Nakata, Shiro Classic Umeshu (White Plum Wine), 300ml
The Flagship Plum Wine from Japan's Leading Ume House
Nakata Foods has been the heart of Japan's ume country for over 120 years, and Shiro Classic is its flagship umeshu, the one to start with. Made from tree-ripened Nanko ume, the prized Wakayama plum, and local spring water, it has a rich, fragrant aroma and a round, full fruitiness carried by ume's natural acidity. Sweet but balanced, it is the most versatile bottle in the range, at home alongside almost any dish, sweet or savoury, and just as good on the rocks before or after a meal.
Why People Choose This
- The flagship: Nakata's signature umeshu and the natural place to start
- Tree-ripened Nanko ume: Wakayama's premier plum, the benchmark for umeshu
- Rich, rounded fruit: fragrant aroma with ume's natural acidity for balance
- Endlessly versatile: pairs with most dishes, sweet or savoury
How to Serve
- On the rocks: the classic way, over a large ice cube
- With soda: topped with soda for a lighter, longer aperitif
- Chilled and neat: as a dessert pour or digestif
- In cocktails: a fruity, sweet base for mixed drinks
梅酒 — Umeshu, and Wakayama's ume country
Umeshu is made by steeping ume, the Japanese plum, in alcohol with sugar, and the fruit decides everything. 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, and works the fruit from its own region. Shiro means "white", the clear, classic style: this is umeshu at its most traditional and complete.
Also in this size: 180ml and 720ml.
The wider Nakata range: Aka (red), Yuzu, Peach and Apple umeshu.
How should I drink umeshu?
However you like, which is part of its charm. Most people serve it on the rocks, where the ice slowly opens the fruit; topped with soda it becomes a long, refreshing aperitif; neat and chilled it works as a dessert wine or after-dinner digestif. It also makes an excellent cocktail base. At 12% it sits between a wine and a spirit in strength, so it is easy to drink and easy to mix.
Product Details
| Type | 梅酒 — Umeshu (ume / plum liqueur), white classic style |
| Maker | Nakata Foods (founded 1897), Tanabe, Wakayama |
| Fruit | Tree-ripened Nanko ume (Wakayama) |
| ABV | 12% |
| Character | Rich aroma, rounded sweet-tart fruit, versatile |
| Serve | On the rocks, with soda, chilled neat, or in cocktails |
| Volume | 300ml |
| Origin | Wakayama, Japan |
What is the difference between the white and red umeshu?
The white (Shiro) is the classic, all-purpose style: rich, rounded and versatile, good with almost anything. The red (Aka) is brighter and lighter in style, with a brilliant red colour, leaning towards lighter dishes and desserts. Start with the white if you want the definitive Nakata umeshu; reach for the red when you want something lighter and more decorative.
What is Nanko ume?
Nanko is the most prized variety of Japanese ume, grown in Kishu (Wakayama), with thick, soft flesh and a fine fragrance. It is the benchmark fruit for both umeboshi and umeshu, and using tree-ripened Nanko ume gives a fuller, more aromatic, more rounded liqueur than firmer, early-picked plums.
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 many prefer it chilled. Once open, keep the cap on and use within a few months for the freshest flavour; refrigerating after opening helps preserve its aromatics.
SKU : H0075