Tottori Prefecture is one of the producing regions drawing attention from Japanese wine fans.
Known for cultivating grapes since ancient times, it has now grown into one of Japan's leading wine-producing regions.
Tottori is also famous as a major production area for rakkyo (Japanese scallions), and among them, "fresh Tottori rakkyo" is an ultra-rare delicacy that can only be eaten at this time of year.
In fact, right now at "Momotenashi-ya", the second-floor bistro and cafe of the antenna shop "Tottori-Okayama Shimbashikan" in Shimbashi, Tokyo, a limited-time fair is being held where you can enjoy pairings of Tottori rakkyo and Tottori wine.
Here is a look at the charms of this limited-time fair, an event that Japanese wine fans should definitely visit.
Available only now! A gourmet fair featuring Tottori rakkyo and wine
Currently being held at "Momotenashi-ya" is the "Crisp & Crunchy! Tottori Rakkyo Gourmet Fair: A Soul-Satisfying Harmony with Wine".
We spoke with Ami Otsuka and Rie Toba from the Tottori Prefecture Tokyo Headquarters about the fair, Tottori rakkyo, and wine.
"The season for fresh Tottori rakkyo runs from late May to mid-to-late June. We hold a fair every year to match this timing. While we usually develop creative offerings spanning Japanese, Chinese, and dessert dishes, this year a staff member at Momotenashi-ya knowledgeable about wine helped us create dishes arranged into stylish Western cuisine with fresh Tottori rakkyo, all themed around 'wine pairing.'"
When people hear rakkyo, many strongly associate it as a garnish for curry; many may have never used it in other dishes, or indeed eaten it raw in the first place.
"We think many people in the Tokyo metropolitan area are unfamiliar with cooking with rakkyo or eating fresh raw rakkyo. This time, we created a menu that arranges it so it is easy to approach even for those unfamiliar with it, while also letting them enjoy pairings with wine."
The fair started on Monday, June 2, and female customers in particular are reportedly enjoying the arranged dishes and wine.
The reason for its popularity is believed to be the blood-thinning benefits expected from rakkyo, along with the fresh rakkyo's crisp texture and subtle aroma.
What are the characteristics of Tottori rakkyo?
What kind of features does Tottori rakkyo possess?
Characteristics of Tottori rakkyo, and the raw version is a flavor available only now!
"When people think of Tottori Prefecture, they think of the Tottori Sand Dunes. Tottori's rakkyo is grown in sand dune fields, where the soil is low in nutrients and offers excellent drainage. If the soil has too many nutrients or too much moisture, the balance between the outer skin and inner layers suffers, resulting in an inferior texture. In contrast, Tottori rakkyo grown in sand dunes develops thin, uniform layers, yielding a crisp, crunchy bite."
Furthermore, while nutrient-rich soils tend to turn rakkyo yellowish, Tottori rakkyo is characterized by its pale, fair color and beautiful appearance.
"What we are serving at this fair is fresh Tottori rakkyo. Fresh rakkyo is in season from late May to mid-to-late June, and it can truly only be enjoyed at this time of year. While fresh rakkyo is often pickled in sweet vinegar or salt, for dishes like the pizza served at this fair, we bake the fresh rakkyo directly and then top it with extra raw fresh rakkyo as a finishing touch."
While pickling fresh rakkyo allows you to enjoy it over an extended period, eating it fresh can truly only be done right now.
Once shipments finish, the season ends, making it a truly precious ingredient that might only remain on the market until mid-June at the latest.
Tottori wine is wine overflowing with local pride
What you can pair with Tottori rakkyo this time is Tottori wine.
Although small in number, Tottori Prefecture is dotted with producers dedicated to serious winemaking, winning support from Japanese wine fans for their high quality.
"When it comes to wine from Tottori Prefecture, 'Hojo Wine' is very famous as a traditional winery. Just like rakkyo, their grapes are grown in sand dune fields, where excellent drainage and large diurnal temperature swings yield high-quality grapes. In addition, its proximity to the sea provides grapes and wines rich in minerality."
While Tottori Prefecture is home to historic wineries, new wineries are also attracting attention.
"In 2007, 'Totto Farm' was founded in Kokufu-cho, located on the mountainous eastern side of Tottori Prefecture. Having originally cultivated table grapes, they began growing wine grapes on abandoned farmland, established 'Totto Winery' in 2016, and began in-house brewing in earnest the following year in 2017. They are an emerging winery that cultivates multiple grape varieties while also actively engaging in regional revitalization."
On the other hand, Tottori Prefecture is not seeing a continuous stream of new wineries popping up like other famous wine regions.
"In Tottori Prefecture, we feel there are many passionate producers whose wineries are dedicated to crafting local specialties and invigorating the region. For example, members of the Local Vitalization Co-operator project join in, collaborating with locals to resolve regional issues and refine products; one gets the impression they are tackling this with the spirit of 'wanting to enliven this region's wine that we have today.'"
Protecting and continuously evolving the 'wine unique to Tottori' produced by Tottori Prefecture, with a community-focused winemaking approach, may be the hallmark of Tottori wine.
Recommended pairings of Tottori rakkyo and Tottori wine
Pairings of Tottori rakkyo and Tottori wine that you can enjoy at the "Crisp & Crunchy! Tottori Rakkyo Gourmet Fair: A Soul-Satisfying Harmony with Wine".
We asked Shinnosuke Kizu, manager of Momotenashi-ya, about the recommended combinations you can enjoy at the restaurant.
Rakkyo and Cream Cheese Crackers x Totto Winery "Chardonnay 2024"
"Because Totto Winery's 'Chardonnay 2024' pairs well with any dish, it was hard to choose, but this dish of crackers, cheese, and pickled rakkyo was outstanding. It is a combination where both the dish and the wine elevate each other."
The citrus aroma and fresh acidity of 'Chardonnay 2024' are a perfect match for the rakkyo and cream cheese crackers.
You can enjoy a perfectly balanced pairing reminiscent of squeezing lemon over the refreshing cheese and juicy rakkyo.
★ Rakkyo and Cream Cheese Crackers (900 yen tax included)
★ Totto Winery "Chardonnay 2024" 1,500 yen
Sand Dune Pickled Rakkyo x Hojo Wine "Map Label White"
"We prepared fresh Tottori rakkyo into lightly salted pickles. Hojo Wine's 'Map Label White' pairs wonderfully with this."
The crunchy texture of the sand dune pickled rakkyo balances nicely with the solid texture felt through the minerality and sharp acidity of Hojo Wine's "Map Label White".
It is a well-balanced pairing where the saltiness of the sand dune rakkyo enhances the wine's fruitiness.
★ Sand Dune Pickled Rakkyo (700 yen tax included)
★ Hojo Wine "Map Label White" 800 yen
Sand Dune Rakkyo Pizza x Kurayoshi Winery "Hakushu Chardonnay 2023"
"The sand dune rakkyo pizza is topped with crisp fresh rakkyo and mild baked rakkyo. Kurayoshi Winery's 'Hakushu Chardonnay 2023' features a distinctive flavor profile with enough power to stand up to the pizza and cheese."
This is a dish where you can enjoy the umami and sweetness of the cheese and simple pizza crust, paired with the mild sand dune rakkyo and crisp textures.
Kurayoshi Winery's "Hakushu Chardonnay 2023" is a bottle offering stone fruit flavors like apricot and a mellow palate, yet full of freshness and minerality.
It balances nicely with the robustness of the pizza dough and cheese, while the wine's sharp acidity and the refreshing nuances of the sand dune rakkyo match in the finish.
★ Sand Dune Rakkyo Pizza (1,300 yen tax included)
★ Kurayoshi Winery "Hakushu Chardonnay 2023" 1,300 yen
Rakkyo and Tottori Wagyu Roast Beef Crackers x Daisen Winery "Merlot 2015"
"This luxurious dish uses rakkyo and 'Tottori Wagyu', a specialty that Tottori Prefecture takes pride in. Daisen Winery's 'Merlot' paired with it is a special wine that will be completely sold out after this event, so we really hope you enjoy this pairing on this occasion."
Tottori Wagyu, allowing you to directly taste high-quality fat and beef umami, forms an ideal pairing with Daisen Winery's "Merlot 2015".
Daisen Winery's "Merlot 2015" itself boasts remarkable quality, offering firm fruit notes of blackberry and black cherry, a mellow mouthfeel, complex flavors, and remarkably silky tannins.
The herbal, green nuances brought by the Merlot match the refreshing flavor of the rakkyo, and because the wine has a substantial texture, it pairs delightfully with the rakkyo's crisp bite.
★ Rakkyo and Tottori Wagyu Roast Beef Crackers (1,800 yen tax included)
★ Daisen Winery "Merlot 2015" 1,000 yen
Incidentally, in addition to the items above, "Sand Dune Rakkyo Ajillo (900 yen tax included)" is also offered, with a recommended pairing of Totto Winery's "Yama Blanc 2024 (1,300 yen tax included)".
Experience pairings that can only be tasted now!
"Please come and experience the deliciousness of fresh Tottori rakkyo, which can only be tasted right now. And through these pairings with Tottori wine, we would be delighted if you could fully savor the tastes of Tottori," says manager Kizu.
In addition, Tottori rakkyo and Tottori wines are sold on the 1st floor of "Tottori-Okayama Shimbashikan", where "Momotenashi-ya" is located, so be sure to check that out as well.
When enjoying Japanese wine, pairing it with food is essential.
Furthermore, "local pairings"—combining ingredients and wine born from the same land—are the true pinnacle of wine pairing.
The "Crisp & Crunchy! Tottori Rakkyo Gourmet Fair: A Soul-Satisfying Harmony with Wine" runs until around mid-June and will end as soon as the fresh rakkyo runs out.
Why not visit "Momotenashi-ya" to experience this season-exclusive, exquisite wine pairing?
Reference
"Tottori-Okayama Shimbashikan" Overview
Address: Shimbashi Center Place, 1-11-7 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 1F Shop 03-6280-6474
2F Bistro & Cafe "Momotenashi-ya" 03-6280-6475
Business Hours: 1F 10:00 - 21:00
2F 11:00 - 21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
*Business hours are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Official Website: https://www.torioka.com/