Have you tried the best Japanese Plum wines? If you call yourself an oenophile and you haven’t had Japanese plum wine, you’re definitely missing out on it a big time!
I love Japanese plum wines that are also known as Umeshu in Japan. The wine is made using unripe and green ume plums, sugar, and alcohol. This beverage is one of the most versatile ones that you can get. It can be used and served in a number of different ways.
You can use the Japanese plum wine in snacks, desserts, cocktails, or in the main course. It is also an excellent drink that goes well with all kinds of food items. The wine has a fruity aroma that tickles your taste buds and makes you want more of it.
It sure is one of the most mouth-watering wines that you will ever have. It is a perfect blend of sweet and sour, making it very arousing. Today, I have brought to you the best Japanese plum wines that you can check out for a relishing experience.
Which is the best Japanese Plum Wine?
I am a wine connoisseur and so, I have tried several different varieties of wine. I love Japanese plum wine, and I can savor it in many different ways. Out of all the varieties that I have tasted, I have found that the best one is Choya non-alcoholic plum wine.
Choya non-alcoholic plum wine is awesome because it is non-alcoholic which means everyone can enjoy it. It is made with a mixture of different plum juices to create plum wine taste, and it tastes excellent. No unnatural flavour or sweetener added to the drink to keep the essence of plums real and natural. It is available on Amazon for sale.
Best Japanese Plum Wine: Quick Summary
| Best Japanese Plum Wine | Link |
| Choya Non-alcoholic Plum Wine | View in Store |
| Choya Plum Wine | View in Store |
| Gekkeikan Plum Wine | View in Store |
| Takara Plum Wine | View in Store |
| Nakata Taru Umeshu | View in Store |
| Toko Ginjo Plum Wine | View in Store |
Best Japanese Plum Wine
Choya Non-alcoholic Plum Wine
There are a number of wines in the liquor industry that you may like, but have you come across something that is just like your regular wine, but totally non-alcoholic at the same time?
Well, if you have not, then take a look at this wine-like carbonated drink that is going to taste amazing and not going to make you feel tipsy, as Japanese plum wine alcohol content is quite low.
This non-toxicant soda drink is made with good quality plums harvested from known farms. Although it is a soda drink, it does not consist of any artificial sweetener or flavour of any kind, which keeps the taste of different types of plum juices intact.
This combination of different plums and juices gives a rich plum-like wine flavour. It is one of the best Japanese plum wines.
Key Features:
- Non-toxicant wine-like drink
- Made with the mixture of different plum juices to create plum wine taste
- No unnatural flavor or sweetener added to the drink to keep the essence of plums real and natural
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Choya Plum Wine
Plum wines are one of the most famous and traditional drinks of Japan that are now praised worldwide. They are known as Umeshu, which is formed by cooking plums in liquors.
Being a traditional drink, it holds a lot of benefits that you might not find in a regular alcoholic drink. Umeshu is also sweet plum wine.
Plums are highly enriched with calcium, minerals, iron, and many other features that keep you in good health. Have a look at this bottle of Japanese famous plum wine from Choya.
It is a non-vintage wine that is prepared by blending wines from different years for a great taste. It is sweet and has the taste of almond which blends in perfectly and satisfies the drinker at once.
Plum wine expiration is often 18-24 months from manufacture. You can drink it straight or chilled to have a lovely drinking experience. Choya is considered as one of the best Japanese plum wines.
Key Features:
- Mixed with wines from different years to come out with this amazing taste
- Sweet and savory taste of ume fruit with an almond hint
- Can be taken cold for a satisfying experience
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Gekkeikan Plum Wine
In Japan, wine is a daily drink that is served with meals. And, in terms of good quality wine, Gekkeikan plum wine is a known brand that has made its name for centuries.
From 1637, this brand has improvised its techniques in preparing wine while keeping the originality untouched. This company has won 32 gold medals in the last 33 years, which is proof to its excellence and hard work.
This plum wine has both a tart and sweet taste that goes well with rice dishes. Other than consuming the wine with meals, it is also best to use it while cooking and marinating meats. You can also enjoy this one with your desserts like dark chocolate, pastries, pie, cake, etc.
Plums used in this wine contain the essence of resins, nutmeg, and candied orange that blend in beautifully to result in a sweet and fruity taste.
Key Features:
- Excellence quality plum wine with fruity, tart, and sweet taste
- Great to have it with meals and dessert
- Can also be used to marinate meats
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Takara Plum Wine
Takara is a known company that makes different kinds of wines, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. With flavors and sugar infused in the alcohol, they make plum wines with absolute richness.
This Japanese plum wine has a fruity and sweet taste with whole plums in the bottles. You can mix this wine with soda or can also drink it straight as per your convenience. It can also be combined with champagne for a rich and relishing cocktail experience. There are other ways to enjoy this plum wine, such as mixing it with lemonade if you like it sour.
For winters, you can try it warm with a hint of hot green tea. So, if you are looking for something not too strong yet delicious and addictive at the same time, then do try this wine suitable with almost all the liquids.
Key Features:
- Made with real good quality fresh plums infused in alcohol drinks.
- Can be blended with soda and lemonade for sour taste
- Sip it while mixing with hot green tea in cold days
Nakata Taru Umeshu
When we talk about plum wines, the quality of plums matters a lot. Plums are citric in nature with the perfect blend and combination of sweet and sour taste, and when this fruit is mixed in liquor, it gives a rich wine-like taste.
This plum wine became one of the most famous drinks in Japan a long time ago. This wine company, Nakata foods, is a very old wine producer with more than a century in this business.
They make one of the top-most popular plum wines with plums used from Wakayama Prefecture. They also follow the process of extracting the essence and juice of plums by soaking them in different types of liquors, such as brandy, whiskey, Japanese sake, etc.
You can enjoy this aromatic wine with your daily meals and desserts for a sweet and sour ume flavor. This Taru Umeshu is made by soaking it in an oak barrel for one to five years and has rice essence.
Key Features:
- Top-notch wine producer
- Made with excellent quality plums from Wakayama Prefecture
- Made with various types of liquors
- Has a refreshing aroma of plum intact in it
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Toko Ginjo Plum Wine
Food represents the culture of a specific community with its respective history. In the same way, Umeshu, which is known as plum wine, is an ongoing food and drink culture of Japan.
For the last 300 years, the people of Japan have been enjoying the delicacy of fruit wine, which has now become one of the top-notch drinks worldwide.
Take a look at this Toko Ginjo Plum wine from Toko, which is the veteran wine brewery. For a culturally rich and original plum wine, go for this one without giving it a benefit of doubt.
This wine has been the winner of Triple crown Umeshu held in Japan because of its high quality taste. The process of making wine here is a bit different. Here, the plums are soaked in non-alcoholic sake and rice essence.
With this process, the outcome is quite amazing as the flavour comes out very nicely with Ginjo, which is a Japanese sake rice with refined and polished grain. You must try this beautiful combination of modern alcohol with historic and ancient technique.
Key Features:
- Traditionally and culturally rich wine made with unique techniques
- Plums soaked in non-alcoholic drinks
- Has an essence of rich sake rice of Japan
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Choya Plum Wine Kishu
Choya Plum Wine Kishu is a delightful and refreshing beverage that captures the essence of Japanese plum (ume) in a bottle.
Made by Choya, a renowned producer of plum wines, this particular variety showcases the flavors of Kishu, a region known for its premium plums.
One of the standout features of Choya Plum Wine Kishu is its authentic and natural plum flavor. The wine is crafted using carefully selected Kishu plums, which impart a unique balance of sweet and tangy notes.
The natural essence of the plums shines through, resulting in a pleasantly fruity and aromatic profile.
The taste of Choya Plum Wine Kishu is smooth and well-rounded. It offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and acidity, with a subtle tartness that adds complexity to the overall flavor.
The wine is best served chilled, allowing the refreshing qualities of the plum to truly come alive.
One of the advantages of Choya Plum Wine Kishu is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own as a delightful aperitif or paired with various dishes.
The wine’s fruity and slightly floral character pairs well with light appetizers, cheeses, and desserts. It also complements Japanese cuisine, making it a great accompaniment to sushi, sashimi, or grilled seafood.
The packaging of Choya Plum Wine Kishu is elegant and eye-catching.
The bottle design reflects the authenticity and premium quality of the product, making it an appealing choice for both personal enjoyment and gifting.
However, it’s important to note that Choya Plum Wine Kishu may not be suitable for those who prefer dry or less sweet beverages.
Additionally, individuals with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities should review the ingredients and consult their healthcare provider if needed.
Key Features
- Authentic and natural plum flavor
- Smooth and well-rounded taste
- Subtle tartness that adds complexity
- Best served chilled
- Versatile, pairs well with various dishes including Japanese cuisine
- Elegant and eye-catching packaging
- May not be suitable for those who prefer dry or less sweet beverages
- Individuals with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities should review the ingredients and consult their healthcare provider if needed
Suiryu Umeshu
Suiryu Umeshu is a delightful Japanese plum liqueur that embodies the essence of traditional umeshu. Crafted with precision and care, Suiryu offers a unique and enjoyable drinking experience that captivates the senses.
One of the standout features of Suiryu Umeshu is its authentic and natural plum flavor. Made from carefully selected Japanese plums, the liqueur showcases the rich and aromatic characteristics of the fruit. The plums are infused in a high-quality sake base, resulting in a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes.
The taste of Suiryu Umeshu is a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The natural sweetness of the plums is complemented by a subtle tartness, creating a well-rounded and pleasing flavor profile. Sipped neat or on the rocks, the smooth and velvety texture of Suiryu Umeshu enhances the overall drinking experience.
Suiryu Umeshu is best enjoyed as a digestif or aperitif. Its complexity and depth of flavor make it a versatile choice for various occasions. Whether served after a meal to cleanse the palate or as a refreshing beverage to start an evening, Suiryu Umeshu adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.
The packaging of Suiryu Umeshu is elegant and refined. The bottle design reflects the sophistication and attention to detail that goes into creating this fine liqueur, making it a visually appealing addition to any bar or collection.
Key Features
- Authentic and natural plum flavor
- Balanced sweetness and tartness
- Smooth and velvety texture
- Best enjoyed as a digestif or aperitif
- Adds elegance to any gathering
- Sophisticated and refined packaging
Suntory Plum Wine
Suntory Plum Wine is a delightful and popular Japanese beverage that offers a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
Produced by Suntory, a renowned distillery with a long-standing reputation, this plum wine captures the essence of Japanese plums in a bottle.
One of the standout features of Suntory Plum Wine is its rich and natural plum flavor. Made from carefully selected plums, the wine exudes a distinct and authentic fruity profile.
The plums used in its production provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, resulting in a well-rounded and enjoyable taste.
The taste of Suntory Plum Wine is smooth and refreshing. The wine offers a pleasant sweetness that is not overpowering, allowing the natural flavors of the plums to shine through.
The well-balanced acidity adds a touch of tanginess, enhancing the overall complexity of the wine.
Suntory Plum Wine is best served chilled, as it brings out the crisp and invigorating qualities of the beverage.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with various dishes, it offers a versatile drinking experience. The wine pairs well with light appetizers, cheeses, and desserts, making it a great choice for social gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
The packaging of Suntory Plum Wine is elegant and visually appealing. The bottle design reflects the quality and authenticity of the product, adding to the overall experience of enjoyment.
However, it’s important to note that Suntory Plum Wine may not be suitable for those who prefer dry or less sweet beverages.
Additionally, individuals with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities should review the ingredients and consult their healthcare provider if needed.
Key Features
- Rich and natural plum flavor
- Smooth and refreshing taste
- Well-balanced sweetness and acidity
- Best served chilled for a crisp experience
- Versatile, pairs well with light appetizers, cheeses, and desserts
- Elegant and visually appealing packaging
- May not be suitable for those who prefer dry or less sweet beverages
Health benefits of Plum Wine
Drinking plum wine can offer several potential benefits, although it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary. Here are some potential benefits of consuming plum wine:
- Antioxidant properties: Plum wine, particularly if made from high-quality plums, may contain antioxidants. These compounds can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and potentially reduce oxidative stress.
- Digestive aid: Traditional plum wine is often consumed as a digestive aid in Japanese culture. The natural acidity of plums and the fermentation process involved in making plum wine can promote healthy digestion and alleviate discomfort.
- Cardiovascular health: Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption, including plum wine, may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. However, it’s important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects, so moderation is key.
- Relaxation and stress relief: Enjoying a glass of plum wine in moderation can provide a sense of relaxation and may help alleviate stress. The pleasant flavors and aromas can contribute to a soothing and enjoyable experience.
- Culinary versatility: Plum wine can be used as an ingredient in various culinary preparations. It can enhance the flavors of sauces, marinades, and desserts, adding a unique twist to dishes.
It’s worth noting that the potential benefits of plum wine should be considered in moderation.
How To Choose The Best Japanese Plum Wine?
To choose the best Japanese plum wine, consider the following factors:
- Quality of plums: Look for plum wines made from high-quality plums, as they will contribute to the overall flavor and aroma. Research reputable brands or seek recommendations from trusted sources.
- Type of plum: Different plum varieties can result in varying flavor profiles. Some plums are sweeter, while others have a more tart or tangy taste. Consider your personal preference and select a plum wine that aligns with your desired flavor profile.
- Production method: Plum wines can be made through different processes, such as fermentation or maceration. Each method may yield distinct characteristics. Read the product description or label to understand the production method and choose the one that appeals to you.
- Sweetness level: Plum wines can range from dry to sweet. Determine your preference for sweetness and choose a wine accordingly. Some bottles may indicate the sweetness level on the label, such as “dry,” “semi-sweet,” or “sweet.”
- Aging process: Some plum wines are aged for extended periods, which can contribute to a more complex and refined taste. Consider whether you prefer a younger, fresher plum wine or one that has undergone aging for a richer flavor.
- Brand reputation: Research reputable plum wine brands known for their expertise in producing high-quality beverages. Established brands with positive customer reviews and a history of excellence are often a good choice.
- Price point: Consider your budget and select a plum wine that fits within your price range. Keep in mind that higher-priced options may offer more refined flavors or special features, but there are also affordable plum wines that can provide an enjoyable experience.
- Personal taste preference: Ultimately, choose a plum wine that aligns with your personal taste preferences. Some individuals prefer a more fruity and sweet profile, while others may enjoy a drier and more complex flavor. Read reviews, seek recommendations, or try samples if available to find the best match for your palate.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the best Japanese plum wine that suits your taste and preferences.
Best Japanese Plum Wine: FAQs
How long does plum wine last after opening?
It is recommended to store the plum wine after opening in the refrigerator if it’s mixed with white wine or umeshu. It is good to be consumed for 3-4 weeks if kept in a fresh place, if not mixed.
What does Japanese plum wine taste like?
Japanese plum wine is a mix of sweet and sour taste with rich and aromatic flavour. It is ideal to be served as aperitif. It is acquired from the taste of the fruit, Ume, traditionally grown in Japan.
How to drink Plum Wine?
The best way to enjoy Umeshu, Japanese plum wine is by consuming it chilled, straight up without any flavours. However, some people dilute it with melted ice. One of the popular ways of consuming it is on the rocks with larger ice cubes.
What is Japanese plum wine called?
Japanese plum wine is called Umeshu which is made from Japanese plum called ume by steeping it in a sort of a liquor.
Is plum wine sweet or dry?
Plum wine is a sweet alcoholic or non alcoholic drink introduced by China to Japan in the 6th century.
Is western or Japanese plum wine better?
It depends on personal preference regarding which wine is better. Japanese plum wine is sweet, more astringent and has a higher acidic level. It is also brighter and bolder than the western wines that can be used in a few desserts. Western plum wines are bold and dry as compared to the Japanese ones.
Can I drink umeshu everyday?
While umeshu can be enjoyed in moderation, it’s important to drink alcohol responsibly and in accordance with your personal health considerations. Drinking umeshu or any alcoholic beverage in excess or on a daily basis can have negative effects on your health. It’s recommended to follow the guidelines for moderate alcohol consumption, which generally suggests up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. It’s also advisable to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any specific health conditions or medications that may interact with alcohol.
Is umeshu high in alcohol?
Umeshu typically has an alcohol content that ranges from 10% to 15% by volume. This makes it similar in alcohol content to many wines. However, it’s worth noting that the alcohol content can vary between different brands and variations of umeshu. Some may have a lower alcohol content, while others may have a slightly higher percentage. It’s important to check the label or product information for the specific alcohol content of the umeshu you are consuming, as it may vary depending on the producer and the style of umeshu.
What do you mix with umeshu?
Umeshu can be mixed with soda water, green tea, sparkling wine, or citrus juice to create delicious and refreshing cocktails.
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Give your taste buds a delicious ride!
If you are also into plum wines, I am sure you must have enjoyed going through this list. I have tasted all the wines listed here, and believe me when I say that they all are quite a flavorful batch.
These wines take your taste buds on an enticing journey with their delicious taste. The aroma is also quite arousing, and I am sure, they will make you an instant fan. If you have not tasted any of these before, I highly recommend that you give them a shot. And if you enjoy tasting them, do not forget to let me know your experience.
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Erika is the main author of the website. She is obsessed with Japanese products and always looks for an opportunity to share her love for Japanese products with everybody around her! She combined her love for writing, research and testing products to create Best Japanese Products. When she’s not reviewing latest Japanese products, you’ll find her pampering her cats. Erika is the definition of ‘The Crazy Cat Lady’.
Choya Non-alcoholic Plum Wine
Choya non-alcoholic plum wine is free of toxic and tastes amazing.
Product SKU: CHY1276EYA
Product Brand: CHOYA
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 49.99
Price Valid Until: 2021-12-31
Product In-Stock: InStock
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