Over 230 Years of Kyoto Brewing
The story of Sawaya Matsumoto begins in 1791, when Matsumoto Jibee I founded the Sawaya brewery in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. In 1923, the family opened a brewery in Fushimi, drawn by its clear underground spring water, and Fushimi remains its home today. The brewery has long been devoted to junmai sake, made only from rice, water, yeast and koji, with no added alcohol. For anyone who wants to buy premium sake online, Sawaya Matsumoto is a beautiful expression of Kyoto's sake culture.
Fushimi: Kyoto's Sake Capital
Fushimi, in southern Kyoto, is one of Japan's three great sake districts. Its soft, mineral-light well water produces sake with a gentle, smooth, refined character, often described as feminine in contrast to the harder waters of other regions. Sawaya Matsumoto believes that no technique surpasses the quality of ingredients, so it combines that soft Fushimi water with carefully selected rice to make sake built for the dinner table.
Shuhari: Tradition and Breaking Away
When a younger generation joined the brewery, they introduced the Shuhari series. The name comes from a classic Japanese concept of mastery: first follow your teachers' rules, then break from them, and finally create your own path. The Shuhari sakes keep Sawaya Matsumoto's soft, restrained Kyoto style while adding unconventional touches, like a mild, natural effervescence and a crisp, dry finish.
Shuhari Omachi Junmai Ginjo
This sake is brewed from Omachi rice grown in Okayama, one of Japan's oldest heirloom sake rices, prized for its earthy depth and rich umami. The rice is polished to 55% of its original size, qualifying it as a Junmai Ginjo. It is dry, with a sake meter value around +5, and shows soft notes of steamed rice, pear, melon and white flowers, a gentle prickle of effervescence and a clean, savory finish.
Why Sawaya Matsumoto Matters Today
As more wine lovers discover sake, breweries like Sawaya Matsumoto show how much nuance it can offer with food. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, Shuhari Omachi is an approachable, elegant bottle of artisanal Japanese sake that pairs as well with tacos and roast chicken as it does with sushi.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Where is Sawaya Matsumoto from?
The brewery is in Fushimi, Kyoto, one of Japan's most famous sake districts.
2. When was it founded?
In 1791, by Matsumoto Jibee I.
3. What does "Shuhari" mean?
It is a Japanese concept of mastery: follow tradition, break from it, then create your own path.
4. What is Junmai Ginjo?
A premium sake made only from rice, water, yeast and koji, with rice polished to 60% or less of its original size.
5. What rice is used?
Omachi rice grown in Okayama, polished to 55%.
6. What is Omachi rice?
One of Japan's oldest heirloom sake rices, known for earthy depth, umami and complexity.
7. Is this sake dry?
Yes. Its sake meter value of about +5 indicates a dry style.
8. Is it sparkling?
The Shuhari series is known for a mild, natural effervescence, a gentle prickle rather than full bubbles.
9. What does it taste like?
Steamed rice, pear, melon and white flowers with a crisp, savory finish.
10. What food pairs with Shuhari Omachi?
- Japanese: Sushi, sashimi, yakitori, tempura
- Seafood: Grilled fish, oysters, scallops
- Everyday: Roast chicken, fried rice, tacos
- Cheese: Fresh and mild cheeses
11. How should I serve it?
Serve chilled, around 45 to 55°F, in a wine glass to enjoy its aromas.
12. How long does sake last once opened?
Keep it refrigerated and enjoy within about a week for the freshest flavor.
13. Why is Fushimi water important?
Its soft, low-mineral water gives sake a smooth, gentle and refined character.
14. Where can I buy Sawaya Matsumoto sake online?
You can buy it at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, offering curated premium sake and artisanal wine, with shipping to California and select states.
