Plum wine, known as umeshu in Japan, is a sweet and aromatic beverage that has gained popularity worldwide. Made by steeping plums in alcohol with sugar, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness, tartness, and complexity. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a casual drinker looking to explore new flavors, this guide will introduce you to the best plum wines available, their unique characteristics, and how to enjoy them.
What Is Plum Wine?
Plum wine is a traditional Japanese liquor made using ume plums, which are different from the common plums found in grocery stores. Ume plums are smaller, firmer, and more acidic, making them perfect for fermentation.
The production process involves:
- Plum Selection – Fresh, unripe ume plums are picked.
- Maceration – Plums are steeped in alcohol (typically shochu or a neutral spirit).
- Sweetening – Rock sugar is added to balance the acidity.
- Aging – The mixture is aged for months or even years to develop depth and complexity.
While Japanese umeshu is the most well-known, other countries like China, Korea, and Taiwan also produce their own versions of plum wine.
How to Choose the Best Plum Wine
When selecting a plum wine, consider these factors:
- Quality of Ingredients: Wines made with high-quality ume plums and premium alcohol tend to have better flavor and smoothness.
- Aging Process: The longer the aging period, the deeper and more complex the taste.
- Sweetness Level: Some plum wines are syrupy-sweet, while others have a more balanced tartness.
- Alcohol Content: Most plum wines have an alcohol content of 10-15%, making them stronger than regular wines but lighter than spirits.
Now, let’s explore some of the best plum wines available today!
1. Choya Umeshu – Best Classic Plum Wine
Overview:
Choya Umeshu is one of the most recognizable brands of plum wine, known for its authentic Japanese flavor and high quality.
Tasting Notes:
- Sweetness: Moderate, with a balanced tartness
- Aroma: Fruity, with notes of apricot and almond
- Finish: Smooth, with a slightly syrupy texture
Best Ways to Enjoy:
- Chilled over ice
- Mixed with soda for a refreshing cocktail
- Paired with light desserts like cheesecake or fruit tarts
Why It’s the Best:
Choya is widely available, affordable, and consistently delivers a true umeshu experience.
2. Takara Plum Wine – Best Budget-Friendly Option
Overview:
If you’re looking for a delicious and affordable plum wine, Takara Plum Wine is a great choice. It’s made from California-grown plums, giving it a fruity and approachable profile.
Tasting Notes:
- Sweetness: Medium-high
- Aroma: Ripe plums with hints of honey
- Finish: Smooth, with a lingering sweetness
Best Ways to Enjoy:
- Served warm during cold months
- Mixed with green tea for a unique twist
- Used in cocktails with whiskey or gin
Why It’s the Best:
Takara Plum Wine is affordable while maintaining great flavor and versatility.
3. Umenoyado Aragoshi Umeshu – Best Premium Plum Wine
Overview:
For those seeking a luxurious plum wine experience, Umenoyado Aragoshi Umeshu is a premium choice. It contains real plum pulp, giving it a rich texture and deep flavor.
Tasting Notes:
- Sweetness: Well-balanced with tart notes
- Aroma: Intense, with hints of caramel and vanilla
- Finish: Velvety and long-lasting
Best Ways to Enjoy:
- On the rocks to appreciate its full flavor
- Poured over vanilla ice cream as a decadent dessert
- With grilled meats to contrast the smoky flavors
Why It’s the Best:
This umeshu stands out due to its real fruit texture and high-quality ingredients, making it a favorite among connoisseurs.
4. Hoshi Plum Wine – Best for Beginners
Overview:
If you’re new to plum wine, Hoshi Plum Wine is a fantastic introduction. It has a mellow and smooth taste, making it easy to enjoy.
Tasting Notes:
- Sweetness: Medium
- Aroma: Light floral and fruity notes
- Finish: Refreshing and crisp
Best Ways to Enjoy:
- Chilled as a casual sipping wine
- Paired with sushi or light seafood dishes
- Blended with sparkling water for a summer drink
Why It’s the Best:
Its smooth and approachable taste makes it a great entry-level umeshu.
5. Gekkeikan Plum Wine – Best for Food Pairing
Overview:
Gekkeikan, a well-known sake brand, also produces a delicious plum wine. It is less sweet than other brands, making it ideal for pairing with savory dishes.
Tasting Notes:
- Sweetness: Mild
- Aroma: Subtle with hints of dried fruit
- Finish: Crisp and slightly tart
Best Ways to Enjoy:
- With grilled meats or BBQ
- Paired with spicy dishes like Thai or Indian food
- Served as an aperitif before meals
Why It’s the Best:
Its balanced flavor profile makes it the perfect choice for those who prefer less sweetness in their plum wine.
6. Kikkoman Plum Wine – Best Sweet Plum Wine
Overview:
Kikkoman, famous for its soy sauce, also makes a delightfully sweet plum wine. This one is perfect for those who enjoy dessert wines.
Tasting Notes:
- Sweetness: Very high
- Aroma: Strong plum and honey notes
- Finish: Rich and syrupy
Best Ways to Enjoy:
- As a dessert wine after a meal
- Over crushed ice for a summer treat
- Drizzled over fruit salad for extra sweetness
Why It’s the Best:
Its bold sweetness makes it perfect for those who love indulgent, dessert-like wines.
How to Serve Plum Wine
Plum wine can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Chilled: The most common way—simply pour over ice.
- Warm: Heat lightly for a cozy winter drink.
- Mixed: Blend with soda, tonic water, or tea for a refreshing cocktail.
- Cocktails: Use it in mixed drinks with whiskey, gin, or sparkling wine.
- With Food: Pairs well with spicy, salty, and umami-rich foods.
Where to Buy the Best Plum Wine
You can find plum wine at:
- Liquor stores specializing in Japanese or Asian products
- Online retailers like Amazon, Total Wine, and Drizly
- Asian supermarkets such as H-Mart or Mitsuwa
- Japanese restaurants and bars
Final Thoughts
Plum wine is a versatile, delicious, and enjoyable drink that suits various tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer classic umeshu, premium selections, or sweeter dessert-style wines, there is a perfect plum wine for you.
If you’re new to plum wine, start with Choya Umeshu or Hoshi Plum Wine. For a premium experience, try Umenoyado Aragoshi Umeshu. And if you want a food-friendly choice, go for Gekkeikan Plum Wine.
So go ahead, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy the sweet-tart magic of plum wine! 🍷
