Michizakura Junmai Ginjo Kuzuryu 55 Nama Genshu (三千櫻 純米吟醸 九頭竜55 生原酒)

'Michizakura' (also known as Sanzenzakura) was originally founded in Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture in 1877, but in a bold move to overcome the effects of global warming on the brewing environment, they relocated to Higashikawa, Hokkaido, in 2020. This 'Junmai Ginjo Kuzuryu 55 Nama Genshu' is a captivating newly brewed sake crafted using the clear, hard subsoil water flowing from Mount Daisetsu and 'Kuzuryu,' a legendary revived sake rice from Fukui Prefecture, milled down to 55%. The label adds a touch of mystery with a dragon motif inspired by Kuzuryu Benzaiten, matching the rice's name. According to global enthusiasts and sommeliers, the charm of this sake begins with the elegant ginjo aromas and bright scents reminiscent of fresh melon that delightfully rise from the glass. Upon taking a soft sip, the micro-carbonation unique to raw, undiluted sake pleasantly awakens the tip of the tongue, followed by the delicate and elegant sweetness around an SMV of -4 and the firm umami inherent to Kuzuryu rice affectionately blooming in the mouth. The soft 1.6 acidity and the minerality derived from Mount Daisetsu's hard water refreshingly embrace the sweetness that might otherwise feel too round, beautifully concluding with a pleasant dryness (Karakuchi) for a clean and neat swallow. It is excellent as an aperitif and an absolutely lovely sake that radiantly enhances the flavors of dishes when paired with a meal.

Pairing recommendations for Michizakura Junmai Ginjo Kuzuryu 55 Namagenshu: 1. Clear Snow Crab Soup (カニすまし汁): A clear soup featuring snow crab, a specialty of Hokkaido, enhances the sake's clean minerality and subtle sweetness. The delicate flavor of the crab harmonizes with the sake's soft acidity, creating a refined and elegant pairing. The warm soup also helps to accentuate the sake's elegant Ginjo aroma. 2. Mozzarella and White Peach Salad: The fresh mozzarella's mild flavor and the white peach's sweetness pair well with the sake's subtle sweetness. The peach's refreshing quality enhances the sake's fresh micro-carbonation, and the salad's lightness accentuates the sake's clean finish. This creative pairing highlights the overall balance of the sake with its soft texture and aromatic flavors.