Konteki Sake Pack
Compare and contrast these 2 delicious sakes, one made as Junmai Daiginjo the other as Daiginjo that was brewed in the same way with the same ingredients as Pearls of Simplicity but with a touch of distilled alcohol to open up aromatics and lighten the overall impact. Konteki means “dew drops of the earth” while Higashiyama (the brewery name) translates to “eastern hill.“ Brewery workers have been known to start their days watching the sun rise over the mountains until the dew drops glisten as if they were the Tears of Dawn. Kampala!!!
Iwanoi Spanish Galleon Yamahai Junmai Daiginjo Genshu
The best Iwase makes. It combines 40% polish rate with their super hard “shell” water and umami rich lactic acid production. This is not a highly aromatic, fruit bomb Daiginjo. Because it’s brewed with Aramasa yeast, it’s got low aroma and a salty, savory finish. Geeks only, please. Most sake isn’t actually great with sushi but this one is!
Afuri Terra/Y Junmai Yamahai
90% polished rice balances double the typical amount of Koji with the lactic acid production of Yamahai. The 40% Koji (starch to rice converting mold) gives layers of pine nut brittle and roast chestnuts. The Yamahai lends earthy mushrooms and the highest grade Hyogo grown Yamadanishiki offers pineapple flavors often associated with Daiginjo. Earthy flavors suggested the name Terra/Y.
Matias Riccitelli Wines Tinto de la Casa Malbec 2021
Matias Riccitelli Wines Tinto de la Casa Malbec 2021 is the result of the co-fermentation Malbec-Malbec coming from two different vineyards. 50% of this wine comes from Las Compuertas planted on loamy clay soil a and a rocky subsoil with a great drainage, the other 50% coming from Gualtallary planted on limestones soils that give Malbec its spicy characteristics. Fermentation is done with 50% whole bunches with wild yeasts in small french oak vats.
Banfi Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino 2018
Banfi Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino 2018 has aromas of violets, sweet ripe red fruits and berries, as well as cigar box and spices. On the palate the wine has flavors of plums, cherries, blackberry jam and raspberries, with hint of wood.
Well-structured with extraordinary concentration of fruit. Supple tannins and long finish.
Food Pairing: Ideal with red meat, savory game, and aged cheeses.
Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair Bourgogne Les Deux Terres 2019
This cuvée is a blend of Beaujolais and Bourgogne, of Gamay and Pinot Noir to be precise. This explains the name, “Les Deux Terres”, meaning “The Two Lands”. This combination results in a wine with the finesse and distinction of Pinot Noir and the delicious indulgence of Gamay.
Santo Wines Santorini Assyrtiko 2022
Santo Wines Santorini Assyrtiko 2022 is a bone-dry white wine with notes of citrus fruits, peach with honeyed undertones. Eviva!!
Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Cote de Lechet 2022
The Côte de Lechet is the principal holding of the Defaix family; they own 8ha (18 acres) of this Premier Cru. Near Vaillons, on the Left Bank of the Serein, this area of premiers crus is known for its high-toned, airy style, with abundant chalky minerality. 2022 is an excellent, balanced vintage, ripe but dry and mineral. This style could be the (excellent!) future for Chablis in the climate change era.