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Ski, Skate and Sip some Sake
During the Olympics, I'm tempted to reach for a Canadian wine from Mission Hill, Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin, or "the great one" Wayne Gretzky, but they're often a challenge to find stateside. So inspired by my latest trip to Vancouver where fresh seafood and international flavors permeate the cuisine, I've found myself pouring sake to watch the games. Chilled sake (don't drink it hot) not only pairs beautifully with food, but like a turn on the ice rink, serves up bracing freshness. A centuries-old Japanese alcoholic beverage, sake is made from rice that's been polished to expose the starch eventually allowing sugars to ferment to alcohol. (Sake is only slightly more potent than table wine.) The more the rice is milled or polished, the higher the quality. The key to exploring premium sake is not only knowing the top producers and regions, but understanding the styles. If you see Junmai (june-mi) it's made without any added alcohol creating ethereal lightness. Those labeled Honjozo have a dash of alcohol added during the process producing complexity and richness. If you see Ginjo or Daiginjo styles, these are the cream of the crop. Highly polished rice (think of the wine equivalent -- low-yielding grapes) produces refined, elegant sake. Premium sakes account for less than a quarter of the market, so if you're going to drink sake pick the best. By the way, I recommend serving sake in a white wine glass for maximum expression.
Light and Fresh:
Sake2Me $14 (four pack-single serve bottles) - These soda-like sippers for adults are serious fun. Made with Junmai sake they're infused with flavors like Ginger Mango, Asian Pear, Yuzu Citrus, and Green Tea. Grab a low-alcohol, lightly-sweet, effervescent mini-bottle then enjoy.
Tozai "Voices in the Mist" Ginjo Nigori $13 (300 ml bottle) - An alluring sky blue bottle showcases this dry, anise-scented sake that dances on the palate. Though an unfiltered Nigori style, it possesses mouth-watering crispness that begs for a bite of tuna sashimi.
Ichishima "Silk" Deluxe Junmai $25 (500 ml bottle) - A sweeter style from one of Japan's top brewers, Ichishima, this is a favorite of mine. Only 10 % alcohol, I recommend it to those starting to explore sake, but also to wine drinkers who enjoy Riesling.
Chokaisan Junmai Daiginjo $50 (720 ml bottle) - Like drinking silk, this stunning off-dry sake is a treat. Aromatic with floral and fruit notes, the sake's purity and delicacy is unique. Drink alone or try with lighter dishes. .
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