山 形 正 宗 純 米 吟 醸 秋 あ が り
Another formidable Junmai sake, brewed by the uniquely talented Toji (brewmaster) Tomonobu Mitobe. This very limited Junmai Ginjo, brewed with Dewasansan rice from Mitobe Shuzo's own fields, is a autumn release. Its matured character and bright flavors, align with the October atmosphere to perfection. For good reason this sake has the status of a collector's item among sake connoisseurs in Japan.
The color in the glass has a delicate greenish tinge. An appetizing hue that indicates that this sake has been matured and bottled without the use of a carbon filter. On the nose, there are both fresh scents and mildly sweet aromas of caramelized sugar. A lingering aroma that is best described as seductive. The taste is characterized by an uplifting, bright acidity that develops towards fruit and rice sweetness. It's a refined junmai ginjo that pleases, layer after layer, containing an ultra-fine veil of bubbles. Aki-agari, a sake that fully demonstrates the level that master brewer Tomonobu Mitobe has achieved in his work.
Serving: Chilled, a few degrees below room temperature, surely not directly from the fridge. The closer to room temperature, the broader the spectrum of flavors, fuller aroma, umami and pronounced rice sweetness, not to mention creamy notes.
Food pairing: Grilled mushrooms: chanterelles and oyster mushrooms. Light fleshed fish like halibut and hake are wonderful with the elegant Aki-agari.
Brewery: Mitobe Shuzo, Yamagata Prefecture
