A recent UP newsletter highlighted how supply chain issues are affecting the availability of many wine varietals, not only in the Carolinas, but across the nation. That got us thinking, “What’s a wine lover to do?”

One answer: drink more sake. Although not immune to supply chain issues, adding sake to your home and dining out portfolio gives you more flexibility in your table choices as well as new and exciting imbibable avenues to explore.

Like wine, sake imparts the same sensations to the nose and palate as a fine wine and is enjoyed much the same way — including the vessel. Yes, you drink sake (chilled) from a wine glass, preferably a white wine glass (the more “tulip-shaped” ones), allowing for the expansion of aromas and opening up the flavors just as with wine.

Certain sakes may also be served warm (not hot). These are traditionally served in cups, the most familiar is the ochoko, which is the small cup you see in most sushi bars and restaurants.

But where does a burgeoning sake enthusiast begin?

We asked one of the nation’s top sake experts and Charlotte-area resident, Sara Guterbock, Japanese Beverage Specialist and Educator for New York Mutual Trading Company (MTC). Included in her long and impressive list of certifications are WSET 3 Wine and Sake Educator and a Japan Sommelier Association sake diploma. She is also an educator for Sake School of America.

“Sake is a beautiful, complex beverage”, says Guterbock. “It has an incomparable ability to match with food and can be served at different temperatures, allowing for infinite possibilities.”

Sara recommends the following based on their closest wine profile. Prices are approximate.  

For the Chardonnay Lover:
Born Junmai Daiginjo Muroka Namachozo | GOLD | Fukui ($40 or less)

Golden-hued, rich and infinitely smooth, with tropical fruit flavors and a hint of nuttiness. The rich softness of this sake is similar to the creamy mouthfeel of many chardonnays and is a beautiful pairing with lobster, cream sauces, brown butter sauces, and buttery fish like sea bass. Serve chilled.

For the Napa Cabernet Lover:
Kikusui Funaguchi Honjozo Nama Genshu | ORIGINAL GOLD CAN | Niigata ($7.99)

Don’t let the can fool you. This is as full-bodied and as mouth-filling as the biggest of bold California reds. This flavorful sake is redolent of toasted hazelnuts and toasted rice with a twinge of nutty nougat. Pair with burgers, steak, pork belly, and other meaty dishes. Serve chilled and enjoy straight from the can. The can makes it perfect for picnics and boating. Also, at 19% ABV, this little can packs a big punch.

For the Sauvignon Blanc Lover:
Tatenokawa Junmai Daiginjo Tatenyan| CAT’S MEOW | Yamagata ($45-$50)

This complex sake is made with a unique heirloom rice called omachi. Its lively character shares some of the herbal notes of French sauvignon blanc, in particular, with deep aromas of pineapple, black cherry, marzipan, peony blossom, lemongrass, and herbaceous aromas of fresh marjoram and sage. Try pairing with oysters, marinated and grilled meats, Greek salads, antipasto, salmon carpaccio, or Caprese salads. Can be served chilled or warmed.

For the Rose Lover:
Amabuki Junmai Rose “Ginno Kurenai” | PINK LADY | Saga (under $40)

This rose-hued sake is made with Forbidden Black (purple) Rice. Rich, soft, and just dry with enticing floral and fruit aromas akin to sweet pea blossoms, rhubarb, and lingonberries. The soft mouthfeel and fruitiness of this sake are perfect with spicy foods like Korean BBQ, and just like popular French roses, is an excellent accompaniment to any backyard grill-out, or just sipping on your deck on summer evenings. Can be served chilled or warmed.

For the Moscato/Sparkling Lover:
Shirkabe Gura Junmai Sparkling | MIO | Hyogo ($24-28)

The number one sparkling sake in Japan, this lightly sweet, delicately sparkling masterpiece boasts flavors of honeydew, lemongrass, and peach. Great with spicy or sweet fare: sushi rolls made with hot peppers or chili oils, or simply with fresh fruit. Makes a great mimosa. Serve chilled.

Where to Buy Sake
You can find sake in many area wine shops and a few supermarkets. These are a few of our go-tos:

Assorted Table Wine Shoppe – The Market at 7th Street • Asian Market – 4430 The Plaza • The Common Market – 2007 Commonwealth Ave (and other locations) • Rhino Market & Deli – 1500 W Morehead Street (and other locations) • New Asia Market – 4400 Potter Rd, Stallings

More Sake Facts

• While sake is often called “rice wine,” the brewing process is closer to beer than anything else.
• Sake is a tannin-free, gluten-free, sulfite-free, low-acid beverage.
• The proper temperature for chilled sake is right out of the refrigerator, or maybe just a few minutes removed (40-45ºF).
• Warmed sake is best in the 125-130ºF range. One easy way to warm sake is to heat an opened bottle in a sous vide bath for about an hour, or longer (one of the benefits of a sous vide).
• Opened bottles of sake will keep for weeks in your refrigerator.

Where to Order Sake
Many Charlotte restaurants have impressive sake menus. As you might guess, most are sushi/Japanese restaurants, but there are a number of others jumping on the sake train as well. Some of our favorites are: Baku, Counter-, Futo Buta, Mariposa, Para, Prime Fish, Yama Waverly, and Yamazaru.

Kanpai!

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