Savoring Chicken and Wine at Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu

In Minami-Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, there is a place that pursues new culinary possibilities: Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu. We present to you an encounter between chicken cuisine, honed over many years of expertise, and wines carefully selected by our sommelier. Located just a short distance from Minami-Kusatsu Station, why not indulge in a memorable dining experience in a special space that lets you forget the everyday?

Yakitori and wine? Isn't that an unusual combination? Some may feel this way. However, the compatibility is far deeper than one might imagine, allowing the distinct charms of each to be brought out to their fullest. In this column, we will introduce the allure of the chicken and wine pairings we offer at Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu, and how to best enjoy them.

A New Discovery in Yakitori and Wine: The Essence of Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu

The most distinctive feature of Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu is, as the name suggests, its U-shaped counter seating. Here, you can experience the immersive thrill of Minami-Kusatsu yakitori with all five senses as our chefs meticulously grill each skewer right before your eyes. The aroma of charcoal, the sound of sizzling meat, and the sight of colorfully arranged yakitori—all of it stimulates your appetite and heightens anticipation.

• An Exciting Experience Watching a Master at Work: From the counter seats, you can observe our skilled chefs' sincere dedication to their ingredients up close. Grilled over the perfect heat, the chicken is fragrant on the outside and juicy on the inside. Every movement of their hands enriches your dining experience.
• Aroma as Part of the Feast: The aroma of yakitori grilled over Binchotan charcoal is exceptional. The fragrant smoke wafts through the air, and its rich, appetizing scent merges with the wine's bouquet, creating a more complex and profound aromatic experience.
• Discoveries Born from Conversation with the Sommelier: The counter seats also place you close to our sommeliers and staff, allowing for easy conversation. By sharing your preferences and mood for the day, you can receive the perfect wine recommendation, leading to new flavor discoveries. Please use our space not just for dining as an izakaya near Minami-Kusatsu Station, but also as a place to deepen your culinary knowledge.

The Profound Mariage of Yakitori and Wine, Changing with Each Cut

The flavor and texture of yakitori vary greatly depending on the cut of chicken. That's why selecting the perfect wine for each one can create a surprising synergistic effect. Here, we offer some wine pairing tips using a few examples of yakitori served at Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu.

Chicken Thigh (Salt) & White Wine

• Salt-grilled chicken thigh is characterized by the natural umami of the meat and the fragrance of the crispy skin. This simple flavor pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine with good minerality.
• Recommended Wine Types: White wines with citrus notes and sharp acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Koshu, cut through the fat of the thigh meat and refresh the palate. In particular, a Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé from the Loire Valley in France has a coolness that enhances the juiciness of the thigh.

Negima - Chicken & Green Onion (Tare Sauce) & Red Wine

• The combination of sweet and savory tare sauce, chicken, and fragrant green onions creates a rich umami flavor. A medium-bodied red wine that is neither too light nor too heavy is recommended for this robust taste.
• Recommended Wine Types: Red wines with berry fruitiness and mild tannins, like Pinot Noir or Gamay, envelop the sweet and savory notes of the tare sauce and the richness of the chicken, creating a harmonious flavor. A Burgundy Pinot Noir, in particular, has an elegance that further elevates the flavors of the negima.

Chicken Liver (Tare Sauce) & Rosé or Light-Bodied Red Wine

• With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich umami, liver has a unique flavor. While various wines are an option for this distinctive taste, rosé and light-bodied reds are a surprisingly good match.
• Recommended Wine Types: A rosé from the Provence region, with its dry and fruity aroma, softens the richness of the liver and leaves a clean aftertaste. Additionally, a light-bodied Gamay red wine, like a Beaujolais Nouveau, has a fresh fruitiness that pairs exquisitely with the liver's flavor.

Tsukune - Chicken Meatball (with Egg Yolk) & Sparkling or Barrel-Aged White Wine

• A blissful skewer of fluffy tsukune dipped in rich egg yolk. This mellow flavor pairs well with a sparkling wine, whose bubbles refresh the palate, or a rich, barrel-aged white wine.
• Recommended Wine Types: A sparkling wine with fine bubbles, like Champagne or Crémant, cleanses the palate of the tsukune's juicy fat. A barrel-aged Chardonnay, with its nutty aroma and creamy texture, creates a beautiful harmony with the smoothness of the egg yolk.

Seseri - Chicken Neck (Salt) & Sake or Lightly Sparkling Wine

• Seseri, the meat from around the neck, is known for its springy texture and deep umami. While sake is a natural fit for salt-grilled seseri, a lightly sparkling wine also makes for an interesting combination.
• Recommended Wine Types: A light, gently sparkling wine like an Italian Frizzante or a domestic wine made from Delaware grapes will not overpower the texture and umami of the seseri, instead leaving the palate feeling light and refreshed.

Beyond Yakitori: A Symphony of Exquisite Chicken Dishes and Wine

At Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu, we offer not only yakitori but also a variety of chicken dishes that showcase the charm of chicken through various cooking methods. We invite you to savor the depth of Minami-Kusatsu chicken cuisine along with our wines.

Chicken Tataki & Rosé Wine

• Tataki, made from fresh, seared chicken, boasts a fragrant skin and a tender, chewy texture. Often served with ponzu and condiments, it pairs exceptionally well with a fresh, dry rosé wine.
• Recommended Wine Types: A Grenache-based rosé from Southern France has a good balance of fruitiness and acidity, complementing the umami of the tataki without overpowering it and bringing everything together with a refreshing finish. A rosé with notes of herbs or spices can also create a synergy with the condiments.

Karaage Fried Chicken & Sparkling or Light White Wine

• Juicy and fragrant, karaage is a beloved dish across all generations. A refreshing wine that can cut through the oiliness of this fried dish is the perfect choice.
• Recommended Wine Types: The bubbles in a dry sparkling wine refresh the palate and further enhance the flavor of the karaage. A white wine with firm acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, also allows you to enjoy the dish without feeling it's too heavy.

Specialty Chicken Hot Pot & Full-Bodied White or Light Red Wine

• On a chilly day, a warm chicken hot pot soothes both body and soul. For a hot pot dish where the umami of the chicken broth and the sweetness of vegetables harmonize, a wine with some body is recommended.
• Recommended Wine Types: A barrel-aged Chardonnay or an aromatic white wine like Viognier will harmonize beautifully with the deep flavors of the chicken hot pot. A lighter red wine with low tannins and rich fruitiness, such as a Pinot Noir, is also an excellent choice that enhances the umami of the chicken. We invite you to try seasonal chicken dishes like this with wine, expanding your experience beyond yakitori here in the Noji area.

Finding Your Perfect Wine: The Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu Way of Enjoying Conversation with the Sommelier

The term wine pairing might sound a bit intimidating to some. However, at Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu, we support each and every customer in choosing the perfect wine. We have a knowledgeable sommelier on staff at all times who will propose the ideal bottle based on your preferences and your meal.

How to Read the Wine List

• Region and Grape Variety: The wine list specifies the region and grape variety. For example, Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon tells you it's a wine made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape in the Bordeaux region of France. You can get a general idea of the wine's taste profile from its region and grape.
• Tasting Notes: Many lists include descriptions like dry, sweet, full-bodied, light-bodied, or fruity. Use these as a guide to choose a wine that suits your taste.
• Price Range: We offer a wide range of wines at various price points, from casual selections to special bottles for celebratory occasions, to suit your budget.

Tips for Consulting the Sommelier

If you're unsure which wine to choose, please don't hesitate to ask our sommelier. By communicating your preferences, you can receive a more personalized recommendation.

1. Share Your Taste Preferences: Let them know what you like, for example, I prefer dry wines, I'd like something fruity, or I prefer lighter wines over heavy ones.
2. Tell Them Your Mood: Your mood for the day can also be a helpful hint. Phrases like, It's a special occasion, so I want to splurge, or I just want a light glass, can guide the sommelier's choice.
3. Mention Your Budget: Clearly stating your budget allows the sommelier to suggest the best possible options within that range.
4. Specify the Dish You're Pairing: By asking directly, What wine goes well with this yakitori? you'll find the perfect bottle to maximize the deliciousness of your food.

For Special Occasions in a Special Space: The Art of Course Menus and Wine Pairings

For anniversaries, important dinners, or business occasions, the course menus and wine pairings at Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu are highly recommended. We also have private rooms available in Minami-Kusatsu, allowing you to enjoy your meal in a relaxed, private setting.

The Perfect Harmony of Course Menus and Wine

Our course menus feature a succession of exquisite dishes, from appetizers to the final course, that highlight the diverse charms of chicken. By pairing a wine with each dish, you can enjoy a journey of flavors throughout the entire meal.

• A Light, Bubbly Sparkling for Appetizers: A crisp, dry sparkling wine is perfect for whetting the appetite alongside delicate appetizers.
• A Mariage for Each Cut with the Main Yakitori Course: When various cuts of yakitori are served, we recommend a glass pairing, where the wine is changed for each skewer. The sommelier will select and serve the optimal wine for each one.
• A Glass to Savor the Lingering Finish: For the final chicken dish with its rich broth, pairing it with a full-bodied red or a well-aged white allows you to savor the lingering flavors of the meal even more deeply.

Enjoy a Private Experience in Our Private Rooms

Our private rooms in Minami-Kusatsu are ideal for customers who value privacy for a meal with someone special or a business dinner. You can enjoy conversation, food, and wine to your heart's content without worrying about your surroundings. Of course, our sommelier's wine pairing service is also available in the private rooms, so please feel free to consult with us.

From Arrival to Departure: A Practical Guide to Enjoying Wine Pairing at Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu

Here are the practical steps to ensure you have the best wine pairing experience at Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu.

1. We Recommend Making a Reservation: We suggest booking in advance, especially on weekends, holidays, or if you desire a private room. Please feel free to contact us by phone or through our website. Mentioning your interest in wine pairing when you book will help us provide a smoother experience.
2. Attire and Mindset: While casual attire is perfectly fine, dressing up a little can enhance the feeling of a special occasion. Come with a relaxed mind, open to new taste experiences.
3. Review the Menu and Wine List: After being seated, take a moment to look over the food and wine lists. It can be helpful to note any dishes or wines that catch your eye.
4. Consult the Sommelier: When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask the sommelier. At Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu, our sommelier will listen to your preferences and propose the perfect wine. Specific requests like, A light red that pairs with this yakitori, or A white wine that would also go with seafood dishes, are very welcome.
5. Savor the Food and Wine: When your dish arrives, take a bite of the food first. Then, take a sip of the wine. Finally, take another bite of the food and notice how the pairing changes the taste. The key is to engage all your senses—the change in aroma, the sensation on your palate, and the lingering aftertaste.
6. After-Dinner Conversation and Future Anticipation: After your meal, it's nice to discuss the food and wine you enjoyed or ask the sommelier questions. Discovering a pairing you want to try on your next visit is part of the fun.

Conclusion

Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu is more than just a place that serves yakitori and chicken dishes in Minami-Kusatsu. It is a place where exceptional chicken cuisine, crafted by skilled artisans, meets wines selected by a knowledgeable sommelier, opening up a new world of flavor. The masterful techniques displayed before your eyes, the fragrant aroma of charcoal, and the profound mariage with wine all come together to stimulate your senses and create a moving, memorable dining experience.

At Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu, we invite you to find your own perfect yakitori and wine pairing and spend a truly enriching time with us. Whether you are looking for a special izakaya near Minami-Kusatsu Station, celebrating an anniversary with a loved one, or simply wish to enjoy delicious food and wine, we sincerely look forward to welcoming you.