineapple, mango and a subtle hint of vanilla, it brings a touch of sunshine to every glass. Kleine Zalze is a renowned winery known for its craftsmanship and sustainable winemaking. This wine especially shines alongside the famous California roll or nigiri with salmon. The price is around €10-€15, which makes it an excellent choice for an evening of enjoyment. Should you be in South Africa, book an enjoyable wine tasting at this beautiful vineyard. According to friends of mine who have been there, it is more than worth it!
The Rockhawk Buttery Chardonnay from France’s Pays d’Oc is a wine for true lovers of rich, creamy flavors. With its buttery texture, aromas of ripe peach and a hint of toast, it is often affectionately called the “Bernardus of France. It is a wine with real body. This chardonnay pairs perfectly with sushi that has a creamy twist, such as spicy tuna rolls or sashimi with a dollop of wasabi mayonnaise. It goes perfectly with that! For a price between €11 and €17, Rockhawk offers a lush and accessible wine experience.
From the vineyards of Argentina’s Mendoza region comes this refined and elegant chardonnay. With a flavor profile full of citrus, white flowers and a slight minerality, it offers wonderful balance. Organically certified winery Chakana delivers a wine that pairs perfectly with subtle sushi, such as ebi nigiri or sea bass sashimi. This chardonnay typically sells for €15-€20 per bottle and is highly recommended for those who love finesse. This wine completely surprised me, I hope it surprised you too!
From the sunny slopes of De Morgenzon in beautiful South African Stellenbosch comes this powerful and complex chardonnay. This bottle was recommended to me by a local wine merchant and from the very first moment it was enjoyable. Rich flavors of ripe apple, lemon and a hint of honey meld into a silky smooth texture. This wine is a perfect match for sushi with a firm bite, such as unagi (roasted eel) or futomaki with tempura. For about €25, you get a bottle of absolute top quality, produced by a winery known for its innovative approach. Well worth buying a bottle once.
This fresh and fruity chardonnay from Argentina is an everyone’s friend. All my friends who sat at my table to eat sushi just loved this one. With aromas of green apple, melon and a hint of lime, it is a feast for the senses. In my opinion, the Portillo Chardonnay is an excellent match for vegetarian sushi, such as avocado maki or cucumber rolls. Moreover, at €8-€12 per bottle, it is not only delicious but also very affordable. Ideal for a relaxing sushi evening with friends.
At the charming family winery in northern Italy, the passionate Massimo di Lenardo creates wines that manage to surprise time and again. His craftsmanship and dedication do not go unnoticed: renowned Italian wine guides such as Gambero Rosso, Veronelli and Luca Maroni praise the exceptional quality of his wines year after year. So this Italian chardonnay from Friuli-Venezia Giulia is like a love letter to your taste buds (sorry, I didn’t know how else to describe it). With tropical notes of pineapple, a slight spiciness and a surprisingly fresh character, it manages to impress. In my opinion, Fathers Eyes pairs fantastically with sushi with a spicy twist, such as spicy crab rolls. For €12-€18 you can discover this refined wine and enjoy a piece of Italian elegance.
My absolute favorite of this list: The Bernardus. I love full-bodied chardonnay and this Bernardus Chardonnay from Monterey County, California, USA is a powerhouse known for its rich and complex flavor. Aromas of butter, vanilla and citrus dominate the glass, while cool coastal influences provide a refined balance. This wine is a match made in heaven with upscale sushi such as toro (fatty tuna) or uni (sea urchin). At a price of about €30 a bottle, you bring pure class into your home. It always feels like a treat when I take my first sip. Pure enjoyment for lovers of thick lumpy chardonnay.
This elegant French chardonnay exudes sophistication, but…..I just found it at the Aldi supermarket! Incredible isn’t it? With its fresh aromas of citrus, pear and a hint of hazelnut, it is perfect for light, delicate sushi such as sashimi of scallop or hamachi. La Coterie offers great quality at a price of €6-€10 per bottle and is ideal for those who love subtle flavors.
The Numina Chardonnay is the crown jewel of the house of Salentein. Rich layers of tropical fruit, vanilla and subtle oak notes make this wine a gourmet experience. It comes fantastic alongside rich sushi, such as tarragon rolls or wagyu sushi. Priced at €30-€35, this is an investment every sushi lover should try.
Yes, I know….there is no Australian Chardonnay on my list. Shocking, right! But believe me, there is a very good reason behind it. During our travels through Australia, I have tasted so many delicious “Chardy” – full-bodied, flavorful wines with wonderful depth that go perfectly with sushi. My mouth still waters when I think back!
But alas, those fantastic wines are nowhere to be had here in the Netherlands. I even discussed it with my Australian friends, and what they said was telling: “We’re not crazy Down Under – we keep the best wines to ourselves!”
Well, what can you say to that? Cheers, mate!
Whoever says that only sake goes with sushi has not yet tasted this chardonnay. Whether you are looking for a fresh, fruity wine or a rich, creamy taste experience, there is always a chardonnay that will complete your favorite sushi. Invite friends over, set the table with sushi and wines, and discover your favorite combination together. I am very curious to hear what you think of my favorites. If you have any tips of your own for a great chardonnay; please let me know! And would you like more advice on wine and sushi? Read my article about the best wine pairings with sushi. Cheers to an evening full of taste sensations!
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