Navigating the world of East Asian spirits can be an exciting journey. While many are familiar with sake or soju, there's a rich and flavourful category that deserves a place on your drinks shelf: plum wine. This versatile liqueur, with its delightful balance of sweet and tart, is perfect for sipping on its own, pairing with food or mixing into creative cocktails.
However, with options from Japan, Korea and China, choosing the right bottle can feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to cut through the clutter, offering clear, practical advice to help you find a plum wine that suits your taste. We'll explore the different styles and share our top recommendations to help you buy plum wine online with confidence.
Choosing Your Ideal Plum Wine: A Quick Guide
Before diving into specific products, a few key points can help you narrow down your search. Understanding these factors will ensure you select a bottle you'll truly enjoy.
The Flavour of Origin: Japanese, Korean or Chinese?
While often grouped together, plum liqueurs from different countries offer distinct characteristics rooted in their unique traditions.
- Japanese Plum Wine (Umeshu): Perhaps the most well-known style, umeshu is typically made by steeping whole, unripe ume plums in alcohol (like shochu or brandy) and sugar. The result is a beautifully balanced sweet-tart flavour profile, often with notes of almond from the plum stones.
- Korean Plum Wine: Known as maesil-ju, Korean plum wine often undergoes a significant aging process. This can result in a deeper, more complex flavour and a smoother finish compared to younger varieties. Producers may have their own plum farms, ensuring high-quality fruit from harvest to bottle.
- Chinese Plum Liqueur:Meijiu or Chinese plum liqueur is crafted with regional green plums, such as the Qingmei variety. The base spirit can vary, with some using sorghum-based alcohol, which imparts a unique earthy undertone that complements the fruit's natural tartness.
How to Serve Plum Wine
One of the greatest appeals of plum wine is its versatility. There is no single "correct" way to drink it, so feel free to experiment. Here are a few popular methods:
- Chilled: Serve it straight from the fridge in a small glass for a crisp and refreshing experience.
- On the Rocks: Pouring it over a large ice cube slowly dilutes the wine, opening up its aroma and softening the sweetness.
- With a Mixer: Top it up with soda water or tonic for a light, sparkling spritz. For a unique twist, try mixing it with cold green tea.
- In Cocktails: Use it as a base to replace other sweet liqueurs, adding a complex stone fruit character to classic drinks.
Top Plum Wine Recommendations
Here are a few standout options available in the UK, each offering a different take on this delightful sweet fruit wine.
Bohae Matchsoon Plum Wine 375ml
- Why It Stands Out: This premium Korean plum wine is crafted from green plums matured for five years. This extensive aging process, using fruit from Bohae Brewery's own farm, results in a deep golden colour and a remarkably smooth, clean taste. Its history is rooted in Korean palace traditions.
- Pros:
- Aged for five years for a deeper, more complex flavour.
- Subtle notes of almond with low acidity.
- Perfect balance of sweetness and a refreshing aftertaste.
- Alcohol Percentage: 14%
- Who is it for: Individuals who appreciate aged spirits and are looking for a sophisticated Korean plum wine with a rich heritage and a smooth, refined palate.
Meijian Green Plum Liqueur Original 750ml
- Why It Stands Out: Meijian offers an authentic Chinese plum liqueur experience, made from high-altitude Qingmei green plums and a sorghum-based spirit. This combination delivers a bright, crisp tartness that is beautifully balanced by a subtle sweetness, making it exceptionally smooth. The 750ml bottle is ideal for social gatherings.
- Pros:
- Made with tart Qingmei plums for a fresh, vibrant character.
- Sorghum base adds a unique, underlying complexity.
- Excellent for mixing in cocktails or serving with tonic water.
- Alcohol Percentage: 12%
- Who is it for: The modern entertainer or cocktail enthusiast who values authenticity and wants a versatile liqueur that bridges traditional Chinese flavours with contemporary serving styles.
Choya Original Plum Wine 750ml
- Why It Stands Out: As an iconic Japanese plum wine, Choya plum wine is a benchmark for the umeshu category. It's crafted by steeping sun-ripened ume plums, resulting in the classic sweet and tart flavour profile that has made it a favourite worldwide. It’s a dependable and authentic introduction to the world of umeshu.
- Pros:
- The quintessential, balanced flavour of Japanese umeshu.
- Made from 100% Japanese ume plums.
- Highly versatile for sipping or mixing.
- Alcohol Percentage: 12%
- Who is it for: Anyone new to plum wine or those seeking the classic, time-honoured taste of authentic umeshu. It's a fantastic starting point for your exploration.
Looking for Something Different?
Plum wine is a wonderful gateway into the diverse world of fruit liqueurs and unique beverages. If you're looking for a thoughtful present for a drinks enthusiast or wish to explore other distinctive options, there's a wide array to discover.
Explore our curated collection of Beer Brewing Gifts and other unique beverages to find your next favourite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plum Wine
What does plum wine taste like?
Plum wine offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and tartness. The primary flavour is that of stone fruit, reminiscent of ripe apricots and peaches, with a tangy finish from the plums. Depending on the style, you may also detect subtle notes of almond, which comes from the plum's kernel.
Is plum wine considered a sweet fruit wine?
Yes, it generally falls into the category of a sweet fruit wine. However, the level of sweetness can vary significantly between brands and styles. A good plum wine is never cloying; its sweetness is always balanced by the natural acidity and tartness of the plums, creating a refreshing and complex drink.
What is the best way to drink plum wine?
Its versatility is one of its key strengths. For a pure taste, serve it chilled in a small glass. To mellow the sweetness, pour it over a large ice cube ("on the rocks"). For a longer, more refreshing drink, mix it with soda water or tonic. It also serves as an excellent and creative base for a wide range of cocktails.
