
The Yamagata prefecture is situated in the lower part of the region of Tohoku and is home to mountain ranges that open to the sea. The region’s mostly isolated area keeps it from the hub of bustling cities, but the quality of the region’s sake is well known. There are over 60 sake breweries in the Yamagata region, and the oldest one goes back to the Japanese civil war at the start of the Edo era. The youngest brewery in the Yamagata prefecture still has ancient characteristics. A majority of the sake brewed in the prefecture is crafted and consumed in Yamagata, and only a small percentage of the sake wines actually leave the region. The brewers in the region are also mainly from the prefecture and only roughly 30 percent of the brewers come from outside the region. The cold weather lends a hand to sake brewing and most of the wines created here are crafted from rice that grows in the cold climate. These full bodied sakes are typically clean in taste and have character. The Yamagata prefecture boasts of well balanced sakes that are characteristic and unique in taste. The region continues to advance and develop new brewing methods.
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Saumaize-Michelin Macon Vergisson Cru Sur La Roche is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Harmonious, fresh and clean aromas of fresh apple, lemon, orange blossom, white flower. Pure, crisp, silky and fine texture. Ripe fruit flavors and good acidity.
Zenato Amarone is a blend of Corvina and Rondinella, with a touch of Croatina and Oseleta. Corvina is prized not only for its intense marasca cherry flavor, but also its ability to withstand the drying process. Used in small quantities Rondinella also fares well in drying, and contributes dark color and an alluring floral note. Oseleta provides tannic structure and minerality; while Croatina is introduced to add youthful fruitiness. All this attention to detail pays off in a wine that is immediately approachable yet unmistakably ageworthy.
Ruby red in color, intoxicating aromas of dried black cherries, cassis, truffles, and chocolate fudge leap out of the glass. The resulting wine is silky, luscious, and complex, with a lingering finish.
Pair this wine with osso bucco, Bordelaise sauces, wild boar ravioli, or grilled cowboy ribeyes.
Review:
Restrained fruitiness with aromas of raspberries and earth, alongside a complex spicy blend of freshly ground black pepper, milk, mint, bay leaf and cocoa powder. Very youthful. Full-bodied, dense and balanced, with savory flavors of chocolate and cherries, super-tasty style, tight, chalky yet ripe tannins and a fresh, cleansing acidity. Toasty finish. Drinkable now, but best in a year or two.
-James Suckling 96 Points