Benten Sawane Junmai Ginjo – “Harmony of Yamagata”

Sawane Junmai Ginjo

Gotoh Shuzo – Yamagata Prefecture
Kura Master (France) 2020 – Gold Medal

“Sawane” means harmoniously brewed in Yamagata — a name that reflects both its balance and its deep connection to place.

Crafted by Gotoh Shuzo, established in 1788 and now led by its eighth-generation family, this Junmai Ginjo is brewed in the snowy Okitama Basin of northwestern Yamagata — one of the coldest and snowiest regions in Japan. During the harsh winter brewing season, the owner and his son work side-by-side with the kurabito, honoring centuries of hands-on craftsmanship.

Brewing Philosophy

Gotoh Shuzo specializes in Ginjo and Daiginjo styles that express Yamagata’s cold, mountainous terroir. Sawane showcases locally developed ingredients:

• Rice: Dewanosato (a hybrid of Gin Fubuki × Dewasansan)

• Rice Polishing Ratio: 55%

• Yeast: K1801 & NF-KA (Yamagata Ginjo Yeast)

• Alcohol: 16.2%

• SMV: +2

• Acidity: 1.4

• Amino Acid: 1.1

Dewanosato rice was specifically developed to maximize the shinpaku (the starchy core of the grain). This allows brewers to achieve Daiginjo-like purity and clarity without excessive polishing — resulting in exceptional cost-performance and refined flavor well above its class.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright and fruity with fresh pear
Palate: Juicy and fruit-forward with crisp acidity
Finish: Clean, refreshing, and elegantly dry

Using locally grown rice and Yamagata’s signature Ginjo yeast, Sawane delivers a lively, fruit-driven profile with mountain-born precision and clarity.

Named after Benten, the goddess of wisdom, music, and good fortune, this sake carries both elegance and auspicious spirit.

A beautifully balanced Junmai Ginjo that pairs effortlessly with seafood, light appetizers, and modern cuisine.