April 18th, 2025

Sushi’s traditional wine partner has always been Sake. Few of us who have ever enjoyed a feast at a Japanese restaurant would argue the point. But there are exceptions.

Please realize that there are times, especially during a sweltering summer in Arizona, when hot Sake is just a little too much. However, serving cold Sake is plain sacrilege, so what to do?

After trying a lot of white wine with Sushi over the years, an earlier discovery is still holding up. That is, for Sushi pairing, Arizona Wines still offer some of the best alternatives available.

For Tuna Sushi Pairing - Go Local AZ

It could be something about the dry heat, fresh air, and soil conditions out there in the AZ vineyards that does something to make a “Sushi-Partner” of our local wines. Maybe that’s why many of our natively grown white wines like those from Los Milics Vineyards are just the ticket with Sushi.

Of course, AZ white wine character varies with the vintages, but right now, an excellent AZ wine choice for Sushi pairing is Los Milics’ 2023 Jules’ Vermentino. Its bouquet starts with bright citrus, floral essences, plus an AZ earthiness that reflects the terroir of Elgin, AZ.

This all works okay with a veggie Sushi, better with crab, but with tuna, it’s over the top.

Jules Vermentino’s substantial body is a perfect savory mate for the starch in the rice while also enhancing the wasabi spice and saltiness of the soy sauce.  As a bonus, the balanced acidic finish enhances the ginger-spice combination in the mouth.

This Arizona and "Land of the Rising Sun" pair is amazing.  Such a deal, no hot Sake and a gourmet white wine combo that works.

You can get this selection from Los Milics' Elgin winery, Scottsdale tasting room, or AJs (often near their Sushi bar), for under $30. They sell out each vintage so you may want to check into it over the next month or so. Otherwise, you will have to wait for the arrival of their 2024.

Los Milics sources Vermentino fruit strictly from their Elgin estate property. This makes the yearly variations depend only on what's happening in the few rows that they have planted there.

Note that they will always share the history of each vintage, even over the phone. Just call one of the tasting rooms in Elgin or Scottsdale.

So, make the best of this cool spring and summer partner for that plate of Sushi.  Serve chilled to suit the heat.  As the Vermentino warms up in the glass, the flavors become more earthy and full. Here’s to the Arizona “terroir” and Asian Cuisine!  It's a kind of Pac Rim match made right here in the Grand Canyon State.