Dassai 45 Sparkling Junmai Daiginjo (Btl)
$58.00 – $105.00 Incl GST
Available daily
- Origin: Yamaguchi, Japan
- Size: 720ml
- Alcohol content: 15.5%
- Type / Grade: Junmai Daiginjo
- Rice varietal: Yamada Nishiki (Polished to 45% of the original size of each grain)
- Team Soshinsen’s tasting notes: Fruity and very refreshing. Contains fine rice sediments that give it a pleasant milky aspect, its lactic nose (yogurt) associates white and exotic fruits. On the palate, notes of Momo (Japanese Peach), Nashi Japanese Pear and sour candy. The rice residues give it a creamy texture reminiscent of almond milk and a slightly sweetened finish. This rich, sparkling and generous sake can make for a creative aperitif or accompany desserts with subtle sweetness.
- Description
Description
Dassai is made at Asahi Shuzo, located in Yamaguchi prefecture in the southwest of Japan. The name means ‘otter festival’, as otters in the local river appeared to lay out the fish they had caught as if they were having a party. The brewery’s motto is every bit as endearing as their name: “there is no reason for us to craft sake unless it’s super delicious.” As a result, they produce only super premium sake of Junmai Daiginjo level, the most refined sake grade there is. Using only the best Yamada Nishiki (considered the king of sake rice) polished up to incredible levels, Dassai’s beautifully crafted sakes regularly win prizes at international competitions. They are to sake what the First Growths are to the fine wine world.
Dassai 45 is named after the polishing ratio number – in this case 45%, because 55% of each rice grain is gently milled away. This polishing unlocks all the sweet fruity nuances that can often be overwhelmed by some of the more umami and funky notes of less refined rice. Yeast is added to the bottle to create the sparkling version, resulting in a slightly cloudy ‘Nigori’ style sake. The vivid honeydew melon, tropical sorbet and crunchy orchard fruit of its still counterpart are present. You can also expect notes of toasted nuts, cereals, dried fruit, banana chips, a rich creaminess and the dry, bubbly and yeasty finish of Champagne.
