Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" – Experience Yamagata's Revolutionary Junmai Ginjo

Updated → August 2025

Discover the pioneering spirit of Yamagata Prefecture in every sip of this exceptional junmai ginjo sake. Crafted with locally-developed Dewasansan rice and showcasing vibrant green apple notes with a velvety texture, this 720ml bottle represents four generations of innovation from the renowned Dewazakura brewery.

The Yamagata Sake Revolution

In the world of sake, few regions have made as profound an impact as Yamagata Prefecture. Located in the Tohoku region of northern Japan, Yamagata has become synonymous with innovation and quality in sake production. The prefecture's unique terroir, characterized by dramatic temperature variations and pristine mountain water, creates ideal conditions for cultivating premium sake rice and developing complex flavor profiles that have captivated enthusiasts worldwide.

The story of Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" begins in 1996, when Dewazakura brewery pioneered the use of a revolutionary new rice variety called Dewasansan. This wasn't just another sake release; it marked a turning point in how regional breweries could assert their terroir through proprietary rice strains. Today, this rice carries the prestigious "Dewa33" appellation, signifying its exclusive cultivation within Yamagata's borders.

Dewazakura's Four-Generation Legacy

Founded in 1892 by Seijiro Nakano in Tendo City, Dewazakura brewery has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional sake making. Now under the stewardship of fourth-generation president Masumi Nakano, the brewery continues to honor its heritage while embracing cutting-edge techniques. The Nakano family's commitment to excellence has transformed Dewazakura from a regional producer into one of Japan's most innovative sake makers.

The brewery's revolutionary spirit first captured national attention in 1980 with the release of their "Oka" ginjo label. At a time when ginjo sake was virtually unknown outside professional circles, Dewazakura democratized this premium category by making it both affordable and widely available. This bold move forever changed Japan's sake landscape, inspiring countless breweries to elevate their craft and making premium sake accessible to everyday enthusiasts.

Understanding Dewasansan Rice

The heart of Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" lies in its namesake rice variety. Dewasansan represents decades of agricultural research aimed at creating a sake rice perfectly suited to Yamagata's climate. Unlike more common varieties like Yamada Nishiki or Gohyakumangoku, Dewasansan was developed specifically to express the unique characteristics of its birthplace.

This proprietary rice variety offers several advantages that directly impact the final product's quality. Its larger grain size allows for more precise polishing, while its lower protein content contributes to the sake's characteristic clean, refreshing finish. The rice's structure also promotes optimal water absorption during the brewing process, enabling the development of complex aromatic compounds that define Green Ridge's distinctive profile.

Green Ridge Flavor Profile

Opening a bottle of Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" reveals an aromatic bouquet that immediately sets it apart. The initial nose presents vibrant notes of green apple intertwined with delicate cherry blossoms, creating an inviting introduction that hints at the complexity to follow. Subtle undertones of calming lavender and fresh pear add layers of sophistication that evolve as the sake warms in your glass.

On the palate, this junmai ginjo delivers a masterful balance of fruit-forward sweetness and crisp acidity. The promised green apple character arrives with refreshing tartness, supported by a rich, velvety texture that coats the mouth without feeling heavy. Mid-palate flavors of ripe persimmon and white peach emerge, leading to a clean, dry finish that leaves no lingering aftertaste—a hallmark of exceptional sake craftsmanship.

What Makes This Junmai Ginjo Special

While technically classified as a junmai ginjo, Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" transcends typical category expectations. With a rice polishing ratio of 50%, it reaches the technical threshold for daiginjo classification, yet the brewery chose to maintain its junmai ginjo designation. This decision reflects Dewazakura's philosophy: classification should serve the sake's character, not dictate it.

The sake's technical specifications tell only part of the story. With an alcohol content of 15-16% ABV, a sake meter value (SMV) of +4 indicating medium dryness, and an acidity level of 1.4, Green Ridge achieves remarkable balance. These numbers translate to a sake that's approachable for newcomers yet sophisticated enough to reward experienced palates with each sip.

Detailed Tasting Notes

Professional sake sommeliers often describe Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" as a study in elegant restraint. The initial attack is soft and inviting, with no harsh alcohol burn despite its substantial body. As the sake opens up, layers of flavor reveal themselves: the bright acidity of green apple gives way to softer stone fruit notes, while subtle floral undertones provide aromatic lift throughout the tasting experience.

The texture deserves special mention—silky and substantial without being viscous, it demonstrates the technical precision achieved through Dewazakura's cold storage innovations. Since 1991, the brewery has stored unpasteurized sake at -4°C, preserving volatile aromatic compounds that would otherwise dissipate. This meticulous approach results in a sake that maintains its vibrancy from production through to your glass.

Perfect Food Pairings

The versatility of Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" shines through its remarkable range of food compatibility. Traditional pairings like sashimi and oysters on the half shell showcase the sake's ability to enhance delicate seafood flavors without overwhelming them. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of fatty tuna or hamachi, while the fruit notes complement the natural sweetness of fresh scallops.

More adventurous pairings reveal this sake's modern character. The combination with aged cheddar cheese might surprise traditionalists, but the sake's acidity and fruit notes create delightful harmony with the cheese's sharp, nutty qualities. Similarly, rich dishes like wagyu beef or crispy gyoza benefit from Green Ridge's cleansing properties, while prawn tempura finds an ideal partner in the sake's crisp finish.

Optimal Serving Temperature

Temperature plays a crucial role in experiencing Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" at its best. While many premium sakes offer flexibility in serving temperature, this junmai ginjo reveals different facets of its personality across a specific range. Starting well-chilled at around 5-8°C (41-46°F) emphasizes the sake's crisp, refreshing qualities and highlights its green apple notes.

As the sake warms toward room temperature, approximately 15-18°C (59-64°F), the flavor profile evolves dramatically. Floral notes become more pronounced, fruit flavors deepen and gain complexity, and the overall texture becomes more luxurious. This temperature range often provides the most complete expression of the sake's character, making it ideal for contemplative sipping or pairing with diverse cuisines.

How It Compares to Other Premium Sakes

In the competitive landscape of premium junmai ginjo sakes, Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" occupies a unique position. Compared to more widely available options like Dassai 45 or Hakkaisan Junmai Ginjo, Green Ridge offers greater aromatic complexity and a more distinctive regional character. The use of Dewasansan rice creates flavor profiles impossible to replicate outside Yamagata Prefecture.

When evaluated against other regional specialties, Green Ridge demonstrates exceptional balance between tradition and innovation. While sakes from Niigata Prefecture often emphasize extreme dryness and minimal flavor, and those from Hiroshima tend toward pronounced sweetness, Green Ridge charts a middle course that appeals to diverse palates. This versatility, combined with its reasonable price point relative to comparable daiginjo-quality sakes, makes it an outstanding value proposition.

The Meticulous Production Process

Creating Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" requires extraordinary attention to detail at every stage. The process begins with careful selection of Dewasansan rice, followed by polishing to remove 50% of each grain's outer layers. This extensive polishing eliminates proteins and lipids that could introduce unwanted flavors, leaving only the starch-rich core essential for premium sake production.

The brewing process itself combines time-honored techniques with modern innovations. Dewazakura's use of Yamagata yeast strains, specifically selected for their compatibility with local rice and water, contributes to the sake's distinctive aromatic profile. The brewery's pioneering cold storage methods ensure that volatile compounds developed during fermentation remain intact through bottling, resulting in a more vibrant, expressive final product than traditionally stored sakes.

Storage and Preservation Tips

Once you've acquired a bottle of Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge", proper storage becomes crucial for maintaining its delicate balance of flavors. Unlike wine, sake doesn't improve with age once bottled, making appropriate storage essential from day one. Keep your bottle refrigerated at a consistent temperature between 2-8°C (35-46°F), away from light and temperature fluctuations.

After opening, the sake's character will begin to evolve. While it won't spoil quickly like wine, oxidation gradually diminishes its vibrant fruit notes and aromatic complexity. For optimal enjoyment, consume opened bottles within 2-3 weeks, storing them upright in the refrigerator with the cap tightly sealed. Some enthusiasts use vacuum pumps designed for wine preservation to extend this window, though the delicate nature of Green Ridge's aromatics makes fresh consumption preferable.

Hawaii Availability and Local Pairings

For Hawaii residents and visitors, Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" offers exciting possibilities for pairing with local cuisine. The sake's bright acidity and fruit-forward profile complement Hawaii's abundant seafood perfectly. Consider pairing it with locally-caught ahi poke, where the sake's green apple notes enhance the fish's natural sweetness while its texture matches the silky richness of fresh tuna.

Local fusion cuisine provides even more creative pairing opportunities. The sake's versatility shines when matched with popular Hawaii dishes like garlic shrimp from North Shore food trucks, where its cleansing properties cut through the rich, buttery sauce. Similarly, Green Ridge pairs beautifully with modern Hawaiian cuisine staples like miso-glazed butterfish or Asian-inspired preparations of local vegetables, creating harmonious flavor combinations that celebrate both Japanese tradition and island innovation.

Sake Education for Wine Enthusiasts

Wine lovers exploring sake often find Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" an ideal entry point. Its fruit-forward character and balanced acidity create familiar reference points, while its unique rice-based fermentation introduces new flavor dimensions. Unlike wine's tannins, sake derives structure from amino acids and organic acids, creating a different but equally complex tasting experience.

Understanding sake requires adjusting expectations around flavor development and aging. While wine often improves with cellar time, sake reaches its peak shortly after release. This fundamental difference reflects sake's role in Japanese culture as a beverage meant for immediate enjoyment and social connection. Green Ridge exemplifies this philosophy through its vibrant, fresh character that invites sharing and conversation rather than solitary contemplation.

Seasonal Enjoyment Guide

While Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" offers year-round enjoyment, different seasons highlight various aspects of its character. During Hawaii's warmer months, serving it well-chilled emphasizes its refreshing qualities, making it perfect for beachside gatherings or pau hana celebrations. The sake's crisp finish and fruit notes provide welcome relief from tropical heat while complementing light summer fare.

Cooler winter evenings call for slightly warmer serving temperatures that reveal the sake's depth and complexity. At these temperatures, Green Ridge becomes an excellent companion for heartier dishes like grilled fish, yakitori, or even fusion preparations of local ingredients. The sake's versatility across temperature ranges ensures it remains relevant throughout Hawaii's subtle seasonal transitions, adapting to both occasion and cuisine with remarkable flexibility.

Your Purchase Decision Guide

Investing in a bottle of Dewazakura Dewasansan Namage "Green Ridge" represents more than acquiring another beverage—it's an opportunity to experience the culmination of centuries-old tradition enhanced by modern innovation. This 720ml bottle offers exceptional value, providing enough sake for intimate dinners or small gatherings while maintaining freshness through reasonable consumption timeframes.

Whether you're a sake enthusiast seeking to explore regional specialties or a curious wine lover ready to expand your palate, Green Ridge delivers an accessible yet sophisticated experience. Its balance of traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques, combined with food-friendly versatility, makes it an essential addition to any thoughtful beverage collection. Visit Vintage Wine Cellar to discover how this remarkable junmai ginjo can elevate your next dining experience or special occasion.