The words “純米吟醸 (junmai ginjo)” on a sake label show that the sake was made only from rice, rice koji (kome koji, 米麹) and water, with at least 40% of the outer part of the rice polished away, by “ginjo brewing (ginjo-zukuri, 吟醸造り)”, in which the sake is fermented slowly at a low temperature. It is one of the special designations (tokutei meisho, 特定名称) set by national standards. The special designations as a whole are explained on the Types of sake page.
Conditions for junmai ginjo-shu
| Item | Condition |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Rice, rice koji (no brewer’s alcohol added) |
| Rice polishing | At least 40% of the outer rice polished away (rice polishing ratio of 60% or less) |
| Brewing method | Ginjo brewing |
| Rice used for the rice koji | At least 15% of the weight of the rice used as an ingredient |
| Aroma and taste | A distinctive aroma and taste, with good color and luster |
The two conditions: “junmai” and “ginjo”
The name junmai ginjo-shu combines two conditions.
- Junmai (純米): No brewer’s alcohol (jozo alcohol, 醸造アルコール) has been added. → Junmai-shu
- Ginjo (吟醸): At least 40% of the outer rice has been polished away, and the sake is made by ginjo brewing. → Ginjo-shu
Ginjo brewing is a method in which well-polished rice is fermented slowly at a low temperature so that a distinctive aroma called “ginko (吟香)” develops.
How it differs from similar names
| Name | Brewer’s alcohol | Rice polishing |
|---|---|---|
| Ginjo-shu | A small amount is added | At least 40% of the outer rice polished away |
| Junmai ginjo-shu | Not added | At least 40% of the outer rice polished away |
| Junmai daiginjo-shu | Not added | At least half of the outer rice polished away |
Telling them apart on the label
| Label entry | For junmai ginjo-shu |
|---|---|
| 原材料名 (ingredients) | 米、米こうじ (rice, rice koji) |
| 精米歩合 (rice polishing ratio) | A figure of 60% or less |
On sake with a special designation, the rice polishing ratio (seimai buai, 精米歩合) is written right next to the list of ingredients. Even under the same brewery or the same brand name, the special designation differs from product to product. When you buy, please check the label of each bottle.