Sake Review for Wine Lovers: Zaku Megumi-No-Tomo Jumai Ginjo
Excited to invite you on a journey exploring sake through the lens of wine expertise! This is an introductory review by a Japanese wine professional holding a WSET Diploma. Discover the best sakes!
Brewery: Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten Ltd. (Website)
Price: 35€ in the Netherlands (Otemba Sake)
Tasting Date: December 2024
Score: 94/100
About Sake
This sake is crafted entirely from rice polished to 60%, without the addition of high-strength alcohol, classifying it as Junmai sake, meaning "pure rice" sake. Fermented at low temperatures in the ginjō style, it boasts the distinct ginjō flavor.
In appearance, it shows a pale lemon-green hue, radiating freshness. The nose is aromatic yet delicate, with medium-plus intensity, revealing notes of fresh green apple, pear, lychee, rice flower, cotton candy, mint, and a touch of cinnamon.
On the palate, it is refined and mellow, with a gentle off-dry sweetness and well-integrated alcohol, complemented by a subtle hint of umami. The acidity is rounded but crescendo, culminating in a crisp, refreshing finish. This is an exquisitely balanced sake among sweetness, acidity, and subtle umami, embodying elegance and harmony.
This sake prized in many competition both in Japan and outside of Japan.
The followings are some of them.
Sake Competition 2018 Junmai Ginjo Category Gold 1st Place JAL Award
IWC (International Wine Challenge) SAKE 2021 bronze (third-place) prize
About the Brewery
Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten is a renowned sake brewery in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, Japan, famous for producing the premium sake brand ‘Zaku’. The brewery, established in 1869, is celebrated for its dedication to crafting high-quality sake using traditional techniques while embracing modern innovation.
Zaku derives its name from the Japanese character "作," meaning "to create." This reflects the brewery's mission to create sake that embodies craftsmanship, authenticity, and continuous improvement.
The ‘Zaku’ series offers a diverse lineup by using different ingredient and style, catering to different preferences and occasions. This includes styles such as junmai, junmai ginjō, and junmai daiginjō.
‘Zaku’ series gained international fame when one of the sake was served during the G7 Ise-Shima Summit in 2016, showcasing Japanese craftsmanship to world leaders. Additionally, ‘Zaku’ series have won numerous awards in prestigious sake competitions, affirming its place among Japan’s and globally finest sake brands.
About the Region
The Suzuka region in Mie Prefecture is blessed with pristine water from the Suzuka Mountains, characterized by its softness and low mineral content. This water is lending a smooth mouthfeel and a mild, well-balanced flavor to the final product.
Additionally, Suzuka's cool winters create perfect conditions for sake brewing, as the stable temperatures help maintain consistency during the fermentation process.
The region's close proximity to the renowned Ise Shrine has profoundly shaped its sake culture. Sake from Suzuka has traditionally been used in Shinto rituals, adding to its historical and cultural importance.
About Storage and Service
This sake should be serve chilled at a temperature of 6–13°C in a white wine glass to fully appreciate its delicate and beautiful aromas. Otherwise, warmed up to 40-50°C
About Availability
According to Wine-Searcher, this sake is available in Japan, Hong Kong, , France, the Netherlands, and the USA.
All reviews and scores are based on my own judgment, supported by research from the producer's website, as well as interviews and articles from other Japanese websites, or prized results in recognized competition such as Japan Sake Awards, Sake Competition, or IWC (International Wine Challenge.)
If you are a producer, importer, or retailer and would like to submit your sakes for review, please feel free to contact me through the contact section of this website.
Below are the score references for the 100-point scale:
Side note: Only wines scoring above 70 points are selected for review.
70–79: Flawed and average-tasting sakes
80–84: Above average to good sakes
85–90: Good to very good sakes
90–94: Superior to exceptional sakes
95–100: Benchmark examples or classics