Mariage (food and sake pairing)

Mariage (from the French word for "marriage") refers to a combination of particular foods and drinks that bring out the best in each other and create new flavors and a new experience. In pairing sake with food, the taste and aroma of the sake harmonize with the ingredients and cooking methods of the dish, so that each enhances the appeal of the other. For example, pairing a rich-tasting Japanese dish with a sake that has a strong umami character can bring out a deeper flavor. By enjoying mariage in this way, the overall dining experience is enriched, and you can discover more of the diversity of sake.