TANAKA SHUZO

Brewery: Tanaka Shuzoten Inc.

Founded: 1789

The brewery celebrated its 230th anniversary of crafting the world’s finest sake in 2019, and was renamed Tanaka 1789. For more than two centuries, Tanaka 1789 has been producing hand-crafted sakes elaborated by using ancestral and natural methods, giving a complex, rich and singular character to its award-winning sakes made by the best toji (master brewer) using the highest quality rice. A new chapter in Tanaka’s long story was written in 2018. The brewery had invited François Chartier to collaborate. Later, he was hired as Tanaka’s new Master Blender to work alongside the toji.

PRODUCTS

Featured

Tanaka 1789 x Chartier Niepoort

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Tasting Notes

François Chartier, who has created his blended sake line TANAKA 1789 at Tanaka Shuzo, collaborated with winemaker and master blender of port wines Dirk Niepoort to create this new sake. It is a masterpiece blend of seven Junmai sake (Kimoto, yamahai, sokujo), characterized by Niepoort's signature minerality and Chartier’s “wine-like" fruitiness. Simultaneously rich, refreshing, complex and sprightly. A sake with umami, green tea expressions, some reduction and some saltiness. Capturing the best of both worlds of Japanese sake and European white wine. Continuing in the art of blending to handcraft Junmai sake with more natural acidity and umami appealing to wine lovers around the globe, this very limited blend of 1,789 bottles commemorates the founding of Tanaka Shuzoten in 1789.

Overview

Food Pairings: Complements both Japanese and Western cuisines, along with herb-forward and rich preparations alike, with its delightfully long, lingering finish. French dishes, citrus dishes, and game or smoked meats. Best served in a wine glass at 10-16 °C (50-60 °F).

Specifications

Class: Tokubetsu Junmai
Rice: Toyo Nishiki, Kura no Hana, Gin no Iroha
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 60%
ABV: 16%~17%
Size: 500ml

Brewery Profile

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Tanaka 1789 x Chartier Blend 002

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Tasting Notes

An exotic aromatic profile and an explosion of fruit on the palate, reminiscent of the best Pinot Gris from Alsace. The result is an expressive and flavourful sake that soars into a symphony of flavors from the first sip. Fruit-forward notes of white peach and muscat, with a refined sweetness reminiscent of Wasanbon (fine-grained Japanese sugar). Beautifully balanced with a subtle acidity, and clean on the finish.

Overview

Food Pairings: Nordic gravlax trout filet, grapefruit-ginger granita, herb salad with scallops

Specifications

Class: Junmai Daiginjo
Rice: Yamada Nishiki, Miyama Nishiki
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 28%
ABV: 16%~17%
Size: 500ml

Brewery Profile

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Tanaka 1789 x Chartier Blend 001

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Tasting Notes

A sake for wine lovers and food pairing. A blend of seven sake with different flavors are fine-tuned while maintaining a layered and complex taste. Anise, fresh basil, and a caramel-like aroma is accented by tropical fruit. On the palate, it has a light sweetness and smoothness, but the multi-layered acidity of the blend makes the aftertaste even lighter. Blend 001 is light and fruity like a Sauvignon Blanc when chilled. At room temperature it becomes like Chardonnay, where lactic tones and umami richness come out to play. This difference in experience due to the serving temperatures allow for even greater food pairings.

Overview

Food Pairings: White fish dishes (grilled, steamed, carpaccio, etc.), Shellfish (raw, steamed), Olive oil-based dishes, Rare cheesecake etc.

Awards: 2020 Silver Medal at The London Sake Challenge, National Sake Appraisal, and International Wine Challenge London.

Specifications

Class: Tokubetsu Junmai
Rice: Yamada Nishiki, Miyama Nishiki, Kuranohana
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 60%
ABV: 17%~18%
Size: 500ml

Brewery Profile

Trade Resources

Specification Sheets & Bottle Images

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Tanaka 1789 x Chartier Pavillon of Blend 001 Vintage

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Tasting Notes

Class: Tokubetsu Junmai

Rice: Miyamanishiki, Kuranohana, Gin no Iroha

Rice-Polishing Ratio: 60%

Brewery Location: Miyagi

Food Pairings: Excellent with white fish, either marinated or meunière; herb-roasted or teriyaki chicken; sauteed mushrooms; steamed carrots and cauliflower.

Tasting Notes: The wilder younger brother to Blend 001. Moderately aged, this sake has a pale golden color with cool undertones. On the nose, it has a beautiful pear-like fragrance with citrus notes. Its mild, long-lasting sweetness is accentuated by a slight bitterness that lingers on the palate. Exquisite notes of dried pineapple, apple and mango are also present. Pairs perfectly with a variety of savory dishes, particularly those that are herbaceous. It also complements and balances dishes with lightly fatty or rich ingredients.