About Junmai Ginjo Sake

About Junmai Ginjo Sake
A junmai ginjo sake is a very particular type of sake. Junmai refers to a sake that is a pure rice wine, one that does not have any distilled alcohol added. Ginjo refers to the fact that at least 40% of the rice polished away during the brewing process. This process for a ginjo sake is done at lower temperatures, which takes longer, but produces a sake that is light and fragrant with greater complexity.

A junmai ginjo sake is considered a "super premium" sake, which represents less than 10% of all sake. Along with traditional foods paired with sake, such as sushi or Asian cuisine, a junmai ginko sake also marries well with roast turkey or even leg of lamb.

Top Picks for Junmai Ginjo Sake

Sho Chiku Bai  Premium Ginjo Sake
90 points
$8
Best Buy
An excellent example of Junmai Ginjo; complex and easy to pair.
90 points $8 Best Buy
Momokawa Diamond  Medium Dry Junmai Ginjo Sake
90 points
$16
Best Buy
A tasty Junmai Ginjo Sake that offers well-balanced flavors that weave between fruity and savory; a very good pairing for beef and richer cheeses.
90 points $16 Best Buy
Manotsuru  "Pure Bloom" Sweet Junmai Ginjo Sake
90 points
$14
Best Buy
An off-dry, balanced Junmai Ginjo perfect for spicy fare; round and satisfying.
90 points $14 Best Buy
Yomi  Junmai Ginjo Sake
89 points
$6
Best Buy
A silky and restrained Junmai Ginjo Sake well-suited to light pairings.
89 points $6 Best Buy
Momokawa Organic  Medium Rich Junmai Ginjo Sake
86 points
$17
Gentle fruit aromas and a plush mouthfeel; this is an assuaging Junmai Ginjo that drinks effortlessly.