Okay, so
technically our "Wine of the Weekend" is not a wine. In fact, the production techniques used in sake have more in common with beer than with wine...but the subtleties and nuances of great sake are decidedly more wine-like. Given this and an international focus on the unfolding tragedy in Japan, it seemed only fitting that we pick a product so connected with Japanese culture and refinement.
This particular sake is a
Honjozo Nigori-sake from the
Miyashita Brewery, located in the Okayama Prefecture. The term
Honjozo denotes a premium level of sake, and
Nigori literally translates as 'unfiltered'. Okayama is known for its abundant sunshine, good water, and most of all for premium rice production. Sakes from Okayama are famous for its elegance and refinement.
America has become one of the most-important export markets for
Nigori sake. The cloudy nature of these sakes is due to the fact that the finished product does not undergo filtration...what you see (and drink) is the rice particles leftover after fermentation. Think of it as the lees. These residual solids impart a rich texture and hint of sweetness to the sake.
If you consider yourself a
connoisseur of
Nigori-sake, you're in for a treat. "Sacred Mist" is easily the finest Nigori available in the U.S. market.
It's a little-known fact that most Nigori actually undergo a rough filtration which removes some of the rice solids. "Sacred Mist" is the only Nigori I know of that sees
no filtration. The result is an unctuously rich, incredibly textured sake experience. Available in a 300ml bottle, it is an ideal aperitif, or after-dinner drink.
Item #56196
A big THANK YOU to all of you who came out yesterday for our "Wine 101" class. If the number of enthusiastic attendees is any indication, this season of The Quality Wine School is going to be epic. Next up: "The Wines of Austria" on Wednesday, April 20th. Guest speaker is Master Sommelier Damon Ornowski of Vin Divino.
Chock full of new producers, new items and useful information...please ask your QWS rep for a copy!
The 2011 season of The Quality Wine School begins tomorrow with our "Wine 101" class. Future classes - held alternating Wednesdays - will cover such topics as Austria, Burgundy, the Pacific Northwest, Rhone wines, Sake and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pre-registration has been VERY strong...so please contact us soon if you'd like to participate!
Okay, so technically our "Wine of the Weekend" is not a wine. In fact, the production techniques used in sake have more in common with beer than with wine...but the subtleties and nuances of great sake are decidedly more wine-like. Given this and an international focus on the unfolding tragedy in Japan, it seemed only fitting that we pick a product so connected with Japanese culture and refinement.
The Quality Fine Wine Division is proud to offer the finest selection of dry French rosés available in the State of Minnesota. Our offerings from the 2010 vintage include such great producers as: