CELLAR CHOICE
Sparkling sake
SOFT CHEESE, SUCH AS TRUFFLED CAMEMBERT OR BRIE
Match to u Imayotsukasa Junmai Daiginjo
At 15%, this Junmai Daiginjo with 50% rice polish is elegant, clean and crisp, thanks to its use of gohyakumangoku rice – the sake brewer’s favourite. The attractive nose leads with peaches and rose, while the light mouthfeel belies the richness of its palate. A detailed structure and fruity roundness make it an easy match with most foods. Adrian Goh, sake master, elaborates, “Cheese goes great with sake, because of higher amino acids and lactic acids leading to more umami in sake than any other alcohol”. $70 from interriceasia.com
STRONG AROMATIC CHEESE, SUCH AS STILTON
Match to u Chiyomusubi Sorah Junmai Ginjou
This premium sparkling sake from Tottori Prefecture is named Sorah, Native American for aurora borealis. Made in the same method as Champagne, Sorah is a blend of ancient and new sake brewing technique with an additional process to remove its cloudiness after second fermentation. Additionally, it’s made from local grown gohyakumangoku rice, bringing about a refreshing, gently sweet note of rice with a clean finish. At 12% with a 55% dryness, it contrasts and balances the salty, savoury flavours from cheese. $105 from orihara.sg
HARD CHEESE, SUCH AS PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO OR MANCHEGO
Match to u Yuki No bosha Yamahai Junmai
Rich in umami, this Yamahai Junmai is mellow and fruity when warmed up to 45-50 degrees Celcius, while full bodied when chilled. Its flavours start nutty and soft on the nose, leading to fresh musk melon and brown butter on the palate with ample mouth-coating umami. For drinkers, its balance is ideal with cheeses from cow to goat varieties, as its lingering ripe fruit notes stay on the palate even after the cheese dissipates. $51 from orihara.sg
SEMI-FIRM CHEESE, SUCH AS PARMESAN AND CHEDDAR
Match to u Hanabi Sparkling Sake
A light, sweeter styled sparkling sake made in the traditional Champagne method, Hanabi is a gentle introduction to the world of sake. At 8% and made by Hakuro Brewery in Niigata, the name is a reference to the famous fireworks festival in its town of Nagaoko. The fine persistent bead and rounded sweetness of its palate match well with fine and creamy cheeses. $40.50 from juoku.co