Vin et Sake Nature - Pillariwine Co., Ltd.

We're Open Today 25th(Thu) July 2024, 1230-1930
Wine and sake taste delicious when served here (in our shop). We think so ourselves, and many customers tell us the same. What needs to be done to enjoy wine deliciously isn't difficult. To put it simply, it's these four things: 1) Allow the wine to settle sufficiently, 2) Appropriate temperature, 3) Appropriate glass, 4) Handle carefully by hand.
"1)" doesn't mean aging for a long period and opening at the peak of maturation. There may be various opinions, but I believe wine can be enjoyed at any stage. Right after release, 1 year later, 3 years later, 5 years later, 10 years later, 20 years later—each stage is enjoyable, and it's not easy to accurately target uncorking a bottle at its peak.
What "1)" means is to allow the liquid, which has been shaken during transportation and movement, to settle by standing the bottle upright in a quiet environment. (We do this based on our experiential intuition, but there are also someone's scientific experimental papers available online if you're interested in looking into them.)
"2)" Temperature and "3)" Glass choice are easy to understand, but many people even consider "1)" and "4)" to be superstitions because they can't be understood in terms of shape or numerical values. However, "1)" is the major premise for the subsequent "2)", "3)", and "4)". If this conditioning of the wine isn't properly done, the wine won't taste delicious—regardless of whether the temperature is appropriate, whether you use a high-quality and suitably shaped wine glass, or whether it's a flower day, a fruit day, or even under a full moon.
Normally, we spend at least one month from the arrival (import by boat) before displaying the wine in the shop, and we also recommend that customers stand the bottle upright in their cellar for a week after receiving it to allow it to settle.

We're Open Today 24th(Wed) July 2024, 1230-1930
Always starting with the same opening, but Hong Kong is particularly hot this year! Thank you for visiting our shop despite the heat. As a result, summer sake is selling like hotcakes, but interestingly, we're also noticing a quiet boom in aged Japanese sake, which is enjoying steady popularity. Of course, this is to be expected since we're probably the only company in Hong Kong that specializes in such aged Japanese sake.
This time, San-in Togo appears after quite a while.
In 2021, due to a series of internal issues, Fukura Brewery was forced to change its brewing direction, resulting in the discontinuation of the San-in Togo series. As a consequence, existing bottles of San-in Togo have now become extremely valuable.
#夏 #山陰東郷

We're Open Today 20th(Sat) July 2024, 1230-1930
Yesterday, our online shop was unable to operate, but it seems this was due to the impact of a global system outage. For a moment, we were a bit excited, thinking that AI had rebelled against humanity and launched an attack sooner than expected, but it appears it wasn't anything that serious. Our online shop was restored early this morning. Our Central store is also operating as usual.

#夏

We're Open Today 19th(Fri) July 2024, 1230-1930

Our online shop is currently experiencing connectivity issues. However, the Central shop is open and operating as usual.

The most important aspect of enjoying Japanese cuisine and sake - appreciating the sense of seasons - seems to have gradually gained acceptance in Hong Kong, with summer sake being particularly popular this year.
However, summer sake doesn't mean sake made in summer. Most small-production Japanese sake, crafted by skilled artisans, is produced in winter and released in different versions throughout the seasons. Summer sake is specifically crafted and released for the summer season, emphasizing a crisp and refreshing taste.
Additionally, drinking cloudy sake (Nigori) in summer has been a tradition since the Edo period. The idea is to consume nutritious cloudy sake for summer nourishment. Given Hong Kong's particularly hot weather this year, cloudy sake is highly recommended for this reason as well.

#夏

We're Open Today 17th(Wed) July 2024, 1230-1930
We have just released back vintages of Nicolas Joly's Les Vieux Clos. All bottles are sourced directly from the domaine as usual.
Les Vieux Clos - a massal selection from the oldest vines (1920) of Coulée de Serrant, produces the finest Chenin Blanc with botrytis from the world's finest biodynamic vineyards. The vineyards of Coulée de Serrant and Les Vieux Clos are located on the same hill, differing only in the direction of their slopes. Les Vieux Clos faces the Loire River. The grapevines are planted on a rather steep slope.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/naturalwine_nicolas_joly_coulee_de_serrant_s/1897.htm

We're Open Today 13th(Sat) July 2024, 1230-1930
Yesterday, Hong Kong experienced unstable weather with heavy rain and scorching heat alternating, but today it's been consistently sweltering since morning.
Recently, one of the most popular purchases among our international customers has been Rosé d'un Jour. Needless to say, this is considered one of the world's top rosé wines, as well as 2023 will be its final vintage - they have already stopped production. Maybe this is one of the reasons foreign visitors are motivated to buy it. Well, all that aside, this wine is delicious regardless of any reasoning, so please do give it a try.
The photo shows the 2022 vintage and ut us available in the shop. The 2023 vintage is on the way to Hong Kong and is expected to arrive in late August.

We're Open Today 11th(Thu) July 2024, 1230-1930
Abekan Goldfish OUT NOW.
The taste matches its appearance with a refreshing soda-like quality, a crisp adult dryness, and a pleasant drinkability that makes you want to keep drinking. The label design is different from last year for both the 720ml and 1800ml.
Recently, it's the French who frequently buy sake at our shop. They don't seek out rare items or revere daiginjo with extremely low polishing ratios. It seems they're looking for something similar to the rosé wine they drink during lunch or apéro time at cafés or homes in their country. While Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and France each have their own drinking cultures and manners, we're pleased that they're enjoying Yukiotoko Cupzaké or Abekan Goldfish in a french way, without hustling too much. We think that's very natural and cool.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/sake_abekan_s/2784.htm
#阿部勘 #金魚 #夏

We're Open Today 9th(Tue) July 2024, 1230-1930
Miwa Brewery presents a summer masterpiece, expressing 'summer refreshment' through their sophisticated Kimoto brewing method!
"Summer Kimoto Junmai" is made with 100% locally grown Hattan-Nishiki rice, without added cultured yeast. The rice polishing ratio for this saké has improved to 72% (up from 70% last year) by Shin-Gin method. According to Mr. Miwa himself, they aimed to express a lighter feel. However, the flavor remains incredibly rich, with high concentration that doesn't feel heavy. The signature refreshing quality of Shinrai is in full force. Since this brewery aligns with our company's preferences to begin with, the saké quality is robust with a straight backbone. So you can imagine it's not what you'd call a light or weak saké.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/sake_shinrai_s/2291.htm
#三輪酒造 #風鈴 #神雷 #夏酒 #夏 #生酛

We're Open Today 8th(Mon) July 2024, 1230-1930
Hong Kong is typically hot almost all year round, but this summer in HK has been unusually hot. In the midst of this heat, Abekan Goldfish has just arrived.
I personally seldom desire cold sake even in summertime, but Goldfish is a different story. The taste matches its appearance with a refreshing soda-like quality, a crisp adult dryness, and a pleasant drinkability that makes you want to keep drinking.
#阿部勘 #金魚 #夏酒 #夏

We're Open Today 5th(Fri) July 2024, 1230-1930
Our shop is far from being a comprehensive wine shop. For example, we don’t have any champagne from big maisons, nor do we have any Chablis (world most famous name of wine). We also don’t have any Medoc classified growth. It’s not that we dislike such wines, it’s just that we haven’t had the chance to actively stock them in our shop at this time. We have sold them in the past, of course. Given this situation, you might be surprised to see the bottle of Dominus, but this is a wine that we have been selling for a relatively long time in our company’s history of over ten years, and it happens to be our only Cabernet Sauvignon wine at this moment. Although we’re not very familiar with California wines, we well understand that this is one of the highest quality wines in the world.

We're Open Today 3rd(Wed) July 2024, 1230-1930
We released three cuvées, from No.12 to No.14 two weeks ago, and we are going to release another batch of three cuvées : No.15, No.16, and No.17. ‘Kimoto-no-dobu’ is an ultimate kimoto cloudy saké, made by a complete fermentation process. It has a creamy texture, pure rich umami, and a refreshing dry finish. Regarding the differences in BY or tank number, some people ask, ‘What’s the meaning of difference?’ But that’s a baffling question for us. It’s the same as coming to a wine shop and asking about the meaning of differences between various vintages or lieux-dits. On the other hand, if you find meaning and value in the vintage of wine and the difference in lieux-dits, you should be able to approach these saké easily. Whether it’s wine or sake, we won’t understand anything unless we drink it. Many people like to discuss specifications and evaluations before drinking, but the conversation should start after the first glass. Of course, we understand that you don’t want to buy the wrong thing or something that doesn’t taste good. Don't worry, we can guarantee that Kimoto-no-Dobu is incredibly high quality and delicious at least.

New Arrival Part-2
[B425] 仕15号 +17 R5BY(2023) 1800ml[NEW]
[B426] 仕16号 +18 R5BY(2023) 1800ml[NEW]
[B427] 仕17号 +16 R5BY(2023) 1800ml[NEW]

New Arrival Part-1
[B422] 仕12号 +12 R5BY(2023) 1800ml[NEW]
[B423] 仕13号 +16 R5BY(2023) 1800ml[NEW]
[B424] 仕14号 +17 R5BY(2023) 1800ml[NEW]

Also Available
[A590] 仕14号 +15 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[A591] 仕15号 +14 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[A592] 仕16号 +16 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[A593] 仕19号 +18 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[A594] 仕20号 +17 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[4757] 仕7号 +11 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[4758] 仕8号 +14 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[4759] 仕9号 +14 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[4760] 仕10号 +15 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[4761] 仕11号 +16 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[A154] 仕13号 +14 R1BY(2019) 1800ml
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/sake_kubohonke_kimotonodobu_suiryuu_s/2310.htm
#生酛のどぶ #久保本家酒造

We're Open Today 1st(Mon) July 2024, 1230-1930
Greetings from quiet village on 1st July. We're open today, please stop by to cool off.

We're Open Today 29th(Sat) June 2024, 1230-1930
And We're Open On Monday 1st July 2024, 1230-1930

Grab a Yukiotoko Cupzaké and have a table on the street. It’s one of 50 ways to enjoy a Hong Kong summer night.
Hong Kong is a BYO-friendly place. Especially in such casual restaurants where they don’t stock wine or sake, they allow you to bring your own without hesitation. The corkage fee is almost nothing, so don’t forget to tip the staff.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/sake_kakurei_bokushi_s/2250.htm

#雪男 #青木酒造 #純米酒 #大排檔

We're Open Today 28th(Fri) June 2024, 1230-1930
DRINK MORE CAMPAIGN - we realised that many people who see this think it’s a promotion where buying a lot of CHAMPAGNE makes it cheaper. Indeed, the spelling of CAMPAIGN and CHAMPAGNE is similar. In fact, our shop has previously run a promotion with a pun-like title called CHAMPAGNE CAMPAIGN ha ha.
The DRINK MORE CAMPAIGN includes all products such as Wine, Champagne, Saké, Whiskey, Marc, and Grappa.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/

We're Open Today 27th(Thu) June 2024, 1230-1930

Over the past few years, Miwa Brewery has been carefully transitioning to Kimoto brewing and ambient yeast fermentation. Until now, they have only produced seasonal edition and experimental cuvées by Kimoto method, but they have finally converted their flagship - Black Label Junmai-Ginjou to Kimoto brewing. Although it is not stated on the label, no yeast is added.

We think Miwa Brewery is quite fortunate. This is because they have achieved such a beautiful finish using their own ambient yeast. The ‘refreshing flavour and rice umami’ of Shinrai is wonderfully embodied. The sharp aftertaste, a trademark of the Black Label’s neat style, has also brushed-up. For those who have been drinking the Jinseki-Kougen series and recent Summer Kimoto-Junmai, this release may be a milestone-like that clearly illustrates the history of the Kimoto project so far and the intentions of Mr. Miwa, the Toji and owner of Miwa-Shuzou.

Locally grown Senbon-Nishiki 100%, rice polishing rate : 55%, Junmai-Ginjou.

#生酛 #純米吟醸 #三輪酒造 #神雷 #日本酒 #広島

We're Open Today 25th(Tue) June 2024, 1230-1930
Thank you for coming despite the heat day after day. The ‘Drink More Campaign(up to 15% off)’ is also popular, and many items are sold out one after another, but stocks are being supplied to the store continuously, so please come by to cool off.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/

We're Open Today 21st(Fri) June 2024, 1230-1930

Although the number is decreasing year by year, when you think of Hong Kong specialties, it’s street stalls. A well-chilled Cupzaké(Cup saké) on a hot summer night is the best!

Lately, the best-selling item in our store in terms of quantity is this Cupzaké. Its convenience allows you to enjoy it anytime, anywhere. The cup, a great invention from Japan, is highly functional and can enjoy both warm and cold saké. The saké inside is a masterpiece of Niigata’s dry Junmai -Shu : Yukiotoko.

Perhaps some of you may associate Cupzaké, Kanzaké(warmed saké), or Al-ten(alcohol-added saké) with cheap, low-quality liquor. However, this is a misunderstanding stemming from biased information. Especially, the saké we carry does not fit this description at all, so please rest assured. This Yukiotoko-Cup is also of very high quality.

https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/sake_kakurei_bokushi_s/2250.htm
#雪男 #青木酒造 #純米酒

We're Open Today 19th(Wed) June 2024, 1230-1930

The long-awaited ‘Kimoto-no- Dobu’ new BY has arrived. We have received six cuvées from No.12 to No.17, we will first release the three cuvées, No.12, No.13, and No.14.

"Kimoto-no-dobu" is an ultimate kimoto cloudy saké made by complete fermentation process. Creamy, pure rich umami with refreshing dry finish. All 3 cuvées, from No.12 to No.14, are made with the same set : Oumi Nipponbare(Kakemai) 75% + Awa Yamada-Nishiki(Koujimai) 25% / Rice polishing rate Kakemai 60% Koujimai 65%.

You may like sake, but there might be some who have no idea what “Vin et Saké Nature” is selling! Indeed, this sequence of numbers is not friendly for beginners, but please try to remember that you were able to memorize the name and location of the lieux-dits of major appellations in Côte de Nuits. You will get used to it quickly once you gain a little experience. Don't think too much, just try drinking it first!

New Arrival
[B422] 仕12号 +12 R5BY(2023) 1800ml[NEW]
[B423] 仕13号 +16 R5BY(2023) 1800ml[NEW]
[B424] 仕14号 +17 R5BY(2023) 1800ml[NEW]

Also Available
[A590] 仕14号 +15 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[A591] 仕15号 +14 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[A592] 仕16号 +16 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[A593] 仕19号 +18 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[A594] 仕20号 +17 R4BY(2022) 1800ml
[4757] 仕7号 +11 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[4758] 仕8号 +14 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[4759] 仕9号 +14 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[4760] 仕10号 +15 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[4761] 仕11号 +16 R3BY(2021) 1800ml
[A154] 仕13号 +14 R1BY(2019) 1800ml

https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/sake_kubohonke_kimotonodobu_suiryuu_s/2310.htm
#生酛のどぶ #久保本家酒造

We're Open Today 15th(Sat) June 2024, 1230-1930
Drink More Campaign - Wine & Saké UP to 15% OFF
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/

We're Open Today 13th(Thu) June 2024, 1230-1930

We thought it might be a bit early for the second release of the 2019 red and the 2020 Aligoté, but due to a great number of requests for Aligoté (2021's been sold out), we decided to re-release three cuvées. We also have two reds from 2019 vintage. In particular, the Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes, which is being released for the first time apart from the En Primeur Offer. This cuvée was mistaken for Corton Bressandes Grand Cru by William Kelley of Robert Parker .com, who wrote a review about it. Indeed, it’s shockingly delicious, so don’t miss out.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/naturalwine_chantereves_s/2109.htm

We're Open Today 10th(Mon) June 2024, 1230-1930

Among the various aged Japanese saké, the pinnacle is this ‘Suiryu’ (Sleeping Dragon). In the first place, regardless of whether it’s aged or young, Kubo-Honke-Shuzo’s saké is truly outstanding. "Suiryuu" represents aged saké, Kimoto-no-Dobu for cloudy saké, and Hatsugasumi is a heal and relax saké that you’d want to drink anytime - they are exceptional presence in their respective genres.

The good thing is that the Kubo-Honke-Shuzo’s saké pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of Chinese cuisine. In fact, it might be even better suited for Chinese dishes than for Japanese cuisine.

https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/sake_kubohonke_kimotonodobu_suiryuu_s/2310.htm

We're Open Today 8th(Sat) June 2024, 1230-1930
10th(Mon) : Open
11th(Tue) : Open
12th(Wed) : Open

We're Open Today 6th(Thu) June 2024, 1230-1930

Château Bélair-Monange - although this name has been in use since 2008, therefore perhaps its recognition is not as high as that of long-established châteaux, Château Bélair-Monange is one of the most special and important wine that composes our portfolio as a finest wine from Bordeaux region. It's absolutely fantastic(even counting my strong bias to this wine)! We have just released En Primeurs 2023, 2022 and stock in France 2021 and 2020.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/bordeaux_belair_monange_jpm_moueix_saint_emilion_s/2848.htm
Back vintages 2014 - 2019 are also imeediate available in Hong Kong.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/bordeaux_belair_monange_jpm_moueix_saint_emilion_s/2847.htm

Château Bélair-Monange was born from the merge of the vineyards of Châteaux Bélair and Magdelaine, both historic First Classified Growths of Saint-Émilion. Tracing its origins back to Roman times, the vineyard of Château Bélair is situated at the highest point of Saint-Émilion’s famed limestone plateau(adjacent to Ausone), and thus, as might have been supposed, this is the best possible terroir in Saint-Émilion. Château Magdelaine, a contiguous cru acquired in 1952, has always been renowned for the remarkable elegance of its wines. Château Bélair-Monange expresses the unique style of the greatest parcels of these two complementary terroirs.

We're Open Today 5th(Wed) June 2024, 1230-1930

Among the Kakurei RAW series, the most popular is this Yamada-Nishiki 50 Junmai Ginjou. Previously released Yamada-Nishiki 65 was excellent, so we had high expectations for 50, and it exceeded our expectations. Now we could see almost full picture of R5BY Kakurei. It's nearly 10 years since the starting the business with Aoki Shuzo, it feels like R5BY is a significant turning point in their sake making, and seems that is successful so far.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/sake_kakurei_bokushi_s/2250.htm

We're Open Today 1st(Sat) June 2024, 1230-1930

It’s June. Hong Kong is under a typhoon signal. There was a trend of drinking wine on full moon nights in Japan. In Hong Kong, wine during approaching typhoons is an exciting choice. Of course, during a direct hit from a large typhoon, safety should be the top priority, (and wine is not the best idea, rather better forget it).

While a typhoon is approaching from the South China Sea, wines obviously show different expression. (I’ve never experienced anything going in a negative direction, by the way). It’s natural, considering a huge mass of energy is coming our way. Among the wines on our shelves, both Nicolas Joly and Hervé Jestin stand out. They are both ultimate biodynamic wines, so it’s no surprise. If you’re wondering what sets them apart from others, it’s hard to explain unless you regularly drink these wines. But don't worry, you can try the favourite one you drink regularly in this period, then that will help you understand what's happening and that it’s not about the taste getting better or worse, you will see the wine responds to energy force and comes alive.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/naturalwine_nicolas_joly_coulee_de_serrant_s/1897.htm

We're Open Today 31st(Fri) May 2024, 1230-1930
Vinexpo has ended, and our regular business hours have resumed. With fewer visitors, you can enjoy leisurely shopping again. We’ve brought out magnum bottles from our cellar stock. Château La Fleur Pétrus, Château Hosanna, Château Bélair-Monange, Château Trotanoy, and Château Latour À Pomerol from the 2014 to 2016 vintages are available on our shelves. For these years, we’ve bottled all En Primeurs allocations in magnum format.

We're Open Today 30th(Thu) May 2024, 1430-1930
Note That We Open Late

We're Open Today 29th(Wed) May 2024, 1230-1930
Vinexpo HK is back! It's hot, but not much rain. I hope they have many visitors and could entertain many people with good show. Our shop is open today as usual, 1230-1930.

Cupzaké(Cup saké) is one of Japan’s great inventions. You can enjoy it anytime, anywhere, either cold and hot(you can just put it into hot water). Easy to carry, you don't need any other glassware or equipment like opener. Just pop the lid and enjoy. The size is 180ml, if that is not enough you just go to 2nd cup straightly. You can also reuse the cup.

It is not an exaggeration to say Cupzaké culture is a part of daily life in Japan. It's a standard that enjoying regional specialty bento boxes or snacks with Cupzaké on long-distance trains. You must try it when you visit Japan. In Hong Kong, fortunately, there are no restrictions against drinking alcohol on the street or outdoors. With this Cupzaké, you can enjoy casual street drinking more freely.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/sake_kakurei_bokushi_s/2250.htm

#青木酒造 #雪男

We're Open Today 25th(Sat) May 2024, 1230-1930
Vinexpo Week 27th(Mon) - 31st(Fri) : Business hours may change
27th(Mon) : Open 1230-1600 (close earlier)
28th(Tue) : Open 1530-1930 (open late)

Vinexpo HK is back. Although I have never seen our associated producers set up booths at Vinexpo, we have something to do with sorounded Vinexpo, so shop business hours will be irregular during the Vinexpo period. We're sorry for the inconvenience.

Two "Les Gélinettes 2020".

#

We're Open Today 24th(Fri) May 2024, 1230-1930

Like many wines and whiskies, the quintessence of sake lies in aged bottles. We offer a wide range from lightly aged bottles(2 to 3 years) to long-term aged bottles(over 20 years), and potential bottles for the future. Aged saké pairs well with Cantonese and many of other Chinese cuisines, and it offers the pleasure of Kanzaké and appreciating artistic saké cups. For Hong Kong’s foodies and drinkers, Japanese saké culture is a frontier, there’s a vast and exciting land waiting to be cultivated.
https://www.pillariwine.com.hk/aged_sake_s/2656.htm