Sake and Italian reds

Barbecue lunch at a friend's place.

Hakurakusei Junmai Daiginjo Tojoakitsu Yamadanishiki (伯楽星 純米大吟醸 東条秋津 山田錦) - seimaibuai (精米歩合) of 29%. Starchy nose, a little banana. Sweetish on palate.

Kikuhime Tokugin (菊姫  特吟), 7BY (released 2018), from isshobin - seimaibuai of 50%. Pretty rich, definitely deep flavors and surprisingly not too oxidized. More dry on the palate and also on the finish.

2013 Plozza Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio IGT - lighter than expected.

2011 Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore - good acidity, more concentration, and even a little vanilla.