This year's Doyo no Ushi no Hi falls on July 19th (Saturday) and July 31st (Thursday)

Ahead of the upcoming Midsummer Day of the Ox, let us introduce you to the perfect pairing: eel, a traditional Japanese summer delicacy, and Izu's mellow wine!

The combination of eel and wine may seem surprising, but in fact, the two create a wonderful marriage that enhances the appeal of each other.

In this article, our staff, including sommeliers and winemakers, will examine the compatibility of a number of Izu wines with eel, focusing in particular on three wines : Izu Merlot 2023 , Izu Petit Verdot 2021 , and Izuyama Sauvignon 2022. We will introduce the appeal of each pairing from three perspectives for getting the most out of your eel and wine experience.

Why eel and wine? A surprising combination creates harmony

Grilled eel is characterized by its sweet and spicy sauce and fragrant aroma. While sake and beer are commonly considered to pair with this complex flavor, red wine is also a great choice.

In particular, the richness of the eel's fat and sauce harmonizes with the acidity, astringency, and fruit flavor of the wine, creating a new delicious sensation in the mouth.

The pairing of eel and wine is based on the idea of "mariage," which brings out the best in each and sometimes complements the other.

Now, let's take a look at some specific Izu wine candidates and their compatibility.

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Izu wines that go well with eel

This time, we'll be focusing on three red wines cultivated in the lush natural surroundings of Izu. Let's take a closer look at how each red wine pairs with eel.

1. Izu Merlot 2023

Tasting Comments

positive

"It's not too muddy, it feels good."

"It's easy to drink with eel."

"The sweetness of the wine goes well with the sauce."

Negative

"It leaves a bit of a bitter aftertaste"

"It doesn't coat the eel, but the acidity is what wins it over."

"The whole thing is inconsistent"

"The lingering scent is unpleasant"

Pairing impressions:

Izu Merlot 2023 is characterized by its mellow and gentle taste , but when paired with eel, it shows a somewhat complex character.

Some people said that the acidity was too strong or that it left a bitter aftertaste, but on the other hand, there were also many positive comments such as " It's easy to drink with eel " and " The sweetness of the wine goes well with the sauce ."

In particular, the soft sweetness of the wine harmonizes well with the sweet and spicy sauce of the eel, making it easier to drink and potentially leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

The fruity flavor of the Merlot works in a positive way to prevent the eel from having a muddy taste .

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2. Izu Petit Verdot 2021

Tasting Notes:

positive

"Good. They complement each other well. Delicious."

"Wine tastes better when paired with eel."

"The oak, astringency, and fruitiness are all perfectly balanced with a good amount of acidity."

Negative

"Petit gives the impression of being sharp."

"The wine feels strong."

"It's not a bad match, but Petit wins."

"The flavors are in harmony until halfway through, but the wine wins out slightly."

Pairing impressions:

" Izu Petit Verdot 2021 " is a powerful wine characterized by its firm astringency and concentrated fruit flavor .

When paired with eel, you may initially find the wine's character too prominent.

However, as you try it, you will find that the umami of the eel's fat and the aroma and astringency of the wine create an unexpected harmony.

The fragrant eel and the sweet and spicy sauce enhance the deliciousness of Izu Petit Verdot 2021, and seem to have the potential to create a deeper flavor in the mouth .

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3. Izuyama Sauvignon 2022

Tasting Notes:

positive

"The flavor of the eel and the delicious taste of the fat come through."

"The aftertaste is also pleasant"

"Easy to drink"

"The sweetness of the sauce matches perfectly with the sweetness of the wine."

"It's down-to-earth, but the aftertaste is perfect."

"It has a nice acidity."

"The acidity and aroma go well together."

"Clean aftertaste"

Negative

"It has a strong sour aftertaste"

"It tastes a little bitter"

Pairing impressions:

The one I would most like to recommend this time is Izuyama Sauvignon 2022 .

This wine is characterized by the wild aroma and flavor, and fresh acidity that are unique to Yama Sauvignon .

When paired with eel, we received many positive comments such as, " The flavor and umami of the fat really come through, " and " The aftertaste is also pleasant! "

The umami of the fat of the eel complements the umami of the wine, and the smooth taste and firm acidity lighten the richness of the eel. In particular, the sweetness of the sauce and the sweetness of the wine are an exquisite match, creating a delicious, unified taste in the mouth .

Some people were concerned about the earthy taste, but the acidity of the wine had a pleasant aftertaste, leaving a clean finish.

Overall, Izuyama Sauvignon 2022 is truly the " perfect match ," bringing out the best in eel while also allowing the wine's own unique character to shine.

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Three ways to enjoy food and wine pairing

Pairing food and wine isn't just a matter of whether they go well together or not; how you enjoy them can have a major impact on their appeal. Here are three perspectives to help you enjoy pairings more deeply.

1. Enhance the deliciousness of your meal

First, the perspective is to " maximize the deliciousness of the meal, that is, the eel ."

In this case, the wine does not interfere with the flavor of the eel, but rather plays a role in enhancing its appeal. The acidity of the wine will soften the oiliness of the eel, and the aroma of the wine will bring out the savory aroma of the eel.

In this case, the Izu Merlot 2023 was commented on as being " nice without being muddy " and " easy to drink with eel ." This is a case where the wine enhances the flavor of the eel. This pairing makes the eel, the star of the dish, shine through while taking advantage of the wine's individuality.

2. Enhance the appeal of wine

Next, there is the perspective of " highlighting the individuality of the wine ."

This pairing sees eel as a complement to wine, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the wine's complex aromas, flavors, and structure. The rich flavor of eel can highlight the wine's oak aromas, spices, and minerality, leading to new discoveries.

As one commenter said about Izu Petit Verdot 2021 , " the wine wins ," this pairing is one in which the strength of the wine stands up to the eel and fully demonstrates its presence. It's also a great way to enjoy eel, as it brings out the diverse expressions of the wine.

3. Harmonize with the wine

This perspective aims to create a balanced overall taste, with the eel and wine not overpowering each other .

For example, the sweet and spicy flavor of the eel sauce and the fruity flavor, acidity, and astringency of the wine blend together without clashing, almost like they are one dish.

This is the case with pairings like Izuyama Sauvignon 2022 , where the sweetness of the sauce matches the sweetness of the wine, creating a sense of unity. Try to feel the pleasant harmony unfold in your mouth without either one dominating.

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Summary: Enjoy a special dining experience with Izu wine on Doyo no Ushi no Hi

Thank you for reading this far! Have you found a wine you like?

This time we introduced " Izu Merlot 2023 ," " Izu Petit Verdot 2021 ," and our top recommendation, " Izuyama Sauvignon 2022 ," each have their own unique flavor that will make a delightful pairing with eel.

The harmony between the unique characteristics of each wine and the deep flavor of the eel is sure to make your dining experience even more enriching and memorable!

This year on July 19th (Sat) and July 31st (Thu), why not try the new combination of eel and Izu wine? Enjoy a special dining experience with delicious wine nurtured by the natural beauty of Izu.

If you try out the pairing, we'd love to hear your thoughts in a review!

See you next time!