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Nanbu Bijin –
Kanbara Bride of the Fox "Very pale color,
deeper than the Wandering Poet but less brilliant. High-pitched, nuanced
nose combines melon, lime, mint, nuts and dusty fresh herbs. Juicy and
intense, with assertive flavors of citrus fruit, melon, herbs, spices
and nuts. Not a heavy style but boasts impressive palate presence and
plenty of character. The long finish hints at melon and nuts." 91
points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Online Only, Aug.
2007
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Quality Grade:
Junmai Ginjo (at least 40% of rice grain polished away)
Seimaibuai: 50%
(50% of rice grain polished away)
Rice:
Gohyakumangoku
Nihonshu-do: +3
Alcohol: 16.5%
Acidity: 1.6
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Tasting Notes:
Intense aromas
of grilled nuts, pistachio and a hint of warm liquid cocoa. In the
mouth, the flavors follow through with nuts and melon as it heads for a
crisp finish, and then just a hint of lingering sweetness. It is at once
savory and sweet, and has enough power to make it a great match with a
wide variety of food pairings. A truly distinctive sake.
Brewery Name:
Kaetsu Shuzo (founded in 1880)
Brewery Location:
Niigata
Prefecture
Toji (Master Brewer):
Mr. Yamaga Kenichiro - he has
been brew master there for 6 decades
Notable Facts:
Their toji has
been with them since 1964 and has won countless awards. In 1992, he was
selected by the Ministry of Labor as one of the "100 Great Craftsmen".
Nanbu Bijin brews only about 200 kiloliters of sake a year, which allows
them to control quality to suit their high standards. The brewery is
literally built around a well that supplies the pristine water for the
sake brewing process.
About the Name:
The
name of this wonderful sake was inspired by local legends about
mysterious lights that appeared on nearby Mt. Kirin in the distant past.
Locals claim the lights are paper lanterns carried in the fox-bride
procession. This mysterious event is celebrated in Niigata every year in
the fox-bride festival. Kaetsu uses rice grown on the high plains and
pure mountain water to brew superior sake, both rich in aroma and clean
in taste.
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