The Vine
Mar 31, 2009 05:00PM ● By Super Admin
Choya Ume Blanc
So what’s an “ume” (pronounced "wu-meh")? Ume is generally known as a Japanese plum, but in use for Umeshu (Ume-plum Liqueur) and Choya Ume Blanc, it is actually a green Japanese apricot. Choya is the number one producer of Ume liqueur and wine in the world, in both quantity and quality. The most popular form of ume is Umeboshi, a sour pickled fruit served with cooked rice.
Choya Ume Blanc is a wonderful low-alcohol (7%), all-natural wine made from 100 percent of the finest Nanko Ume grown in Kishu (the best ume growing region), Japan. Somewhat Riesling- or perhaps Chenin Blanc-like, Ume Blanc has an exquisite aroma with ripe peach notes. It has a gentle sweetness with balanced acidity and flavors of mild citrus and peach. Serve chilled as an aperitif or dessert wine, or pair with Asian cuisine. I even use this wine to de-glaze and it yields wonderful results. Not all wine has to be grape!
For more wine reviews from Local Connoisseurs, be sure to pick up this month's copy of FoothillStyle. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email [email protected], or call 916-988-9888.
So what’s an “ume” (pronounced "wu-meh")? Ume is generally known as a Japanese plum, but in use for Umeshu (Ume-plum Liqueur) and Choya Ume Blanc, it is actually a green Japanese apricot. Choya is the number one producer of Ume liqueur and wine in the world, in both quantity and quality. The most popular form of ume is Umeboshi, a sour pickled fruit served with cooked rice.
Choya Ume Blanc is a wonderful low-alcohol (7%), all-natural wine made from 100 percent of the finest Nanko Ume grown in Kishu (the best ume growing region), Japan. Somewhat Riesling- or perhaps Chenin Blanc-like, Ume Blanc has an exquisite aroma with ripe peach notes. It has a gentle sweetness with balanced acidity and flavors of mild citrus and peach. Serve chilled as an aperitif or dessert wine, or pair with Asian cuisine. I even use this wine to de-glaze and it yields wonderful results. Not all wine has to be grape!
— Rick
Mindermann
Rick is a 30-year
veteran grocer with Corti Brothers in Sacramento, personal assistant to
Darrell Corti,
For more wine reviews from Local Connoisseurs, be sure to pick up this month's copy of FoothillStyle. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email [email protected], or call 916-988-9888.