• Prefecture: Niigata

• Rice & polishing: Gohyakumangoku, polished to 60%

• Style: Junmai Ginjo

• Food pairings: Char siew, grilled eel (unagi), tempura, mild soft cheeses

• Taste: Fruity, plump, slightly sweet, mellow

• Alc.: 17%

A juicy, approachable Junmai Ginjo from Niigata, brewed with Gohyakumangoku. The nose is fresh and bright, with pear, melon, custard and lemon leaf, followed by hints of white blossom, apricot and peach. The palate is plump and slightly sweet, finishing soft, mellow and well rounded, so it never tires the palate. Made to win over newcomers who find sake daunting, it is lovely chilled and pairs easily with richer, gently sweet dishes.

SMV: −12

About the brewery

Mine no Hakubai has brewed for roughly four centuries at the foot of Mt Kakuda on the Echigo Plain, in what is now Nishikan Ward of Niigata City. Rather than following Niigata's famous light, dry style, the brewery under president Yoshiro Takahashi deliberately pursues a richer, fuller-bodied character.

瑞々しい梨のような香りと、ふくよかでやや甘めの味わいは、飽きることなくするりと喉を越えてゆきます。日本酒が苦手な若い世代にも、受け入れて貰いやすいように、柔らかく芳醇な仕上がりとなっています。IWCインターナショナルワインチャレンジ2023 ＜純米吟醸部門 ゴールド受賞＞