The Art of Ohtsu Yakitori and Wine Pairing

In Ohtsu City, Shiga Prefecture, located by the beautiful Lake Biwa, we daily pursue the profound world of 'Ohtsu Yakitori'. Our skilled artisans carefully grill each skewer of fresh, meticulously selected Omi chicken over Binchotan charcoal, delighting many gourmets with its fragrant crispness and juiciness. However, with the strong image of 'yakitori with beer or sake' firmly rooted, we propose another ultimate pairing: the mariage of 'yakitori and wine'.

Wine and yakitori might seem like an unusual combination. Yet, the diverse flavors and aromas of wine harmonize surprisingly well with the unique characteristics of each yakitori cut, the smoky aroma of charcoal, and the deep umami, bringing out the best in both. In this column, we offer practical information to all who love Ohtsu Yakitori, from the basics of wine pairing to specific combinations with our specialty skewers. So, why not open the door to a never-before-experienced world of taste woven by Ohtsu Yakitori and wine?

Why Ohtsu Yakitori and Wine Now?

Yakitori, precisely because of its simplicity, is a deeply profound dish. The cut of chicken, seasoning, and grilling method alone can create myriad expressions. In particular, Ohtsu Yakitori, made with Omi chicken nurtured by the rich nature of Lake Biwa, is characterized by its fine texture, rich flavor, and just the right amount of tenderness. When combined with the far-infrared effects of Binchotan charcoal, the result is a crispy exterior and a plump, juicy interior, adding a unique fragrance.

However, many customers might think, 'For yakitori, first quench your thirst with beer, then savor it slowly with sake.' Of course, that is also one of the great pleasures of yakitori. Yet, with the recent spread of wine culture and the exploration of pairings with various dishes, the excellent compatibility of yakitori and wine is being re-evaluated. Elements such as wine's acidity, tannins, fruitiness, and minerality intertwine with yakitori's savory fat, fragrant crispness, and the delicate flavor of chicken, enhancing each other's qualities and leading to completely new discoveries and impressions. Wine pairing, which draws out the new appeal of Ohtsu Yakitori, can truly be called a culinary adventure.

• A Challenge to Taste Diversity: The type of wine that suits yakitori varies widely depending on the cut and seasoning (salt, sauce, etc.). Enjoying this diversity is the true pleasure of wine pairing.
• Pursuit of New Gastronomic Experiences: Trying unusual combinations can break existing notions and lead to new taste discoveries. Our special Awazucho Yakitori, in particular, further deepens its flavor when paired with wine.
• An Element to Liven Up Conversation: The time spent discussing 'this wine goes well with this yakitori' with friends and family enriches the enjoyment of the meal even more.

Omi Chicken Skewers and Wine: Maximizing Shiga's Bounty

Omi chicken, a brand chicken proudly boasted by Shiga Prefecture, is characterized by its fine texture, moderate chewiness, and deep umami. Omi chicken skewers served as Binchotan Yakitori are truly a masterpiece that condenses these charms. How should we combine this richly flavored Omi chicken with wine to create the perfect harmony?

The Umami of Thigh Meat and Wine Mariage

Omi chicken thigh meat is characterized by its juicy fat and rich umami. For thigh meat simply seasoned with salt, full-bodied white wines or light-bodied red wines are an excellent match. For example, a barrel-aged Chardonnay, with its complex aroma and richness, harmonizes with the fat of the thigh meat, further enhancing the umami that spreads in the mouth. Also, a fruity red wine like Pinot Noir combines with the umami of the thigh meat, leaving a light finish without feeling heavy.

• White Wine (Chardonnay, Koshu, etc.): Envelops the fat and umami of the thigh meat, creating complex flavors.
• Red Wine (Pinot Noir, Gamay, etc.): A light astringency tightens the richness of the thigh meat, balancing the overall profile.
• Rosé Wine: The best of both white and red. Easy to pair with any dish, and an outstanding match for thigh meat.

The Delicacy of Tenderloin/Breast Meat and Wine Harmony

The tenderloin (sashimi) and breast meat of Omi chicken are appealing for their delicate and elegant taste. Though lean, the intrinsic umami of the chicken is concentrated, allowing for enjoyment with various seasonings. For such delicate parts, white wines with refreshing acidity and minerality, or sparkling wines are ideal.

For example, a fresh white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, with its herbaceous aroma and crisp acidity, enhances the umami of tenderloin skewers squeezed with lemon. Furthermore, for breast meat wrapped with plum and shiso, wines made to complement Japanese cuisine, such as Japanese Koshu wine, harmonize with its delicate flavor, providing a pleasant finish.

1. Sauvignon Blanc: Its fresh herbaceous aroma and refreshing acidity enhance the delicate umami of the tenderloin.
2. Koshu Wine: Its gentle taste, familiar to Japanese cuisine, complements the delicate flavor of breast meat.
3. Sparkling Wine: Fine bubbles refresh the palate, allowing the umami of the chicken to be clearly perceived.

Wines to Enhance the Fragrance of Binchotan Yakitori

Our Ohtsu Yakitori is grilled meticulously, skewer by skewer, by artisans using carefully selected Binchotan charcoal. The strong heat of Binchotan not only quickly sears the chicken's surface, locking in its umami, but also creates a unique fragrance and smoky flavor. This fragrance is a crucial element in wine pairing.

Charcoal Aroma and Wine Harmony

The distinctive fragrance of Binchotan Yakitori can carry nuances similar to smoked food. For skewers with such an aroma, light-bodied red wines or slightly aged white wines surprisingly match well. The barrel aging aromas and complex flavors of the wine blend with the charcoal fragrance, creating a deep harmony in the mouth.

• Pinot Noir: Its elegant fruitiness and delicate aroma envelop the smoky fragrance of charcoal, creating complex flavors.
• Barrel-aged Chardonnay: The barrel-derived fragrance of the wine synchronizes with the charcoal aroma of the yakitori, bringing depth to the flavor.
• Medium-bodied red wines like Grenache or Shiraz: Wines with a slightly spicy nuance pair well with the charcoal flavor and stimulate the appetite.

Tare Yakitori and Wine Combinations

Binchotan Yakitori coated in a sweet and savory secret tare (sauce) is also an excellent dish for wine pairing. For the richness and umami of the tare, fruity red wines or slightly sweet rosé wines are recommended. The fruitiness of the wine enhances the sweetness of the tare, while its acidity refreshes the palate.

1. Merlot: Its soft texture and rich fruitiness beautifully harmonize with the sweet and savory tare.
2. Zinfandel: A good balance of spice and fruitiness enhances the complex flavors of tare yakitori.
3. Sweet Rosé Wine: While complementing the sweetness of the tare, its refreshing acidity cleanses the aftertaste.

General Skewers and Wine: Diverse Ways to Enjoy

At Ohtsu Yakitori specialty shops, a wide variety of skewers are offered, including seasonal vegetables and pork, not just chicken. These diverse skewers can also further deepen their appeal with the right wine pairing. Here are tips for choosing wine when enjoying various skewers at once.

Fresh Encounter of Vegetable Skewers and Wine

Vegetable skewers meticulously grilled over Binchotan charcoal are appealing for their juiciness and the inherent sweetness of the vegetables. By choosing wines that match the individuality of each vegetable—such as bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, leeks, and asparagus—new discoveries can be made.

• Stuffed Bell Pepper with Meat: For a skewer where the umami of meat and the bitterness of bell pepper harmonize, light-bodied red wines or rosé wines are a good match.
• Shiitake Mushroom Skewer: The unique fragrant umami of shiitake mushrooms benefits from a Pinot Noir with earthy nuances or a barrel-aged white wine, adding depth.
• Leek Skewer: For sweetly grilled and fragrant leeks, dry white wines or slightly sweet Gewürztraminer can be enjoyed as an unexpected combination.

Pork Belly and Specialty Skewers with Wine

Skewers other than chicken are also one of the delights of Ohtsu Yakitori. In particular, juicy pork belly skewers and specialty skewers combined with cheese or mentaiko (spicy cod roe) further enhance their appeal when paired with wine.

1. Pork Belly Skewer: The sweet fat and umami of pork pair powerfully with slightly heavier red wines such as Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon.
2. Cheese Skewers: The richness of melted cheese pairs well with rich white wines or sparkling wines like Champagne, which refresh the palate while enhancing the cheese flavor.
3. Tsukune (with egg yolk): For rich egg yolk and juicy tsukune, mellow red wines or slightly sweet white wines enhance each other's flavors.

The Unexpected Encounter of Hakata Mizutaki and Wine

Although primarily an Ohtsu Yakitori restaurant, another signature dish beloved by many customers is our authentic Hakata Mizutaki. The amber-colored soup, rich with concentrated chicken umami, plump chicken, and abundant vegetables, might seem distant from wine. However, an unexpected pairing truly exists that shows wonderful compatibility with certain wines.

The Umami of Dashi and Wine Harmony

The essence of Hakata Mizutaki lies in its clear yet deeply flavorful soup, extracted from chicken carefully simmered for a long time. The key is to choose wines that don't overpower this delicate and rich dashi flavor, but rather enhance it.

• Dry White Wine (Koshu, Muscadet, etc.): Mineral-rich and with refreshing acidity, dry white wines allow the delicate umami of mizutaki to be clearly perceived and cleanse the palate cleanly.
• Sparkling Wine: Fine bubbles refresh the palate, adding a textural accent while enhancing the chicken flavor. Especially Brut (dry) type Champagne or sparkling wines are ideal as an aperitif.
• Rosé Wine: Fruity yet with moderate acidity, rosé wines gently envelop the umami of the mizutaki broth and the sweetness of the vegetables, creating a balanced pairing.

Pairing with Ponzu and Condiments

Hakata Mizutaki is generally enjoyed with special ponzu sauce and condiments like yuzu kosho. The addition of these acidic and spicy elements changes the wine pairing dynamics. Choosing wine with the intention of using condiments is also a new way to enjoy mizutaki and wine.

1. Pairing with Ponzu: Ponzu, characterized by its citrus aroma, pairs well with white wines with fresh acidity or dry sparkling wines. The wine's acidity blends with the ponzu flavor, creating a refreshing taste.
2. Pairing with Yuzu Kosho: For yuzu kosho, with its subtle spiciness and yuzu aroma, fruity white wines or rosé wines are recommended. The wine's mellowness softens the spiciness while creating a fragrant harmony.
3. The Pleasure of Changing Wine Mid-Meal: Instead of drinking the same wine from start to finish like a mizutaki course, you can have a deeper experience by changing wines—for example, starting with a delicate white wine to enjoy the dashi's umami, then moving to a slightly richer rosé wine to savor the evolving flavors of the ingredients later on.

Practical Guide to Wine Selection at an Ohtsu Yakitori Restaurant

Now, we have introduced various pairings of Ohtsu Yakitori and wine. But how should you choose wine when you actually visit a restaurant like our Awazucho Yakitori establishment? Here are practical tips for wine selection that even first-time wine pairing adventurers can enjoy with confidence.

Utilizing the Wine List and Consulting Staff

At our restaurant, we have carefully selected a variety of wines that pair well with Ohtsu Yakitori and compiled them into a wine list. The wine list includes information on each wine's origin, grape variety, and flavor characteristics, so please refer to it first to find wines that suit your taste.

However, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of wines. In such cases, please do not hesitate to ask our staff. Our sommelier and knowledgeable wine staff will suggest the perfect bottle to match your preferences and the type of skewers you will be enjoying that day. For example, you might ask questions like these:

• 'I'd like to eat a lot of light Omi chicken tenderloin skewers today, what kind of white wine would go well?'
• 'Do you have any red wines that enhance the fragrance of Binchotan Yakitori?'
• 'I'm looking for a fruity wine that pairs well with sweet and savory tare-grilled skewers.'
• 'Do you have a refreshing sparkling wine that can be enjoyed with Hakata Mizutaki?'

By conveying a specific image, it becomes easier for our staff to help you find the best wine. You don't need to be a wine expert. Together with us, let's discover your favorite combination of Ohtsu Yakitori and wine.

How to Pair Wine with Course Meals

To fully enjoy Ohtsu Yakitori, we also recommend our course meals, featuring seasonal skewers carefully selected by our artisans. When ordering a course meal, you have the option of choosing a single wine that can be enjoyed throughout the entire course, or opting for a pairing course that allows you to savor several types of wine in small quantities.

At our restaurant, we also offer pairing plans where our sommelier selects wines tailored to the content of the course meal. The encounter with wines that maximize the individuality of each yakitori skewer will be a truly blissful experience.

1. Choosing a single wine to enjoy throughout: Considering the overall balance of the course, a medium-bodied red wine or rosé wine that pairs relatively well with any skewer would be a good choice.
2. Utilizing a pairing course: By enjoying several wines in small quantities, you can deeply savor the mariage with each yakitori skewer. New discoveries are guaranteed.
3. Sharing with friends: When visiting with multiple people, ordering one white wine and one red wine and discussing their compatibility with each other's skewers is also an enjoyable method.

Conclusion: New Impressions Woven by Ohtsu Yakitori and Wine

Through this column, we hope you have felt the infinite possibilities of Ohtsu Yakitori, and especially how profound and enjoyable wine pairing can be. From the rich umami of Omi chicken, the fragrance of Binchotan Yakitori, a wide variety of skewers, to the surprising compatibility with Hakata Mizutaki—when each individuality meets wine, new impressions are born.

Put aside the common notion of 'beer with Ohtsu Yakitori' for a moment and embark on a new culinary adventure. Our Awazucho Yakitori will be the perfect stage for taking that step. Don't worry if you're not confident in your wine knowledge. Our experienced staff will suggest the optimal pairing tailored to each customer, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Please come and enjoy a blissful time woven by Ohtsu Yakitori and wine with your loved ones, friends, or family at our restaurant. We sincerely look forward to your visit.