Sparkling sake, effervescent like champagne.
In recent years, they have become increasingly common in convenience stores and supermarkets.
So what exactly is sparkling sake and how is it recommended to drink it? In this article, we will explain sparkling sake in detail!
What is sweet, low alcohol, sparkling sake?
Sparkling sake is sake that contains carbon dioxide gas. Many are sweet and have a low alcohol content, so they are recommended for sake beginners. Did you know that there are three different methods of producing sparkling sake? The following is an introduction to each of these production methods!
Bottle fermentation
Second fermentation in bottle method used in French Champagne. The fermenting mash is bottled without being fired. This method allows further fermentation in the bottle and traps carbon dioxide gas in the bottle. Sake is alive and needs to be kept well chilled.
Carbon dioxide gas injection system
Sparkling sake is made by adding carbon dioxide to sake. It is inexpensive and hassle-free to make. The quality is stable and can be stored at room temperature!
unrefined sake
When alcohol is produced in sake, carbon dioxide is also produced at the same time. Activated nigori sake is made by filtering the fermenting sake through a rough cloth and bottling it with the bacteria still alive. Because it is roughly strained, the sake is cloudy in colour. This sake must also be stored in a cool place. It is not called sparkling sake, but 'activated nigori sake'.
advertisement
Chilled? On the rocks? How to drink sparkling sake
Sparkling sake, with its pleasantly shrieking carbonation. When it gets hot, you can't help but want to drink it. So, here are some recommendations on how to drink it!
cold wine
First, drink it chilled in the fridge. Chilling it gives it a refreshing taste and makes it even fresher. It is also good to drink it in a chilled glass!
rock
You don't normally put ice in sake, do you? But adding ice to sake refreshes the throat and freshens the flavour. It also mellows the palate, making it a recommended drink for sake beginners!
What snacks go with sparkling sake?
Different types of sake have different snacks that go well with different types of sake. Sparkling sake is best served with snacks that go well with white wine or dessert wine.
For fish, it can be matched with light dishes such as sashimi and marinades, and meat dishes such as grilled meats and steaks. Its fresh flavour neutralises the fat in meat.
Other recommended snacks include pinchos, caprese, crackers, cheese and cold tofu. They are all easy to prepare and are perfect for home parties.
Sparkling sake, which is often sweet, is also recommended with sweet treats such as cake, gateau chocolates and chocolate. You can also add fruit to sparkling sake and drink it like sangria. If you add frozen fruit, you have a fruit sake on the rocks.
3 recommended sparkling sake
However, there are probably some sake beginners and even sake lovers who have never tried sparkling sake. So here we bring you our editorial recommendations for sparkling sake!
Mio" (Matsutake and Plum White Cliffs)
The first one we recommend is Shochiku Bai Shirakabe Kura 'Mio'. You have probably seen its packaging as it is sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. Mio is a sparkling sake produced by Takara Shuzo in Kyoto Prefecture and is characterised by its moderate sweetness and acidity. It has an alcohol content of 5%, so even those who do not like alcohol can easily enjoy it. There are many product lines, and in addition to the standard Mio, there is also Mio DRY, which has an apple-like flavour, Ichika, which has strawberry and banana flavours, and Mio FROZEN, which is frozen and eaten. Please try to find your favourite flavour.
Yoshinogawa, 'Sake brewery's fresh snow'.
The next product recommended is Shuzo no Tansetsu, a sparkling Japanese sake from Niigata, a famous sake production area. This product is sold by Yoshinogawa, which boasts a long history dating back to its establishment in 1548. With its fresh, fruity aroma and soft sweetness, this sake is easy to get into, even for sake beginners. The light, easy-to-carry bottle cans allow for a variety of situations, such as when travelling, on the way home from a business trip or at a home party. Please try drinking it wherever you like.
https://yosinogawa.co.jp/cat_name/minimum/
Shirotaki Shuzo 'Kamizen Josui Sparkling'.
The last recommendation is also from Niigata Prefecture. It is Kozenjosui Sparkling, produced by the Shirotaki Shuzo brewery, which has a brewery in snowy Echigo-Yuzawa. It is characterised by a soft taste like melted snow. It has a clean, refreshing taste with little clutter, making it an easy match for all kinds of food. With an alcohol content of over 13%, it is higher than other sparkling sake, so it can be a gift for those who want to try a variety of sake. The luxurious design adds a touch of glamour to the table.
https://www.jozen.co.jp/top/items/item.asp?o=10812
Enjoy sparkling sake that is easy to drink, even for beginners.
Sparkling sake with a sweet taste and not too high in alcohol content. It has a refreshing thirst-quenching effect, making it a sake for sake beginners to try. The snacks can be easily prepared with ingredients you already have at home, but they are all gorgeous! You can enjoy it like a party. Each sake brewery has a recommended sparkling sake, so please try to find the one you like.
advertisement
