2018 Tanaka 1789 x Chartier Junmai Daiginjo Blend 002 Miyagi (500 mL) 500 ml

We don’t know anyone who understands flavor better than François Chartier.

He’s won the title of World’s Best Sommelier, been tapped by chef Ferran Adrià to develop recipes for legendary restaurant El Bulli, and written award-winning books about the science of food and wine pairing. So you can imagine our excitement when he partnered with Tanaka 1789, one of Japan’s most legendary sake breweries. We were in awe when we tasted the first sake with Chartier’s name on the label: the 2018 Tanaka 1789 x Chartier Junmai Daiginjo Blend 002.

This sake is nothing less than revolutionary, and it’s rare even in Japan, where it’s only available at a few dozen MICHELIN-starred restaurants. The only retail sales in the country are at the brewery’s door. 

The practice of blending is fairly new to sake, and the way it’s unlocking the potential of historic breweries is one of the biggest changes in the beverage’s centuries-old history. Chartier is at the forefront, and his Blend 002 puts the benefits front and center. This Junmai Daiginjo, made from rice polished to 28%, is crafted to accompany food. When chilled, it reveals a scintillating Sancerre-like note of anise, while at room temperature it shows more Montrachet-like tropical notes. 

Tanaka 1789 is one of Japan’s legendary breweries: They made their first batch in the late 18th century and have stood as one of the best ever since. For this collaboration, seven different sakes were brewed, using three different types of rice and three different yeast strains. Each on their own would surely be spectacular, but in the hands of Chartier, they elevate the wine even further. Pour this like you would the finest white Burgundy.