About Japanese Wine

About Japanese Wine
Wine in Japan is all about sake; while some write about it being brewed in the manner of a beer, we are defining it as a wine. It is a beverage of ancient traditions that continues to be enjoyed by the elite in Japan as well as the common man - as well as consumers in many countries.

Produced from rice, a typical sake has a pale straw or silver color with aromas ranging from nougat and coconut to melon, dried pineapple and honeyed nuts. Medium-full (alcohol is around 18%), these are best enjoyed with Asian or fusion cuisine.

Sake is generally served at room temperature or slightly chilled. A sake that is heated and then served is probably not of the highest quality.

Top Picks for Japan

Kurosawa Junmai Kimoto Sake
94 points
$20
Best Buy
Kurosawa
Junmai Kimoto Sake
Pale straw color. Aromas and flavors of cashew toffee, custard, candied pineapple, sweet vanilla yogurt, cocoa powder, and dried apple with a satiny, lively, fruity light-to-medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-length finish manifesting impressions of aged charcuterie finish. A juicy, full-flavor Kimoto; pair with spicy fare.
94 points $20 Best Buy
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Joto Junmai Nigori Sake
94 points
$22.99
Joto
Junmai Nigori Sake
Opaque straw color. Aromas of bavarian cream, caramel drizzled pineapple, and strawberry kefir with a creamy, crisp, fruity sweet light-to-medium body and a seamless, breezy cheese cake, whipped creme, and vanilla finish. A creamy and dreamy Nigori that’s pure and expressive.
94 points $22.99
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Hakutsuru Sho-Une Junmai Daiginjo Sake
94 points
$27
Hakutsuru
Sho-Une Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Straw color. Aromas of ripe melon, shiso, grapefruit zest, pear, rainwater, elderflower, caraway, and star anise with a velvety, lively, fruity full body and a layered, long apricot and teriyaki finish. A pure and balanced sake that is a delight to sip and savor; excellent for sushi and crisp summer salads.
94 points $27
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Okunomatsu Ginjo Sake
94 points
$30
Okunomatsu
Ginjo Sake
Silvery straw color. Aromas of fresh grass, nutmeg, marinated mushrooms, ripe melon, lime-spritzed mango, galangal, and fine cheese with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, nuanced, medium-long herbs and spices, white pepper, and carnation finish. An extroverted and rich Honjozo Ginjo that will be a stupendous meal pairing; try with French or Italian cuisines.
94 points $30
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Okunomatsu Shizuku 18th Generation Ihei Daiginjo Sake
94 points
$130
Okunomatsu
Shizuku 18th Generation Ihei Daiginjo Sake
Silvery straw color. Aromas of granny smith apple, carnation, and lychee with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light body and a warming, interesting, medium-length ripe apricot, key lime, focaccia, toffee, custard, and sea salt finish. An upstanding Honjozo Daiginjo sake with great balance, bright acidity, and stylish profile.
94 points $130
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Date Tasted:
Joto Junmai Ginjo Sake
93 points
$22.99
Joto
Junmai Ginjo Sake
Silvery straw color. Aromas and flavors of kiwi relish, strawberries in creme, and chevre with a satiny, lively, light body and a seamless, involved, medium-long finish that presents accents of chamomile, toasty crouton, and shitake finish. A vibrant and cheerful sake with the appeal of French Champagne; fruity, somewhat toasty, with mouthwatering acidity; cheers to your great taste.
93 points $22.99
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Hananomai Katana Junmai Daiginjo Sake
93 points
$35
Hananomai
Katana Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Silvery straw color. Savory aromas of baked apple and hint of worcestershire sauce with a silky, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and a polished, interesting, medium-length flint, anise, crystalized ginger and lemon peel, and white tea with cream finish. An ethereal falsetto of a Junmai Daiginjo.
93 points $35
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Yuki No Bosha Junmai Gingo Sake
92 points
$31.99
Yuki No Bosha
Junmai Gingo Sake
Clear color. Aromas of strawberry leaf, rambutan, cherry, star anise, and lilac with a velvety, vibrant, fruity full body and a refreshing, medium-long toffee, apple, ginger and shortbread finish. An elegant, silky and fruity Junmai for fine seafood and sashimi.
92 points $31.99
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Shichiken Junmai Ginjo Sake
92 points
$35
Shichiken
Junmai Ginjo Sake
White gold color. Aromas of mixed melon salad, woodruff, sarsaparilla, and slate with a satiny, crisp, fruity light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long avocado and fresh daikon finish. A bright, off-dry sake with flavors that display a great balance of fruit and spice.
92 points $35
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Hatsumago Shozui Junmai Diaginjo
92 points
$40
Hatsumago
Shozui Junmai Diaginjo
Emerald straw color. Aromas of asian pear, butter poached starfruit, aged cheeses, and spiced toffee with a velvety, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a layered, medium-length béchamel, mint creme, and shitake mushroom finish. A creamy, concentrated Junmai Daiginjo that offers elegance, strength, and longevity.
92 points $40
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Date Tasted: