Sake & Food Pairing Tips on DEC2024

Tips on Sake Pairing "Dec" Selection 

Type: Appetizer                       Food: Cheese

A Harmonious Fusion of Flavors

When it comes to pairing sake with food, the delicate and nuanced flavors of Japanese rice wine can find a perfect complement in the rich, creamy goodness of cheese. This dynamic duo opens up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing the unique characteristics of both to shine.

Examples:  Mozzarella, Cream cheese, Camembert, Gouda, Comte, Stilton

Looking for alternatives of Japanese appetizers? Try some cheese with sake!

The world of cheese is so wide in terms of textures and tastes, enabling hundreds of pairings. 

• Mild and Mellow Sakes: Daiginjo and Junmai Daiginjo sakes with their delicate floral and fruity notes often pair beautifully with soft, creamy cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or Fromage Blanc. The subtle sweetness and acidity in these sakes help balance the richness of the cheese.
• Umami-Driven Sakes: Aged Junmai or Honjozo sakes with their savory, umami-packed flavors can be a revelation when matched with firm, nutty cheeses like Gruyère, Emmental, or Comte. The savory elements in both the sake and cheese create a harmonious interplay on the palate.
• Sparkling Sakes: The effervescence and crispness of sparkling sakes like Nigori or Sparkling Junmai can provide a refreshing contrast to creamy, soft-ripened cheeses. The carbonation cleanses the palate, preparing it for the next delightful bite.
• Aromatic Sakes: Sakes with prominent fragrant notes, such as Ginjo or Junmai Ginjo, can find an excellent pairing with semi-soft, washed-rind cheeses like Epoisses or Munster. The floral or herbal notes in the sake echo the pungent, earthy characteristics of these artisanal cheeses.

 Best Matched with Product:

 

Izumibashi Pink Tombo Kimoto Junmai

Dassai 45 Sparkling Junmai Daiginjo 

Kubota Hekiju Junmai Daiginjo

Born Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo