Nakata, Aka Umeshu (Red Plum Wine), 300ml
A Brilliant Red Plum Wine, Light and Bright
The lighter, brighter companion to Nakata's classic white umeshu. Aka (meaning "red") has a striking, jewel-like red colour and a clean, gem-like lightness, with the tree-ripened fruit flavour of Wakayama Nanko ume running through it. Where the white is rich and all-purpose, the red is fresher and more delicate, made for lighter dishes and desserts, and it looks beautiful in the glass. From Nakata Foods, Japan's leading ume house, founded in Wakayama in 1897.
Why People Choose This
- Striking red colour: a brilliant, jewel-like umeshu that looks the part in the glass
- Light and bright: fresher and more delicate than the classic white
- Dessert-friendly: made for lighter dishes, fruit and puddings
- Nakata quality: the tree-ripened Nanko ume flavour, in a lighter style
How to Serve
- Over ice: to show off the colour and keep it crisp
- With soda: a pretty, refreshing long drink
- With dessert: alongside fruit, sorbet or light puddings
- In cocktails: for colour and a fruity, delicate base
梅酒 — Umeshu, and Wakayama's ume country
Umeshu is made by steeping ume, the Japanese plum, in alcohol with sugar. Wakayama (historically Kishu) is the centre of Japan's ume production, and its Nanko ume is the most prized variety, thick-fleshed and richly aromatic. Nakata Foods, founded in Tanabe in 1897, sits at the heart of this country, beneath the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. Aka is its red expression: the same fine fruit in a lighter, brighter, more decorative style, where the white is the rich, traditional all-rounder.
Also in this size: 180ml and 720ml.
The wider Nakata range: Shiro (white), Yuzu, Peach and Apple umeshu.
Red or white, which should I choose?
If you want the definitive, do-everything Nakata umeshu, choose the white (Shiro): rich, rounded and versatile. Choose this red (Aka) when you want something lighter and prettier, a brighter, more delicate umeshu that shines with desserts and looks striking poured over ice. Both are 12% and from the same fine Wakayama fruit; they are simply two moods of the same drink.
Product Details
| Type | 梅酒 — Umeshu (ume / plum liqueur), red style |
| Maker | Nakata Foods (founded 1897), Tanabe, Wakayama |
| Fruit | Tree-ripened Nanko ume (Wakayama) |
| ABV | 12% |
| Character | Bright, light, gem-like; brilliant red colour |
| Serve | Over ice, with soda, with dessert, or in cocktails |
| Volume | 300ml |
| Origin | Wakayama, Japan |
What makes the red umeshu different from the white?
Style and colour. The white (Shiro) is the rich, rounded, all-purpose classic. This red (Aka) is lighter, brighter and more delicate, with a brilliant red colour that makes it especially good-looking in the glass and a natural match for desserts and lighter food. Same fruit, same strength, different mood.
What food does it pair with?
Its light, bright character leans towards the sweeter end of the table: fresh fruit, sorbets, light puddings and cheese, as well as delicate savoury dishes. Served over ice or with soda it also makes a pretty, refreshing aperitif. Save the richer pairings for the white.
How should I store it?
Keep it out of direct sunlight and heat. Umeshu is stable thanks to its sugar and alcohol, so it does not need refrigerating before opening, though it is lovely chilled. Once open, keep the cap on and use within a few months for the freshest colour and flavour; refrigerating after opening helps preserve it.
SKU : H0076