Dewazakura Omachi “Jewel Brocade”

At a Glance: A fruit-forward, aromatic Omachi rice sake. The grain’s classic herbal-umami lingers in the complex background.  

Dewazakura Omachi is named for its use of the venerable Omachi 雄町 strain. This Junmai Ginjo is a fairly fruity and relatively compact representation of this heirloom grain. Red fruit and flowers provide the flirtatious notes, while some classic herbal, savory, and grainy characteristics bring depth. Omachi-based sake is often modestly aromatic, but Dewazakura’s example is lifted and pretty. On the palate, this sake has a soft impact, with a refreshing, mineral-driven finish. For those that only drink “extra dry” sake– you may want to look elsewhere. A subtle sweetness kicks off the tasting experience. However, refreshing acidity on the finish balances this out quite nicely.  

Pairing/ Service

Dewazakura Omachi Junmai Ginjo is versatile on the table. It’s elegance and compact nature work well with sashimi, shellfish, unagi, and most maki-mono (rolls). It can also stand up the dishes with a richer profile like grilled kama shioyaki of all types, aradaki, and tonkatsu. Serve Jewel Brocade anywhere from chilled to room temperature.

Smaller o-choko will show off the deep fruitiness of this sake. White wine glasses will highlight the aromatics, its earthy and herbaceous qualities, and make the sake seem drier. 

Tech & Production Info

Dewazakura Omachi Junmai Ginjo “Jewel Brocade”

Rice: Omachi 雄町 milled to 50%  

Yeast: YK-0107

SMV: +1  Acid: 1.6  ABV: 16-17%

Official Tech Sheet    World Sake Tech Sheet 

the Dewazakura Brewery

Brewery: Dewazakura Shuzo 出羽桜酒造   Location: Tendo, Yamagata    EST: 1892

Official Site   US importer Website: World Sake

Dewazakura Shuzo 出羽桜酒造 was founded by Seijiro Nakano in 1892, and today is one of the more innovative and well-respected breweries in Japan. The brewery itself is located within the Yamagata Basin and surrounded by mountains. The local economy is driven in part by agriculture, including rice. And there’s also plenty of precipitation in the form of summer and fall rain, and early winter heavy snows. This leads to an abundance of quality water usable for brewing.

READ MORE about Dewazakura…

a good video from Sake Fan World

 

Label Translation

Dewazakura 出羽桜  Dewazakura Shuzo 出羽桜酒造

Omachi 雄町  Yamagata 山形

Junmai Ginjo 純米吟