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

Sake Ono  Junmai Daiginjo
94 points
$49
Fruity, floral, savory, and complex in all of the right ways; delicate and crisp with enough heft on the palate to hold up to food pairings making this sake just all around delightful.
Wesake  Sakura Junmai Ginjo Sake
92 points
$24
An elegant balance of fruity and savory notes with a hint of tannic texture makes this a fine choice for sushi and tempura dishes.
Tanada La Grace  Junmai Daiginjo Sake
89 points
$70
A sweet and tropical sake for Asian BBQ, desserts, and cocktails.