Shichiken Sparkling Yamano Kasumi (七賢 スパークリング 山の霞)

Yamanashi Meijo is a prestigious brewery founded in 1750 in the Hakushu area of Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, surrounded by the majestic nature of the Southern Alps, and is widely known by its flagship brand 'Shichiken.' This 'Yamano Kasumi' is a premium sparkling sake crafted using the pristine subsoil water of Mt. Kaikoma and the same 'in-bottle secondary fermentation' method used for Champagne. True to its name, meaning 'mountain mist,' it is an Usunigori (lightly cloudy) style that leaves a faint amount of lees, perfectly trapping the natural and delicate bubbles created by the yeast within the bottle. According to global enthusiasts and sommeliers, the charm of this sake begins with the delicate rising bubbles and the bright aromas of fresh white peach and faint pear that affectionately rise when poured. Upon taking a soft sip, the dense and pleasant carbonation provided by the in-bottle secondary fermentation elegantly awakens the tip of the tongue, and the comforting, affectionate sweetness of the rice unique to Usunigori gently blooms over the approachable 11% ABV. The refreshing 1.6 acidity and the neat, dry (Karakuchi) finish of around +6.0 cleanly embrace the texture that might otherwise feel too sweet, refreshingly cleansing the palate. It is an absolutely lovely sparkling sake, perfect as a toast to open a celebration or as an aperitif to beautifully decorate the beginning of a meal.

Here are additional pairing recommendations for Shichiken Sparkling Yamanokasumi. This sparkling sake, characterized by delicate bubbles, subtle sweetness, and refreshing acidity, enhances the palate with various dishes. 1. Terroir Pairing: 'Conger Eel Shirayaki'. The light and clean taste of conger eel harmonizes with the sake's subtle sweetness, while the sake's subtle mineral nuances deepen the eel's flavor. The delicate texture of Shirayaki pairs well with the sake's smooth bubbles, creating a pleasant harmony in the mouth. 2. Creative Pairing: 'Mozzarella Cheese and White Peach Salad'. The sweetness of the white peach and the mildness of the mozzarella cheese create a fantastic pairing with the sake's fresh white peach aroma. The sake's refreshing acidity cuts through any richness from the salad, providing a clean finish, and the elegant yeast bouquet further enriches the salad's overall flavor profile.