{"title":"Kikkoman","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"kikkoman-plum-wine-750ml","title":"Kikkoman Plum Wine","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKikkoman Plum Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fruit wine made with authentic Japanese plum essence, bottled at 750ml and approximately 12% ABV. What distinguishes this expression from many competitors in the plum wine category is Kikkoman's use of real plum essence imported directly from Japan rather than artificial plum flavoring, resulting in a more genuine fruit character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~12%  |  Origin: Japan \/ United States  |  Style: Fruit Wine (Plum)  |  Producer: Kikkoman Corporation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKikkoman Corporation, headquartered in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, is best known globally for its soy sauce but has a long history in fermented beverages. Founded in 1917, the company applies traditional fermentation expertise to its plum wine production. The wine is made using a special plum essence sourced from Japan, and Kikkoman distinguishes it as one of the few domestically available plum wines produced with real plums rather than synthetic flavoring. The result is a fruit-forward wine that reflects the ume (plum) tradition central to Japanese drinking culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe cherry and sweet plum dominate the nose immediately, followed by a broader bouquet of mixed berries. There is a clean, fruity quality without any cloying artificial sweetness in the aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is luscious and fruit-driven, with sweet plum flavor taking center stage. At mid-palate, notes of black cherry and ripe berries emerge, and a gentle tartness builds to balance the sweetness and keep the wine from becoming one-dimensional. The overall mouthfeel is smooth and medium-bodied for a fruit wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is velvety and lingers with elegant plum and berry undertones. A subtle tartness persists, leaving a clean and refreshing close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Kikkoman Plum Wine\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plum wine drinks well chilled on its own, and a few minutes in the refrigerator before serving brings out its aromatic complexity while taming the sweetness. It also works over ice for a lighter, more refreshing pour. In cocktails, try it in a \u003cstrong\u003ePlum Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e topped with club soda and a squeeze of lime for an easy warm-weather drink. A \u003cstrong\u003ePlum Wine Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e works well by combining it with fresh stone fruit, citrus slices, and a splash of brandy. It also shines in a \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Highball riff\u003c\/strong\u003e, mixed with sparkling water and a thin cucumber ribbon, where the plum sweetness plays against the effervescence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a friend to Japanese fruit wines and drinking traditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a Japanese or pan-Asian dinner at home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather entertaining when guests want something lighter than spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a dessert course around stone fruit flavors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Kikkoman Plum Wine taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a sweet, ripe plum flavor accented by black cherry and mixed berry notes, balanced by a gentle tartness that keeps the profile from becoming overly sugary. The finish is smooth and velvety with lingering fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Kikkoman Plum Wine compare to Takara Plum Wine?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both sit at a similar ABV (around 12%) and occupy the approachable end of the plum wine market, but Kikkoman emphasizes its use of real plum essence imported from Japan. Takara is widely available and often cited as many drinkers' first plum wine, while Kikkoman positions itself on the authenticity of its fruit sourcing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Kikkoman Plum Wine good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its fruit-forward sweetness and moderate 12% ABV make it an accessible entry point for anyone new to plum wine or Japanese fruit wines in general. The gentle tartness prevents it from tasting like a simple sugary drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Kikkoman Plum Wine made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Kikkoman Corporation is headquartered in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, and the plum essence used in this wine is imported from Japan. The wine is produced for the U.S. market domestically, using that imported plum essence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Kikkoman Plum Wine?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sushi and sashimi pair naturally, as the wine's sweetness complements the clean flavors of raw fish. Pork gyoza benefit from the plum's tartness cutting through the richness of the filling. Mild, creamy cheeses like brie allow the fruit notes to stand out. Grilled teriyaki chicken mirrors the sweet-savory balance. Mochi or fresh fruit tarts extend the stone-fruit theme into dessert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Kikkoman Plum Wine come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Kikkoman Plum Wine is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle, and in some markets a 1.5L format can also be found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Kikkoman Plum Wine worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as an entry-level to mid-range fruit wine, and the use of real Japanese plum essence rather than artificial flavoring gives it a quality edge within its price tier compared to many mass-market plum wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Kikkoman Plum Wine?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a crowded plum wine segment where many bottles rely on artificial flavoring, Kikkoman's commitment to real plum essence imported from Japan is a meaningful differentiator. The backing of a company with over a century of fermentation expertise lends credibility that newer or less specialized producers cannot easily match. Its balanced profile — sweet enough to satisfy fruit wine fans, tart enough to hold the interest of wine drinkers — makes it versatile across occasions from casual sipping to structured food pairings. For anyone looking to explore authentic Japanese plum wine without navigating expensive imports, this remains one of the most reliable options on the shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kikkoman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836994515113,"sku":"4026","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Kikkoman-Plum-Wine__21987.jpg?v=1730476045"},{"product_id":"kikkoman-plum-wine-1-5l","title":"Kikkoman Plum Wine 1.5L","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKikkoman Plum Wine 1.5L\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Japanese fruit wine made with real plum essence, bottled at 12.7% ABV in a large-format 1.5-liter size. What distinguishes this expression from many competitors in the category is Kikkoman's use of authentic plum essence imported from Japan rather than artificial plum flavoring, resulting in a fruit-forward wine with genuine depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 12.7%  |  Origin: Japan  |  Style: Sweet Plum Fruit Wine  |  Producer: Kikkoman Corporation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKikkoman Corporation, headquartered in Noda City in Japan's Chiba Prefecture, is best known globally for soy sauce but has long maintained a portfolio of fermented beverages. Their Plum Wine is produced using select plums and traditional fermentation methods, with a special plum essence sourced from Japan to deliver its signature fruit character. The company emphasizes that this is made from 100% pure fruit — the essence of real plum, not synthetic plum flavoring — a distinction that separates it from many mass-market plum wines in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with a light, aromatic bouquet of ripe plum and black cherry. Subtle berry undertones round out the fragrance, giving the wine an inviting, fruit-forward character without being cloying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On the palate, sweet plum flavor arrives immediately, followed by ripe cherry and mixed berry notes at mid-palate. A welcome light tartness emerges to balance the sweetness, preventing the wine from becoming one-dimensional. The body is light and approachable, leaning decidedly toward the sweet side of the spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is velvety and smooth, with lingering plum sweetness that fades gently. A faint tartness persists, keeping the final impression clean rather than syrupy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Kikkoman Plum Wine\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChilled and served straight is the most traditional approach — pour it cold into a small wine glass or sake cup to let the plum aromatics concentrate. Over ice is equally enjoyable, as the dilution tempers the sweetness and opens up the fruit notes. For cocktails, the wine's natural plum character makes it a versatile mixer: try it in a \u003cstrong\u003ePlum Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e with soda water and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing warm-weather drink; blend it into a \u003cstrong\u003ePlum Wine Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e alongside fresh stone fruits and citrus for a crowd-pleasing punch; or use it in a \u003cstrong\u003ePlum Martini\u003c\/strong\u003e shaken with vodka and a splash of lemon juice, where the wine's natural sweetness replaces the need for added sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a dinner party with Asian-inspired cuisine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing friends to Japanese fruit wines and umeshu-style beverages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather entertaining where a large-format bottle serves a crowd\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who enjoys sweet, fruit-driven wines over dry styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Kikkoman Plum Wine taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers prominent sweet plum and ripe cherry flavors with a backdrop of mixed berries, balanced by a light tartness that keeps the profile from becoming overly sugary. The body is light, the texture velvety, and the overall impression is fruit-forward and approachable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Kikkoman Plum Wine compare to Hakutsuru Plum Wine?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both sit in a similar ABV range — Kikkoman at 12.7% and Hakutsuru at 12.5% — and share a sweet, fruit-forward profile with slight tartness. Kikkoman distinguishes itself by using real Japanese plum essence rather than plum flavoring, which tends to give it a more authentic, rounded plum character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Kikkoman Plum Wine good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its sweet, fruity profile and low tannin make it one of the most accessible entry points into Japanese fruit wines. The light body and gentle tartness keep it easy to enjoy without requiring any prior wine knowledge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Kikkoman Plum Wine made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Kikkoman Corporation, a Japanese company headquartered in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The plum essence used in the wine is sourced from Japan, ensuring the flavor reflects authentic Japanese plum character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Kikkoman Plum Wine?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sushi and sashimi work well, as the wine's sweetness complements the clean, briny flavors of fresh fish. Spicy Asian dishes like Thai curries or Szechuan stir-fry benefit from the wine's cooling sweetness. Grilled duck or pork with a fruit glaze mirrors the plum notes naturally. Mild soft cheeses like brie create a simple, satisfying contrast. For dessert, fresh fruit tarts or mochi ice cream echo the wine's fruity personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Kikkoman Plum Wine come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1.5-liter bottle is the large-format offering and is widely available; a standard 750ml size is also commonly found in the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Kikkoman Plum Wine worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as an entry-level to mid-range plum wine, and the 1.5-liter format delivers strong value per pour compared to smaller bottles. For the quality of fruit character and the use of real plum essence, it represents solid value within the Japanese fruit wine category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Kikkoman Plum Wine?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defining advantage here is authenticity of ingredient — Kikkoman imports actual plum essence from Japan rather than relying on synthetic flavoring, a step that many competing brands in the same price tier skip. That commitment translates directly into a more convincing, layered plum character on the palate. The 1.5-liter format makes it particularly practical for entertaining or regular enjoyment without frequent repurchasing. For anyone exploring Japanese fruit wines or seeking a genuinely plum-driven wine with real-ingredient credentials, Kikkoman remains one of the most reliable and widely available options in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kikkoman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836994744489,"sku":"4027","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Kikkoman-Plum-Wine-1.5L__02198.jpg?v=1730476048"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/kikkoman.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}