Sake For The Season

Your Holiday Sake/Food Pairing Guide
by Paul Tanguay, Sake Ambassador & Julie Kinnaird, Field Sales Support Manager of Vine Connections

(Click on any sake to view product information)

Tozai “Snow Maiden”, Junmai Nigori

PT: A festive sake with all its cloudiness. Serve with fresh fruits and lightly sweetened desserts, especially those with honey and almonds. Uncle Tom's eggnog hasn't got anything on this one. Serve with a pinch of nutmeg & cinnamon and blow them away like Old Man Winter.

JK: I'd opt for nipping on this with a classic holiday cookie assortment of coconut macaroons, Torrone, Pfeffernusse, and sugar-dusted wedding cakes. Spiced, it would be a pretty partner to a warm plum pudding dressed in Crème Anglaise.

Ama No To “Heaven's Door”, Tokubetsu Junmai

PT: This sake is usually served chilled, but its sturdy structure and generous acidity allows for gentle warming--perfect for aprés-ski or on those chilly nights coming upon us. There's no doubt this would also pair brilliantly with those chestnuts roasting on the open fire.

JK: Heaven's Door matches up well with Foie Gras and Caramelized Plum Crostini, Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Figs, Molasses and Star Anise Short Ribs, or Roasted Chestnut and Wild Mushroom Soup. (Warning: the figs are a bit addictive).

Tozai “Well of Wisdom”, Ginjo

PT: You don't have to make a wish in this well to elevate your old standard turkey and cranberry dinner to new pairing heights. Its earthy qualities will also work well with a multitude of different holiday side dishes. Your guests will be thanking you for your newly found wisdom.

JK: Some specific winners to try: Roast Turkey with Pomegranate Gravy, Cranberry and Blood Orange Chutney, Ginger-Roasted Pears and Parsnips, Red Curry Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

Mantensei “Star-Filled Sky”, Junmai Ginjo

PT: This sake is divine with shellfish, notably lobster. Not holidaying on the East Coast this year? No problem, there are other stars for this table, especially for those seeking alternatives to the standard holiday fowls of turkey, goose and hen. Gamey meats, particularly duck, are an amazing match.

JK: Superb with some Tea-Smoked Duck with Candied Kumquats, Smoked Trout Salad with Walnuts, and Gruyere in Endive, Roasted Shrimp with Artichokes and Fennel.

Tentaka “Silent Stream”, Junmai Daiginjo

PT: The holidays are a perfect time to indulge in the finer things of life like this amazing, elegant Junmai Daiginjo sake. It is a natural with Honey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin, Seared Scallops on White Truffle Risotto, or a simple Lemon Roasted Chicken.

JK: Start off with some Crab and Caviar Profiteroles, enjoy Paul's suggestions, and save a bottle for New Year's Eve. I can't think of a better way to toast to the new year.

Happy Holidays!