Chikuma Nishiki Kizan Sanban 2022

A refreshing, lively sake that retains a smooth texture from this this Nagano-based producer.

Chikuma Nishiki is located in the centre of Nagano, which being one of the few inland prefectures of Japan, is known for its high mountains and lakes. The brewery’s location is naturally cold and they’ve access to very clean, pure waters which run off the mountains.

Each year the sake brewery makes two tanks of the Kizan Sanban expression – one will become a pasteurised version, one un-pasteurised. It is the latter, which its fresh palate, that we find imported into Australia.

Chikuma Nishiki have been brewing sake since 1681 and have been in their present location since 1962.

A fresh sake with prominent acidity, there’s also apple and aniseed notes in this Kizan Sanban.

Perfectly suitable neat or with either savoury or sweet dishes - this is a very versatile sake. 

At 15% alcohol this is lower than a lot of genshu (undiluted) sakes, which can be from 17-20%. This is achieved by arresting fermentation early, which retains a higher sugar content.

A junmai ginjo nama genshu, this is made without added additives or alcohol and is unpasteurised and undiluted. No sulphites or preservatives.

The rice style is Miyama Nishiki, polished to 55%.