Potrero HillSushi & sake
This dry, rich Junmai has an earthy yet sweet aromatic nose that borders on ripe fruit.
Pairs with Sashimi, miso-marinated grilled fish, and richer robata small plates · drink it if you like Dry whites/Tannic reds or Amber ale.
Otokoyama Co., Ltd. · Hokkaido Prefecture · Tokubetsu Junmai · SMV +10.0 · Acidity 1.6 · 15.5% alcohol
A favorite amongst sushi chefs, this Junmai dances from hoppy to semi-fruity but is dry.
Pairs with A sushi-counter all-rounder: nigiri, sashimi, and oily fish like saba or hamachi · drink it if you like Sancerre/Albarino or Dry lager/Pilsner.
Suigei Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Kochi Prefecture · Tokubetsu Junmai · SMV +7.0 · Acidity 1.6 · Rice polished to 55% · Akitsuho rice · 15% alcohol
Quiet, classic Niigata: light-bodied and very smooth, with green apple and steamed rice on the nose, a touch of toasty grain in the middle and a long, clean, gently dry finish.
Pairs with Sushi and sashimi, grilled oily fish such as mackerel or salmon collar, and lightly salted dishes · drink it if you like Pinot Grigio/Muscadet or Pilsner/light lager.
Kinshihai Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Tokubetsu Junmai · SMV +4.0 · Acidity 1.3 · Rice polished to 58% · Gohyakumangoku, Koshiibuki rice · 14.5% alcohol
Cold-aged for over a year at the brewery, which gives it a creamy, soft texture unusual for dry Niigata sake. Subtle melon and a hint of ginger, mild acidity, and a clean dry finish.
Pairs with Tempura, karaage, salt-grilled fish and other fried, salty or savory plates; also easy with chicken and seafood · drink it if you like Chablis/dry Chenin Blanc or Kolsch/helles lager.
Midorikawa Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Junmai · SMV +4.0 · Acidity 1.6 · Rice polished to 60% · Gohyakumangoku, Hokuriku No. 12, Koshiibuki rice · 15.5% alcohol
Textbook Niigata: light, dry and water-clean. Gentle steamed rice, pear and a faint herbal note, with just enough umami to keep it interesting. Good chilled, at room temperature or gently warmed.
Pairs with White fish sashimi, shellfish, oysters, unagi and simply grilled fish · drink it if you like Muscadet/Chablis or Japanese Rice Lager/Pilsner.
Kirinzan Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Junmai · SMV +4.0 · Acidity 1.4 · Rice polished to 58% · Gohyakumangoku, Koshiibuki rice · 15.5% alcohol
A one-cup pour from Tochigi's oldest brewery. Steamed-rice aroma with a little citrus, a soft, mild texture, and a clean, dry finish; easygoing chilled, at room temperature or warm.
Pairs with Karaage, yakitori, gyoza, ramen and other savory izakaya plates; fine with everyday rolls · drink it if you like Pinot Grigio/Muscadet or Japanese lager/Pilsner.
Daiichi Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Tochigi Prefecture · Tokubetsu Junmai · SMV +2.0 · Acidity 1.5 · Rice polished to 60% · Gohyakumangoku rice · 15% alcohol
A sake built for the sushi counter, tuned through blind tastings by around 50 Hokkaido sushi chefs. Soft and rounded with steamed-rice and gentle grain sweetness up front, plenty of umami in the middle, then a clean, crisp finish that resets the palate.
Pairs with Nigiri and sashimi across the board, especially white fish, shellfish, uni and vinegared rice · drink it if you like Pinot Blanc/unoaked Chardonnay or Japanese rice lager.
Otokoyama Co., Ltd. · Hokkaido Prefecture · Tokubetsu Junmai · SMV +2.0 · Acidity 1.5 · Rice polished to 55% · Miyamanishiki rice · 15% alcohol
This is a great example of a clean and crisp sake that has citrus tones with a dry finish.
Pairs with Works across the nigiri board — try hamachi, tai, and shrimp tempura · drink it if you like Dry Chenin / Pinot Grigio or Helles lager.
Kikusui Sake Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Junmai Ginjo · SMV +1.0 · Acidity 1.7 · Rice polished to 55% · Gohyakumangoku rice · 15% alcohol
Soft and fruit-forward for a Niigata sake: melon, lychee and a light floral lift on a medium body, with a whisper of sweetness before a clean, refreshing finish.
Pairs with Yellowtail and salmon sashimi, scallop nigiri, light salads and mildly spicy rolls · drink it if you like Pinot Grigio/off-dry Riesling or Kolsch/Blonde Ale.
Yoshinogawa Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Junmai Ginjo · SMV -1.0 · Acidity 1.3 · Rice polished to 60% · Gohyakumangoku rice · 14% alcohol
A soft-textured Yamagata junmai ginjo brewed with local rice and famously gentle water. Ripe, rounded fruit on the nose, a smooth mid-palate with quiet umami, and a tidy, dry close.
Pairs with White fish and scallop sashimi, shio-grilled fish, and vegetable tempura · drink it if you like Pinot Blanc/Chablis or Kolsch/Helles.
Takenotsuyu Shuzojo · Yamagata Prefecture · Junmai Ginjo
From snowy Uonuma, fuller and rounder than the usual bone-dry Niigata style. Light florals with banana and pear, a creamy texture, and a soft, clean finish.
Pairs with Grilled fish, oysters and other shellfish, vegetable tempura, and richer nigiri such as salmon or yellowtail · drink it if you like Pinot Gris/Chenin Blanc or Hefeweizen/Kolsch.
Aoki Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Junmai Ginjo · SMV +0.5 · Acidity 1.4 · Rice polished to 55% · Yamada Nishiki rice · 15.5% alcohol
This is one of those dry Ginjos that has layers of fruit and mineral tones and is ultra clean.
Pairs with Delicate white-fish sashimi and nigiri; excellent warmed with grilled fish · drink it if you like Muscadet / unoaked white or Dry Japanese lager.
Takano Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Junmai Ginjo · SMV +4.0 · Acidity 1.4 · Rice polished to 60%
A gentle, polished take on the yamahai style: cream, nougat and steamed rice on the nose, a round, faintly caramel texture with cereal and mushroom umami, and a surprisingly light, dry finish.
Pairs with Uni, ikura, grilled black cod, mushrooms, unagi and other richer, umami-driven dishes · drink it if you like Aged Chardonnay/Savagnin or Amber Ale/Dunkel.
Kiminoi Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Yamahai Junmai Ginjo · SMV +2.0 · Acidity 1.6 · Rice polished to 58% · Gohyakumangoku rice · 15.5% alcohol
A light and smooth sake perfect for those looking for a fruitiness that drinks very clean.
Pairs with An easy all-rounder for nigiri and sashimi; also good with tempura and yakitori · drink it if you like Pinot Grigio/unoaked Chardonnay or Lager/Kolsch.
Tatsuuma-Honke Brewing Co., Ltd. · Hyogo Prefecture · Junmai Ginjo · SMV +1.0 · Acidity 1.4 · Rice polished to 60% · Nihonbare and Koshihikari rice · 14.7% alcohol
From the snow country of Niigata: clean, crisp and quietly dry, a sake built to sit beside food rather than in front of it.
Hakkaisan Brewery Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Junmai Daiginjo
The 2015 International Wine Challenge Champion Sake. Juicy and aromatic with red apple, mango and tropical fruit, a silky, slippery texture and a bright, lively finish that keeps the sweetness in check.
Pairs with Toro, hamachi, scallop and sweet shrimp, or richer rolls; also lovely on its own as an aperitif · drink it if you like Off-dry Riesling/Viognier or Fruity Belgian blonde.
Homare Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. · Fukushima Prefecture · Junmai Daiginjo · SMV +1.0 · Acidity 1.4 · Rice polished to 39% · Yamadanishiki rice · 16% alcohol
Talk about a mouthful of flavor in a clean and chewy flow; a great food pairing Ginjo!
Pairs with Toro, uni, and the premium nigiri - best served chilled in a wine glass · drink it if you like White Burgundy/Elegant reds or Crisp ale/Pilsner.
Oomuraya Shuzojo Co., Ltd. · Shizuoka Prefecture · Junmai Dai Ginjo · SMV ±0 · Acidity 1.4 · Rice polished to 50% · Aichi no Kaori and Gohyakumangoku rice
Cold-aged for about a year before release, so the fruit is polished rather than loud: melon, pear and white blossom, a creamy, rounded middle with a little umami, and a clean finish.
Pairs with Nigiri across the board, sashimi, grilled fish or chicken, and richer bites with butter or cheese · drink it if you like Pinot Blanc/unoaked Chardonnay or Cream ale/Belgian wit.
Katoukichibee Shouten Co., Ltd. · Fukui Prefecture · Junmai Daiginjo · Rice polished to 50% · Yamada Nishiki rice · 15% alcohol
A Nada junmai daiginjo made with the district's famed Miyamizu water. Ripe fruit and a custardy softness on the nose, medium body, gentle sweetness held in balance, and a smooth, low-acid finish.
Pairs with Sashimi, sweet shrimp and scallop, chawanmushi, and lightly seasoned cooked dishes · drink it if you like Off-dry Riesling/Viognier or Helles/Cream ale.
Tatsuuma-Honke Brewing Co., Ltd. · Hyogo Prefecture · Junmai Daiginjo · SMV ±0 · Acidity 1.3 · Rice polished to 50% · Yamada Nishiki, Nihonbare rice · 15% alcohol
A rich juicy sake that has layers of fruit but drinks with a complexity that pulls dry!
Pairs with Toro and other fatty sashimi, uni, grilled black cod, and richer nigiri · drink it if you like White Burgundy/Chardonnay or Pilsner/Mild stout.
Tamanohikari Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. · Kyoto Prefecture · Junmai Dai Ginjo · SMV +3.5 · Acidity 1.7 · Rice polished to 48% · Bizen Omachi rice · 15.5% alcohol
Behold a clean and dry sake that has layers of flavors in an extremely drinkable package.
Pairs with Built for sushi — clean nigiri, tempura, and salt-grilled fish · drink it if you like Muscadet / Chablis or Dry pilsner.
Asahi Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Ginjo · SMV +6.0 · Acidity 1.2 · Rice polished to 55% · Gohyakumangoku rice · 15.5% alcohol
A bright, silky ginjo with lychee, melon and kiwi aromatics, a squeeze of citrus on the palate and a quick, dry finish. IWC Champion Sake in 2018.
Pairs with White fish and shellfish nigiri, sashimi, miso-glazed dishes and salty, savory small plates · drink it if you like Sauvignon Blanc/Albarino or Pilsner/Kolsch.
Okunomatsu Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Fukushima Prefecture · Ginjo · SMV +4.0 · Acidity 1.3 · Rice polished to 60% · Chiyonishiki, Yumenokaori, Gohyakumangoku rice · 15.5% alcohol
Niigata's oldest brewery in its classic light, dry register. A cool herbal nose of fennel and anise with a touch of white flowers, then a lean, silky palate and a brisk, clean finish.
Pairs with White-fleshed sashimi, shellfish, and lightly salted grilled fish; a good aperitif before nigiri · drink it if you like Sauvignon Blanc/Gruner Veltliner or Pilsner/Kolsch.
Yoshinogawa Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Ginjo · SMV +7.0 · Acidity 1.2 · Rice polished to 55% · Gohyakumangoku rice · 15.5% alcohol
The everyday dry sake of Niigata's pubs and dinner tables. Light and clean with hazelnut and toasted-rice notes, refreshing acidity and a brisk, dry finish. Good chilled, at room temperature or warmed.
Pairs with An all-rounder for sushi, sashimi, yakitori and grilled fish; very good warm with fried or salty dishes · drink it if you like Muscadet/dry Fino sherry or Dry Japanese lager.
Kirinzan Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Futsushu · SMV +6.0 · Acidity 1.3 · Rice polished to 65% · Gohyakumangoku, Koshiibuki rice · 15.5% alcohol
Niigata dry in its most straightforward form: smooth and bright on entry, a quiet savory depth in the middle, then a crisp, bone-dry finish. Good chilled, and creamier and drier still when warmed.
Pairs with Grilled and fried dishes, tempura, yakitori, and oilier fish such as mackerel or salmon · drink it if you like Muscadet/Fino Sherry or Dry lager/Pilsner.
Kikusui Sake Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Honjozo · SMV +7.0 · Acidity 1.3 · Rice polished to 70% · Gohyakumangoku rice · 15% alcohol
A lightly cloudy nigori that drinks drier than most. Steamed rice, cream and a touch of plum on the nose, then nutty, gently sweet rice flavors that finish clean and brisk rather than sugary.
Pairs with Spicy tuna and other spicy rolls, tempura, karaage and richer grilled dishes · drink it if you like Off-dry Chenin Blanc/Viognier or Hefeweizen/Witbier.
Rihaku Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Shimane Prefecture · Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori · SMV +3.0 · Acidity 1.6 · Rice polished to 59% · Gohyakumangoku rice · 15.6% alcohol
A thick, coarsely filtered nigori bottled undiluted at a hefty 21%. Rich and sweet up front with a chewy rice texture and notes of coconut and cream, then a surprisingly crisp, punchy finish.
Pairs with Spicy rolls, rich or fried dishes, or in place of dessert; also good over ice · drink it if you like Moscato/late-harvest Riesling or Milk stout/hefeweizen.
Kikusui Sake Co., Ltd. · Niigata Prefecture · Nigori Genshu (Futsushu) · SMV -19.0 · 21% alcohol
This "unfiltered" – Nigori – sake is a mouthful of goodness, look for hints of coconut!
Pairs with Spicy tuna rolls, tempura, and creamy or richly sauced small plates · drink it if you like Off-dry Riesling/Viognier or Witbier/Creamy ale.
Miwa Shuzo Co., Ltd. · Gifu Prefecture · Junmai Ginjo Nigori · SMV ±0 · Acidity 1.2 · Rice polished to 60% · Hida Homare rice