Mantensei "Star Filled Sky" Junmai Ginjo
This week we begin a new section on our website called “Sake Spotlight”. We will attempt to post information on a new sake each week from this point forward. Of course all of the sake we showcase will be available for sale at The Sake Shop. Enjoy!
Mantensei is made at one of the few breweries that produces only Junmai, Junmai Ginjo and Junmai Daiginjo sake. The President, Mr. Masahiko Touda, is also the Toji or Master Brewer, a rare dual role in today’s Japanese sake industry. The brewery has the distinction of being located in Japan’s least populated prefecture (Tottori) where there is an abundance of natural elements available to the small number of breweries located there. The water is extremely soft which allows long, low temperature fermentation which results in a gentle ginjo fragrance and a fresh lively flavor. Suwa brewery also makes their koji at a slightly higher temperature than normal giving their sake a clean and pleasant finish.
Sake Facts
Grade: Junmai Ginjo
Seimaibuai: 50%
Rice: Yamada Nishiki & Tamakasae
Yeast: #9
Nihonshu-do (SMV): 3
Alcohol: 15.5%
Acidity: 1.4
Brewery Facts
Brewery Name: Suwa Shuzo
Brewery Founded: 1859
Brewery Location: Tottori Prefecture
Toji (Master Brewer): Touda Masahiko
Brewery President: Touda Masahiko
Tasting Notes/Food Pairing
Soft, honey-laced nose with just a tad of fruitiness. Dry overall, but with a sweet element creeping out of the background. Good richness and overall balance in a slightly dry profile.
90 Points, Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar, 2007
“Very pale yellow. Assertive aromas of citrus fruits and smoke, with a subtle saline element. Fairly rich and voluminous but with an airy texture. A very suave, mouthfilling example with a lightly sweet impression and very good breadth.”
