Last week saw the return of the annual UK Trade and Press Tasting of Koshu wines from the Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan to The Westbury Hotel in Mayfair. Lucky to have scored a place at the event’s food and wine matching seminar, I’m pleased to share with you some of my faves from the tasting.
If it’s of Japanese origin and ingestible, it’s currently very much en vogue and most likely on the minds of innumerable London foodies. And with good reason! Whether we’re talking about down and dirty street food or high end and haut cuisine, there’s some super tasty Japanese food and drink to be enjoyed in town these days. Since the end of last year, I’ve been all but blown away but the number of quality eateries I’ve come across.
So, with a seemingly unquenchable desire to taste the best Japan has to offer, this year might be turn out to be the year for Koshu in London.
Fresh and delicate with pronounced acidity, Koshu wines go especially well with Japanese cuisine but also most seafood, just about any raw or smoked fish, and even good ole fish ‘n chips. An ideal pairing from last week’s tasting was 2013 Suntory Tomi no Oka Koshu with smoked eel with cucumber and creamed horseradish. I really liked sampling Grace Wine’s offerings too. The 2014 Private Reserve Katsunuma was particularly bright and balanced.
On the downside, Koshu is expensive. The high price makes sense given that land is at such a premium in populous Japan and that these wines are actually a quality product. Still it might not make sense budget wise when listed next to comparable non-Japanese wines or other Japanese drink such at saki, whisky or beer. Still, it’s well worth a try. I’m certainly keen for more.
Look for Koshu at finer Japanese restaurants and boutique wine shops. There’s a limited selection at Selfridges too.
Find out lots more at koshuofjapan.co.uk.
