Makiko Gräfin von Oberndorff, pictured, is one of just four SSA-certified sommeliers in the country Matic Zorman

Makiko Gräfin von Oberndorff, pictured, is one of just four SSA-certified sommeliers in the country Matic Zorman

Originally from Nagoya, Japan, Makiko Gräfin von Oberndorff worked in Hong Kong and Germany before moving to Luxembourg in 2011.

“I love sake even more than when I was in Japan, and I wanted to learn more about sake culture, production processes, varieties, and pairing with foods,” she told Delano. Her curiosity led her to complete a comprehensive sake training programme covering the drink’s history, culture and tasting, and today Makiko is one of just four SSA-certified sommeliers in the country.

Brewed from highly polished sake mai rice, water and a type of mould called "koji", sake is served warm or cold, dry, sweet or with umami flavour, and has an alcohol content between 15 and 20%. Today, sake is known as “nihonshu”, meaning “Japanese liquor”, and is served in small porcelain cups or “sakazuki” during formal ceremonies. But sake is thought to have been first produced in China around 500BC.

While access to knowledge and training in wine is commonplace in Luxembourg, awareness about sake remains rare, even if the choice of products is expanding. “Nowadays you can buy sake but many people don’t know what is a good sake,” says the sommelier. “Now that some restaurants offer Japanese sake, we hope to educate people to become sake sommeliers […] Because if they can explain sake well to the customer, the customer will want to know more.”

Black Swan is a sake recommended by the sommelier. Photo: Matic Zorman

Introduction to sommelier level

People can dip a toe into the world of sake by joining one of Makiko’s introductory professional sake course (next one planned for May), or they can progress further, completing the certified sake sommelier (in June) accredited by the Sake Sommelier Association, a two-day, intensive course that is recognised by the food and beverage industry. Graduates of this course will be able to participate in regional sake challenges as tasting judges and enter the Sake Sommelier of the Year contests.

The courses form one of three pillars of the entrepreneur’s new Sa.Kura business brand. The business also focuses on Japanese craftsmanship, by importing ceramics like sake wear and teacups, and sensory experiences through tastings and pairings, which will start in September 2021.

How to get started? For anyone completely new to sake, Makiko urges people to get curious and explore the many sakes on sale in Luxembourg. Her top recommendations are Wakasa (Junmai), Shirakiku Black Swan Sparkling Nama, Chimera (Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Genshu) and Tanaka 1789 X Chartier (Namazume).