Chūbu: General

Question 1

Chūbu is arguably the country’s most ______ region

Answer 1

Chūbu is arguably the country’s most alpine region

It has the famous Mt Fuji, Mt Haku, and the Japanese Alps

Question 2

Is it easy to generalise Chūbu’s sakes?

Answer 2

No, you cannot generalise Chūbu sakes!

Niigata’s crisp, clean style

stands in stark contrast to

Nagano’s rich, slightly sweet style

which again contrasts with

Shizuoka’s mildly aromatic, fruity, low acidity profile

Question 3

The Chūbu region is the birthplace of two of Japan’s most widely used sake rice strains: _______ and ________

Why?

Answer 3

The Chūbu region is the birthplace of two of Japan’s most widely used sake rice strains: Gohyakumangoku and Miyama Nishiki

Because they were developed for the colder climates (and in Miyama Nishiki’s case, altitude) and shorter growing season that exists in the mountains to the western side of the region

Question 4

_______ in Ishikawa is one of Japan’s most famous peaks, and a crucial provider of water to breweries not only in Ishikawa, but also its neighbouring prefectures

There is true water terroir here, as the _____ water, ranging from soft to hard, has been dubbed hyakunensui (100 years water) by brewers, providing the character in many sakes.

Answer 4

Mt Haku in Ishikawa is one of Japan’s most famous peaks, and a crucial provider of water to breweries not only in Ishikawa, but also its neighbouring prefectures

There is true water terroir here, as the Hakusan water, ranging from soft to hard, has been dubbed hyakunensui (100 years water) by brewers, providing the character in many sakes.

Question 5

Which yeast strain – the most widely used in Japan – was isolated at Miyasaka Shuzō in Nagano?

Answer 5

Kyōkai Yeast no. 7

Question 6

Which two yeasts form the backbone of Shizuoka yeasts, that have helped define the prefecture’s sake?

Answer 6

Ginjō yeast HD-1

NEW-5

Question 7

What three subregions can Chūbu be split into?

Answer 7

• Tōkai subregion (Shizuoka, Aichi, southern Gifu, Mie [not part of Chūbu])
  
  • Home to Nagoya and the Nōbi Plain
• Kōshin’etsu subregion (Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata)
  
  • ‘Roof of Japan’, Mt Fuji and Japanese Alps
• Hokuriku subregion (Fukui, Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata [also part of Kōshin’etsu])
  
  • Receives heavy snows due to Siberian High coming off Sea of Japan