Jokigen — meaning “good mood” in Japanese — is the flagship sake of Sakata Shuzo, a celebrated brewery in Yamagata Prefecture known for producing some of Japan’s most expressive and food-friendly sake. The Red Label Junmai Ginjo is built on a foundation of Oyama Nishiki rice — a specially developed sa...Show More >
Jokigen — meaning “good mood” in Japanese — is the flagship sake of Sakata Shuzo, a celebrated brewery in Yamagata Prefecture known for producing some of Japan’s most expressive and food-friendly sake. The Red Label Junmai Ginjo is built on a foundation of Oyama Nishiki rice — a specially developed sake rice created by a group of Toyama farmers who chose Sakata Shuzo as the brewery best equipped to unlock its full potential. Milled to 55%, brewed with Jokigen’s proprietary house yeast and Sakata’s famously soft local water, the result is a classically fruity Junmai Ginjo with a subtle savory quality that sets it apart from sweeter expressions of the style. A model of the Yamagata school: layered, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
The nose opens with fresh pear, cherry blossom, and ripe apple — bright and inviting. On the palate, the sake is medium-bodied and elegant with bold notes of stewed black cherry, orange zest, and a clean savory finish that lingers with quiet complexity. At 16% ABV with a near-neutral SMV of +1 and acidity of 1.5, it is dry enough to pair with rich, umami-forward dishes while remaining approachable and pleasurable on its own.
“The Jokigen is a model Junmai Ginjo, with bold notes of cherry and apple balanced by savory undertones. Classic Yamagata style with its subtle layers of fruit and light sweetness. Made from specially grown Oyama Nishiki developed by a group of Toyama rice farmers looking to develop the ultimate sake rice.”
Brewery: Sakata Shuzo, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
Style: Junmai Ginjo
Rice: Oyama Nishiki, milled to 55%
Yeast: Jokigen House Yeast
Water: Sakata Soft Water
SMV: +1 (near-dry)
Acidity: 1.5
ABV: 16%
Size: 720ml
Best Paired With: Grilled duck breast, miso-marinated black cod, maguro sashimi, richer seafood and umami-forward dishes
A model Yamagata Junmai Ginjo from one of Japan’s most respected sake breweries — Jokigen Red Label is the benchmark for what Oyama Nishiki rice, brewed with precision and purpose, can deliver in a glass of sake.
