THE EVENT

Following on from the success of a revelatory and acclaimed tasting in February 2018, JFOODO presented an expanded selection of Japanese wines to the UK trade in Manchester…

The Asian themed Geisha Room at the elegant, newly opened The Ivy Spinningfields played host to the stylish event, where creative canapés were passed, exquisite wines shown and an interesting group of wine cognoscenti were surprised and delighted by new wine discoveries.

For decades, Japanese wine was barely exported, and much was of basic quality; since the early 2000s, new regulations made it easier for boutique wineries to set up, and stipulated that only Japanese grapes can make Japanese wine. In just 15 years, the quality, diversity, and export potential of Japanese wine has soared, the tasting was a celebration of these superb wines and to showcase the diversity and variety of wines from Koshu and beyond.

The event generated great publicity and interest in the trade and press and the brilliant pairings showed how Japanese wine enhances all styles of elegant cuisine and not just Japanese food.

WHO CAME

The event attracted fantastic importers, wholesalers, on-trade buyers and sommeliers, including sommeliers from the cutting-edge restaurant, 20 Stories, they loved the wines so much that they are now talking with importers to get them on their lists.

A selection of educators, independents, retail and press, including renowned wine writer, Simon Woods and Journalist, Peter Ranscombe also attended.

WHAT WE ATE & DRANK

48 wines were shown, with mouth-watering Canapés were selected to compliment the wines perfectly:

• Tuna Sashimi Crisp with Avocado and Truffle was fantastic with the Chardonnays from Nagano, Yamagata and Miyazaki. These textured and elegantly creamy wines made in the Burgundian style; naturally fresh, pure acidity, bright but understated fruit and with a sleek texture, were divine with the seductive textures of avocado and tuna.  The salty crisp accompaniment perfectly balancing their acidity. 
• Nobashi Prawn with Traditional Dashi Dip; the extra crunchy tempura paired beautifully with the sparkling Koshu
• Robata grilled asparagus skewer was lovely with the notoriously difficult to pair Kerner from Hokkaido
• Slow-cooked Pork Belly with Asian Barbecue Sauce – this lush, indulgent dish of melt in the mouth pork and sauce combined hedonistic texture with sweet, aromatic, salty and was sensational with the Muscat Bailey A reds
• Yellowfin tuna Tataki Citrus and White Soy was a fantastic combination with Orange (skin contact) Koshu
• Warm Mango and Yuzu Doughnut with Coconut Dipping Sauce – (superb with the sweet Koshu “Doce” from Aruga Branca). This dainty sweet wine is delicately fragranced with notes of chamomile flowers, blossom honey and hint of sweet citrus, still with trademark freshness.

Down load the tasting booklet here

 HASHTAGS

#JapaneseWineUK

THE EVENT IN SOCIAL MEDIA