Harukasumi Junmai Winter Label Nama (春霞 純米 冬ラベル 生酒)

Harukasumi is an affectionate sake brand crafted by Kuribayashi Brewing, located in Misato, Akita Prefecture, using the pristine groundwater of the 'Rokugo Spring Group,' selected as one of Japan's 100 exquisite waters. Among its offerings, the 'Winter Label' is a newly renewed, unpasteurized (Nama) version of their standard Red Label, released exclusively in winter as freshly pressed sake. The bottle design features a motif of Mt. Chokai in winter as seen from the brewery's town, beautifully capturing the snowy landscape of Akita. By carefully milling Akita's representative sake rice, 'Misato Nishiki,' and using the classic Kumamoto-line KA-401 yeast, it elegantly brings out the fresh vitality typical of raw sake and the comforting umami of the rice itself. Captivating the palates of sommeliers and sake enthusiasts, the true charm of this sake begins with the gentle, bright aromas of white peach and subtle lychee that delightfully rise from the glass. Upon taking a sip, the clear and soft attack created by the exquisite water affectionately wraps the tip of the tongue, and the fresh vitality typical of freshly pressed raw sake, along with the supple, transparent umami of the Misato Nishiki rice, elegantly blooms. The delicate and soft acidity around 1.6 affectionately supports the texture, maintaining an understated neatness. Thanks to its refreshing lingering finish that cleanses the palate as clearly as a white snowy field in winter, it is a lovely sake to enjoy beautifully chilled alongside warm seasonal dishes.

Harukasumi Winter Label Junmai Nama (春霞 純米 冬ラベル 生酒) features delicate white peach, lychee, and rice aromas, complemented by a soft sweetness and refreshing acidity. Here are two food pairings that work well with this sake. 1. Terroir Pairing: Kiritanpo Nabe (きりたんぽ鍋): Kiritanpo Nabe, a hot pot dish from Akita, featuring pounded rice sticks, offers a subtle sweetness and rice flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the sake's gentle rice aroma. The umami from the chicken broth enhances the sake's delicate umami, while the refreshing finish cuts through any richness. 2. Creative Pairing: Shrimp, Avocado, and Mango Salsa: The freshness of the shrimp, creaminess of the avocado, and sweetness of the mango complement the sake's fruity notes. The mango's sweetness emphasizes the sake's subtle sweetness, and the salsa's acidity enhances the sake's refreshing quality, providing a clean finish.