Chianti and meatballs is a true American Italian classic. However, for National Meatball Day this year, I am looking to the Far East for inspiration. I had always loved the little teriyaki meatballs passed around at cocktail parties (when we could have those). You can find great recipes online for Tsukune (Japanese chicken meatballs) or Niku-Dango (Japanese pork meatballs) and when paired with a good Sake, you have yourself a party. Seikyo, Takehara Junmai “Mirror of Truth” Sake with its brown butter and mild honey taste is a perfect companion for the savory meatballs. This Sake can be served slightly chilled, at room temperature, or lightly warmed, giving you various pairing options, all in one bottle – Oishī (delicious)!
ORIGIN
Hiroshima
Rice Type
Local rice from Hiroshima Prefecture
Tasting Notes
Mellow, mild, and balanced with hints of honey and brown butter.
Food Match
Best slightly chilled or room temperature; can be lightly warmed. Excellent with fried oysters, Japanese "katsu," or cutlet, or yakitori.
Vesselina Stoyanova, WSET II, attended gastronomy school in Bulgaria before migrating to the United States in 1991. She has worked in the wine and spirits industry for over 20 years and uses her combined knowledge of wine and food to create extraordinary combinations. Vessie is our go-to expert on perfect pairings providing recipe inspiration and culinary wisdom.