Fondue wine Chasselas and sushi: the perfect pairing
I love Chasselas. This typical Swiss grape variety is best known as an accompaniment to fondue. Surprisingly, it also goes very well with the Japanese national dish sushi.
"And then, of all things, Chasselas, which is drunk by every average Swiss person who has no idea," a colleague wrote to me on Instagram. I've just posted pictures from the "Masterclass Chasselas and Sushi", which took place as part of "Food Zurich". Nine Chasselas from different growing regions were tasted, some organic, some biodynamic. All wonderful wines with big differences. Sometimes more mineral, sometimes milder, never too acidic. Chasselas has long since ceased to be the wine that the average Swiss person who doesn't have a clue drinks. What I didn't realise: It not only goes well with fondue, but also with sushi. Tuna nigiri with teriyaki sauce, ginger and spring onions. Eel with Japanese paprika. Lightly salt-cured scallops
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I admit it, I'm biased
I have to admit: Being from Lutry in Lavaux, I'm biased when it comes to wine. My very first sip of white wine came from a bottle of Féchy. I must have been just a teenager. For me, Chasselas is synonymous with white wine. The grape has little flavour of its own. The soil therefore passes on its character to the wine much more intensively. There are no intense fruity flavours or residual sweetness. These wines have character and continue to develop. "Chasselas can be stored for up to thirty years," explains Alexandre Centeleghe from Vin Vaudois. He runs the masterclass and has matched the sushi to the wine with the chefs.
This works surprisingly well. The wines give the sushi creations enough room to develop their flavour. Instead of the rather hearty cheese dishes that Chasselas is usually drunk with, sushi gives the wine more space. An interplay that the Japanese also seem to appreciate. In Japan, Chasselas is regarded as an absolute premium wine in the upper price range. Not so here: "The good thing is: Chasselas is very affordable in Switzerland," says Ceneleghe happily.
Do you need a wine to accompany your sushi? Our range offers a few selected Chasselas. It is constantly being expanded.
The "Food Zurich" takes place annually. It runs until 26 May.
If you want to try a variety of Chasselas yourself, you can do so at the "Open Wine Cellar Day" on 8 and 9 June in Vaud.
When I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.