The New Style of Japanese Sake
Sparkling sake (発泡日本酒) has attracted considerable attention in recent years. The flavor and texture of Japanese sake are partially similar to that of white wine, and bubbles can bring more aroma and refreshing taste. Every sake brewery makes various types of sparkling sake to meet the market demand.
Some sparkling sakes are clear and colorless, and some are turbid like "sparkling Nigori-sake". Sparkling sake uses carbon dioxide (CO2) in liquid to bring more aroma and bubbling texture.
There are two types of sparkling sake:
1. Forced into carbon dioxide when sake bottling
This method is generally used for low alcohol sake. When the sake is diluted with water to bottling concentration, carbon dioxide is injected into the liquor. After 10 days of low-temperature storage, carbon dioxide dissolves in the liquor and bubbles are generated when the bottle is opened.
2. Secondary fermentation in the bottle
Like the champagne production method, carbon dioxide is produced through secondary fermentation in the bottle. This type of sake is not pasteurized after bottling, and fermentation continues in the bottle.
