Time flies, and it’s already December. Many people are probably thinking about starting preparations for the year-end and New Year.
Speaking of the pleasures of the year-end and New Year, it’s the "winter feast."
This time, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" has gathered Japanese sparkling wines that beautifully brighten the festive moments of the year-end and New Year.
For the Japanese year-end and New Year, Japanese sparkling wine is the way to go. Please use this as a reference when choosing wine for the year-end and New Year.
Reasons why the year-end and New Year are perfect for Japanese sparkling wine
Just when Christmas is over, the year-end and New Year follow. December is a hectic month, but many people probably go all out to create enjoyable moments for the year-end and New Year. Especially for wine fans, special wines for the year-end and New Year are essential items. Every year, they probably struggle with which wine to choose. There are various wines to enjoy during the year-end and New Year, but sparkling wine is the one to pick during this season. Among them, Japanese sparkling wine is recommended. Let's explain the reasons below.
Sparkling wine itself is suited for the year-end and New Year
One reason to choose Japanese sparkling wine for the year-end and New Year is that it is a wine perfectly suited for this season. The tradition of drinking sparkling wine at celebrations dates back to 17th-century Europe, believed to originate from kings and queens using sparkling wine on special occasions. By the 19th century, the image of "drinking sparkling wine at celebrations" had become established among the public, and it became a drink chosen to celebrate life milestones.
Auspicious
At the end and beginning of the year, people tend to want to engage in actions that can "boost luck." Among these, osechi is widely known as a lucky food packed with good fortune, and combining it with auspicious sake can further enhance luck (though this is only an expectation). Sparkling wine is characterized by its golden appearance and bubbles rising from the bottom of the glass, making it perfect for the festive moments of the year-end and New Year. There are few drinks that evoke such a sense of good fortune. Furthermore, by paying attention to auspiciousness in label design, the coming year may become even more wonderful.
Japanese sparkling wine is food-friendly
If you choose sparkling wine for the Japanese New Year, please try selecting Japanese sparkling wine instead of Champagne, Franciacorta, or Cava. The reason is that Japanese wine is a food-friendly wine that pairs well with a wide range of meals. Sparkling wine itself is known as a wine that goes well with a variety of ingredients and is often introduced as a "versatile wine."
However, due to the characteristics of overseas sparkling wines, they often clash with fresh foods, Japanese-style seasonings, or distinctive flavors, resulting in many combinations that cannot be said to "match" even as a compliment. Japanese sparkling wines, while comparable to overseas sparkling wines, are characterized by their delicate aroma and flavor that firmly enhance the individuality of the dishes. Fresh acidity, the refreshing sensation brought by bubbles, complex aromas, a dignified atmosphere, and a strong core, yet always maintaining an elegant presence that highlights the food. This suppleness is a common point among Japanese sparkling wines. They pair well with year-end dishes like crab hot pot, blowfish hot pot, sukiyaki, sashimi, sushi, and even New Year's soba or udon, and can complement all ingredients in osechi regardless of Japanese, Western, or Chinese cuisine. This is a distinctive feature of Japanese sparkling wines. Japanese sparkling wines are food-friendly, versatile wines that take the worry out of pairing.
The special feeling of Japanese sake
The year-end and New Year season is a special time when you can feel the most Japanese spirit throughout the year. Therefore, sake is the standard drink chosen for the year-end and New Year, and many people associate “New Year” with sake.
However, like sake, Japanese wine is also “alcohol made in Japan.” Nowadays, Japanese wine is produced all over Japan, so it’s not difficult to prepare wine from your local area for the year-end and New Year. Of course, even if it’s not local, just having Japanese sparkling wine gives a special feeling, and you can fully enjoy the “Wa” (Japanese) atmosphere. Japanese sparkling wine is wonderful for toasting in a Champagne glass, but it’s also recommended to toast with an ochoko or guinomi (traditional Japanese sake cups).
Enjoy the year-end and New Year with Japanese wine.
Liven up the year-end and New Year! CWS’s top 3 recommended Japanese sparkling wines!
For the year-end and New Year, be sure to choose Japanese sparkling wine. From here, we will introduce three recommended Japanese sparkling wines for the year-end and New Year, selected by "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
Grape Republic / Aromatico 2022
A popular winery in Yamagata Prefecture, Grape Republic. This is a recommended bottle for the year-end and New Year made from Yamagata-grown Delaware and Niagara grapes. The Delaware and Niagara grapes undergo an 8-day skin fermentation. Based on that, Delaware grapes with 2 hours of skin contact are blended in. Additionally, before bottling, Delaware juice is returned to adjust the sugar content, and fermentation continues in the bottle, resulting in a pure flavor. The highlight of "Aromatico 2022" is undoubtedly the label design. Featuring a crane in the center and a design evoking the sunrise, it is a symbol of good fortune perfect for the year-end and New Year. It’s an attractive Japanese sparkling wine that you’ll want to open on New Year’s Day.
Grape Republic / Aromatico 2022
2,970 yen including tax
More details about the wine here
Kusunoki Winery / Kissho
A sparkling wine brewed by the prestigious Kusunoki Winery in Nagano Prefecture. This carefully crafted bottle blends multiple vintages of their own Chardonnay, and the production method is the same as authentic Champagne, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. The aging period is over 60 months until disgorgement. The authentic estate sparkling wine has returned after about three years. Not only is it a high-quality wine that pairs well with any meal, but the name itself is noteworthy. "Kissho" means happiness, prosperity, and good fortune, and it is often used during the New Year. This is a recommended Japanese sparkling wine that brings a sense of good luck to the year-end and New Year season.
Kusunoki Winery / Kissho
5,610 yen (tax included)
More details about the wine here
Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery / VILLAQUA Pink
A rosé sparkling wine brewed by the trusted Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery. While the golden white sparkling wine is also appealing, the rosé color creates a festive atmosphere perfect for celebratory occasions. 'VILLAQUA Pink' is made primarily from Pinot Noir grapes and crafted using traditional methods, resulting in fine bubbles. The aroma features a floral scent reminiscent of strawberries, meringue sweets, and yellow peaches, making it enjoyable even for those not accustomed to drinking wine regularly. It has a well-balanced acidity and a dry finish. The fruity sweetness and refreshing taste broaden the range of food pairings. This versatile rosé sparkling wine pairs well with any type of New Year’s cuisine, whether Japanese, Western, or Chinese. It’s a bottle that will brighten up your year-end and New Year gatherings.
Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery / VILLAQUA Pink
2,970 yen including tax
More details about the wine here
Summary
The drink that livens up the year-end and New Year season is Japanese sparkling wine. Japanese sparkling wine is attractive not only because of the charm of sparkling wine itself but also because it is made in Japan and is a food-friendly option that pairs well with a wide variety of ingredients. If you’re undecided about which wine to choose for the year-end and New Year celebrations, please consider selecting one of the Japanese sparkling wines introduced in this article.
