Welcome to Issue #92 of SIN.
Did we mention it's getting hot in Japan?
It's probably too early to complain about the heat when we still have a couple of months of sweltering heat left to go, but it's still a valid complaint.
Interesting to see GI (geographical indication) back in the news this issue. It seems it would be fair to say the promotion of geographical categorization of sake and even terroir is not losing any traction. As much as the detractors may disagree with the existence of terroir and regionality in sake, it continues to be a strong angle for the promotion and understanding of sake for many consumers.
Whether one agrees with the science of terroir in sake or not, promoting regions as a collective is surely a good idea for creating alliances in an industry where many are still struggling. Let's hope the rising tide can lift all boats.
And now for the news...
Nagano Takes A Second Bite At The GI Apple
Nagano- GI is back in the news since the National Tax Authority awarded GI status to the region of Shinano Omachi on June 30.
The announcement marks the first time a region within another region already recognized with GI status has been designated with GI status. Nagano Prefecture acquired GI Nagano certification for sake and wine in June, 2021.
The application came from the three breweries in Shinano Omachi: Usui Shōten (Hakuba Nishiki), Hokuan Jōzō (Hokuandaikoku) and Ichinoya (Ryūsuisen).
Source
JG: As supportive as I want to be for the GI system and in particular for Nagano (for a handful of reasons, both professional and personal) I maintain as I always have that, one, there must be a limitation to how precise GI assessments can be, as well as how much of an impact they can have on consumers. I mean, this is for all of three kura. Nevertheless, I do think the system is good for sake overall.
薄井商店 （白馬錦）, 北安醸造 （北安大國） , 市野屋 （龍水泉）
Fukushima Next In Line For GI
Fukushima- Not wanting to miss out on the GI action, four breweries from Nihonmatsu City in Fukushima Prefecture are planning to apply for GI status this summer with hopes to have approval by spring 2024.
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