Nanbu Bijin "Shinpaku" Saké, Junmai Daiginjo

Daiginjo can be thought of as the most white wine-like category of sake, and this offering from Nanbu Bijin exemplifies that as well as any bottle we have on the shelf. To reach this classification, each grain of rice going into the mash must be polished down to 50% of its original volume, leaving only the white, starchy heart, or "Shinpaku," behind. This results in the exceptionally clean, elegant style that is so highly desired in sake. Made from 100% Yamada Nishiki rice, this shows aromatic and bright, with white peach, summer melon, and a touch of underripe pineapple coming through on the palate. A style with some richness, but also impeccable balance. Nanbu Bijin's sake always showcases the absolute purity and unadorned beauty that is possible to bring out of rice, and does it at an uncommonly good price point.