Shunka Shusetsu Echizen Junmai Ginjo Sake Review

Natalie's Score: 93/100

Shunka Shusetsu Echizen Junmai Ginjo reveals layered aromas of steamed brown rice, sweet cream, toasted sesame, and honeydew melon with whispers of jasmine and fennel seed. Off-dry and medium-bodied with plush, cushioned texture, it glides across the palate with elegant richness before finishing with warming notes and gentle bitterness. Serve it chilled or gently warmed through 2028. The skilled brewing team at Koshi no Iso, a family-operated sake house founded in 1909 along the windswept ocean coast of Echizen in Fukui Prefecture before relocating 30 kilometers inland after World War II, crafts this wine from Gohyakumangoku rice using only pure rice brewing methods without fortification, and their small-batch focus reflects the coastal village terroir where seafood from the Sea of Japan first inspired their flavor philosophy. Pair this refined sake with butter-poached lobster tail where its creamy texture complements the rich, delicate shellfish, or enjoy it alongside pumpkin and sage risotto finished with brown butter as the sake's nutty character enhances the dish's autumnal flavors.

Junmai Ginjo Sake food pairings: butter-poached lobster tail, pumpkin and sage risotto with brown butter, grilled miso-glazed eggplant.

Sensational Shellfish Wine

This Shunka Shusetsu Echizen Junmai Ginjo Sake was reviewed on March 7, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

  Add New Vintage

• Add bottle and/or label shots for this wine
• Wineries and agents: Add notes for this wine
• Find this wine in other stores

Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

Recipes for Shunka Shusetsu Echizen Junmai Ginjo Sake

• Egg'n'cheddar Rolls
• Garlic Scape Vichyssoise
• More recipes...