Takeno Shuzo : Nishiki Kurabu Conquête 2018

Tasting characteristics and tips for Nishiki Kurabu Conquête by Takeno Shuzo

Tasting

Nose
The nose is fresh and refined, dominated by notes of green almond and chlorophyll. Aniseed and saline aromas add a distinctive maritime dimension. With aeration, the profile becomes more herbaceous with hints of watercress and lamb’s lettuce, while green melons heighten the aromatic freshness. Notes of rice round out this delicate aromatic palette.

Palate
The attack is airy and creamy, with great freshness reminiscent of rice paddies. Candied ginger, cinnamon, and lotus flower emerge on the palate. The exotic finish reveals lychee notes accompanied by tertiary hints of chestnut. The whole lingers with remarkable, well-balanced length, marked by vine leaves, raw fish, and refined rice. A touch of licorice intertwines with flavors of green tomato and zucchini fritter. The final notes, lightly camphorated and toasted, evoke coffee and black tea, while a pleasant salinity persists through the finish.

Food and wine pairings
This modern sake is best enjoyed served between 6 and 12°C. It pairs perfectly with flaky brioche, white asparagus, or a young Comté, creating subtle harmonies between freshness and aromatic richness.

A modern Kyoto sake with fresh, saline aromas

Takeno Shuzo, the embodiment of Japanese excellence
Founded in 1947 in Japan’s Kyoto Prefecture, Takeno Shuzo was born from the merger of four sake houses forced to close during World War II. Established on the Kyotango Peninsula, the house benefits from an exceptional terroir with contrasting temperatures and remarkable water. Under the leadership of Yoshiki, the estate’s sixth toji, Takeno Shuzo stands out for its commitment to rare rice varieties, notably kamenoo, replanted in 2007. This singular approach earned the Nishiki Kurabu Conquête cuvée first prize at the national sake competition in 2010 in the junmai category. Secret fermentation techniques lend the sakes their signature generous texture and delicate acidity.

A historic rice
The Nishiki Kurabu Conquête cuvée showcases the Kame-No-O rice variety, developed in 1893 and then replanted by Takeno Shuzo in 2007. This rare, historic variety lies at the heart of the identity of this modern sake. True to the House philosophy, this cuvée is vintage-dated, reflecting Takeno Shuzo’s commitment to expressing terroir and the notion of aging potential. All the estate’s sakes can be enjoyed in their youth or after a few years of aging, offering a fascinating aromatic evolution. The fresh, fruity profile of this sake, with notes of salinity, spice, and exotic fruits, reflects the unique expertise of toji Yoshiki and his secret fermentation techniques passed down from generation to generation.