Takeno Shuzo : Philia Foundations

Tasting notes and serving suggestions for Philia Foundations by Takeno Shuzo

Tasting

Nose

The aromatic bouquet reveals a fresh, fruit-forward palette, mingling notes of strawberry and apricot with nuances of rice. Lactic touches of yogurt and coconut add a gourmand dimension, while a subtle chlorophyll note rounds out the whole.

Palate

The opening reveals a broad, full-bodied structure. The fermentative profile expresses itself through aromas of rice cake, enhanced by mentholated and herbal notes reminiscent of freshly cut hay and alfalfa. Vegetal touches of water lily and zucchini fritter add complexity. The finish, long and velvety, reveals a slight tannic grip accompanied by notes of chocolate, sourdough bread, croissant, and aromatic herbs such as chervil, thyme, and chives.

A modern sake from Kyoto, an expression of an exceptional terroir

Takeno Shuzo, the embodiment of Japanese excellence
Founded in 1947 in Japan, in the Kyoto Prefecture in Kyotango, Takeno Shuzo was born from the union of four sake houses forced to close during World War II, perpetuating a heritage dating back to 1864. Now led by Yoshiki Yukimachi, the sixth toji, alongside a second generation, the house stands out for its commitment to kame no o rice, a rare variety from 1893 that fell out of use after the war. This region benefits from exceptional climatic conditions and high-quality water, enabling a near-exclusive production of sakes made from local rice, with kamenoo remaining its emblem.

Philia Foundations Takeno Shuzo: the excellence of yamada nishiki

Philia Foundations Takeno Shuzo showcases the House’s expertise through the use of yamada nishiki, a noble rice variety particularly prized in the production of quality sakes. Polished to 50%, this rice reveals all its finesse and aromatic complexity. This cuvée belongs to the modern sake category, combining tradition with a contemporary approach. Like all Takeno Shuzo releases, this sake is vintage-dated, ensuring the traceability and authenticity of every bottle. The official bottling guarantees compliance with the quality standards established by the house. This Philia Foundations cuvée bears witness to the excellence of the work of toji Yoshiki Yukimachi, who carries on the secret fermentation techniques passed down from generation to generation, while also benefiting from the exceptional conditions offered by the Kyotango terroir.