Toyo Bijin 'Asian Beauty' Sake, Japan NV Justin Girardin and grapefruit

and grapefruit

(not to be confused with Picpoul) a grape that is very closely related to Clairette

serious and impressively long finish where the only nit is a hint of warmth

Pascal Roblet-Monnot

Toyo Bijin 'Asian Beauty' Sake, Japan NV Justin Girardin and grapefruitA beautifully dense and complex sake, the Ichiban Matoi contains notes of fresh tropical fruit like melon, papaya and strawberry. Gorgeous aromatics, the sake itself is soft with a pleasant off dry flavor, but balanced by a light acidity. A bracing, lively and racy example of the Daiginjo category. Enjoyable on its own or with lighter fare like fluke or salted and grilled vegetables, this also makes for a pleasantly surprising pairing with fresh fruit.