In fact, some scientific texts refer to Prunus mume as Japanese apricot even though the tree originated in southern China. Various forms of ume-based drinks exist in many countries where the fruit grows. Korea has maesil ju, with a soju base and added honey instead of sugar. In Taiwan, wumeijiu adds oolong tea and smoked plum into the mix. In many ways, the question “What is plum wine?” is similar to the often-asked question “What is rice wine?” Is plum wine sweet? Suntory Plum Wine (Barrel Finish) is another Japanese plum wine made by Suntory. The way it is prepared is similar to the last one on this list; however, this one has a more inexpensive price. Is there a better way to unwind after a long day than with a glass of ice-cold Japanese plum wine? This traditional liqueur, also known as umeshu, is made from the flesh of the ume fruit and has a sweet, refreshing taste. Its low alcohol content and distinctive aroma will appeal to even those who don’t usually like wine. 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.

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. As the name suggests, plum wine is traditionally made from Japanese Ume plums fermented in sugar and yeast.

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. There are over a hundred selections of Japanese plum wines you can enjoy when you visit Shibuya or Tokyo. Having a variety of choices means you can enjoy what your heart desires – but there are some specific Japanese plum wines we’d recommend trying if you have the chance. Choya Ume Blanc 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.

Umeshu strictly translated is “ume alcohol.” The “shu” part of umeshu can refer to any type of alcohol, from whisky to sake to wine, so importers and marketers settled on the use of “wine” in its place — perhaps to convey the fruity flavor that is so much a part of what makes it enjoyable. The reason that umeshu is not plum wine is that wine is fermented, and umeshu is not strictly a fermented beverage. It has the most in common with liqueurs, in that it is flavored with fruit (ume) and has an alcohol base, as well as prominent sweetness as part of its flavor profile. Umeshu is made in Japan from various alcohol bases, unripened ume (Prunus mume) and, usually, sugar. Very few are made through the fermentation of ume juice, however one example is Hakutsuru “Plum Wine.” Choya Umeshu started as a grape grower and winemaker in the early 1900s and became an umeshu producer in the 1950s. The company has grown to be a truly international presence in the realm of umeshu. It’s only 5.5% ABV, but with Choya “Sparkling Plum Wine”, you’ll have everything you need to make your next toast memorable and delicious! Takara 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. While anything in excess, particularly alcoholic beverages, can be unhealthy, umeshu has been touted over the centuries in Eastern Asia for a wide variety of medicinal effects. All over the world, alcohol is used to extract medicinal components from all manner of fruits and plants, and umeshu is no different. It may be different in that it is the most delicious “medicine” I’ve ever tried. If consumed in moderation, plum wine can confer specific health benefits. Why? Because it is rich in antioxidants and minerals. A study carried out in 2007 on beneficial components of alcoholic fruit wines showed that plum wine had moderate total antioxidant capacity alongside other fruit wines such as those made from raspberries and cherries. However, it ranked below wines made from red sweet grapes and blueberries.Suntory Plum Wine is best served chilled, as it brings out the crisp and invigorating qualities of the beverage.

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. This plum liqueur by Akashi-Tai is different to our other recommendations as it’s combined with ginjo sake, made from premium Yamada Nishiki rice. This gives it a much softer and richer taste than other wines, rather than the sharp tang that you’d typically expect in a glass of umeshu. Suiryu Umeshu (睡龍梅酒) is made by Kubo Honke Shuzo (久保本家酒造) which is a brewery established in Nara prefecture in 1702. This delicious umeshu by Kishu Monogatari is named after the famous Kishu Nanko tree in Wakayama prefecture, where the ume fruits used in the drink are grown.

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.

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. If you are seeking a balanced drink, then plum wine could be your best choice. As previously noted, it has low alcoholic content- about 12% – which can make it easier to drink than those with a higher alcoholic content. The main problem with wines produced from other fruit than grapes are that they contain imbalanced proportions of tannins, alcohol, and acidity levels. You will find them advertising themselves as sweet balanced drinks, but instead of getting a balanced and low alcohol taste when you consume, you get the blistering taste of moonshine. Plum wine, in contrast, defies this and is typically a relatively balanced liquor. 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.Have you ever heard of Umeshu? Umeshu, also known as Japanese plum wine, is a highly popular alcoholic beverage in Japan, especially among people who don’t drink alcoholic beverages regularly.