I've recently been into plum wine and tried various kinds, and I realized that truly delicious plum wine is surprisingly deep. It's not just about sweetness; balancing the tartness of the plums is really important.

For drinking on the rocks, a type that has a strong plum aroma is ideal, while for soda mixes, a sweeter one that enhances the sweetness is better. Choosing based on how you plan to drink seems to be the key. If you're looking for a rich flavor, aged or syrupy types are great. Conversely, for a lighter taste, there are many delicious plum wines that are easy for beginners to enjoy and can be drunk every day.

Brands that use Kishu Nanko plums or 100% domestically sourced plums tend to have higher expectations because of their focus on quality ingredients. For gifts, choosing a premium bottle with a luxurious appearance is a good idea, while for everyday drinking, prioritizing cost performance with paper packs is also fine. Since the taste of plum wine is quite subjective, finding your favorite one is part of the fun.