Knowledge Memo | [Saizeriya] | Satisfaction Beyond the Price! ~ Why is Saizeriya's wine possible at 1,100 yen per bottle?

Saizeriya's "Milano-style Doria" is a popular menu item that I also love.
But in fact, "Doria" is a dish created in Japan.
The word "Doria" itself is the surname of the Doria family, a prestigious noble family in Genoa, Italy, but its direct relationship to the dish name is unclear.
Many people think it is "Italian cuisine," but in reality, the dish "Doria" hardly exists in Italy.
Even if you see it in Italy, it is not "Doria as Italian cuisine," but rather something imported as Japanese cuisine (Yoshoku).

Besides Doria, what comes to mind when you think of Saizeriya?
Many people are likely curious about the "Glass Wine for 91 yen (100 yen including tax)."
This pricing is close to a bug, but did you know that Saizeriya's "bottle wine" lineup is secretly becoming a hot topic among wine lovers?
The astonishing cost performance allows you to enjoy authentic wine directly imported from Italy starting from "1,100 yen per bottle."Moreover, because they are carefully selected to match the restaurant's dishes, there are no misses.

This time, we will thoroughly dissect the characteristics of the 6 bottles of wine you can drink at Saizeriya and the "ultimate recommended menu" you should order with them.

At a local izakaya, you could order an entire 750ml bottle of Italian wine for the price of two glasses of draft beer.
This low price is by no means the result of sacrificing quality.
Saizeriya has been directly importing Italian bottled wine since 1993, reducing intermediate costs by building long-term trading relationships with local wineries.
Furthermore, they are so meticulous that they use 15°C constant-temperature reefer containers, the same as those used for transporting high-end wines, so that the quality of the wine does not drop even on long shipping routes passing near the equator.
They also continue a system of confirming quality with producers locally every year, and now they boast one of the largest volumes of Italian wine consumption in the country as a restaurant chain.

The interesting thing about this bottled wine is that it is a lineup that even sommeliers respect, not because "it's cheap so don't expect much," but because "it's cheap but they haven't cut corners."

1. Don Raffaello (White Sparkling) Dry / 1,100 yen

This is a white sparkling wine characterized by fine bubbles, often cited as a staple aperitif.
It has a refreshing aroma reminiscent of citrus and green apples, and a lightness that is perfect for a toast.

Tracing the label, you can see that it is produced by "Cantina Bellini," a producer that has continued since the end of the 19th century in the Chianti region of Tuscany.
The official name is "Chianti Raffaello," and it goes through a process that can never be called casual: hand-picked grapes are macerated on the lees for 18 days, and after malolactic fermentation, it is aged in stainless steel tanks for 6 months.

Recommended dishes: Prosciutto, salad, mussels, escargot

It is also known for its good compatibility with seafood, and when paired with dishes that have a salty aroma like garlic-baked mussels, the richness of the white wine enhances the umami.

2. Lambrusco Rosé (Rosé Sparkling) Sweet / 1,100 yen

This Lambrusco Rosé is said to be the most popular among Saizeriya's bottled wines.
With a fruitiness reminiscent of strawberries and raspberries, and a modest alcohol feel, it is supported even by wine beginners.

The producer is Medici Ermete in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is a prestigious Lambrusco winery that started from restaurant management in 1890, and the wine they made to serve at their own shop became popular and turned into their main business.
It has also won high praise in authoritative wine evaluation magazines in Italy and is loved in over 70 countries around the world.

When Saizeriya first introduced it, sweet Lambrusco was mainstream in Japan, but dry types that pair with meals were becoming mainstream in Italy.
It seems that this rosé with natural sweetness was introduced in 2000 amidst such trends.

Recommended dishes: Spicy chicken, pizza, dessert

Since the sweetness pairs well with desserts, and it is slightly sparkling and has acidity, it has a depth that makes it easy to pair at any timing: before, during, or after a meal.
It seems that a way of drinking it by mixing it with orange juice from the drink bar to make it sangria-style is also enjoyed by some.

3. Lambrusco Secco (Red Sparkling) Dry / 1,100 yen

A red, slightly sparkling wine with suppressed astringency, featuring the aroma of black fruits and light carbonation.
Lambrusco originally has a strong character as a table wine, and its charm is that it can be enjoyed roughly without worrying about the glass.
It is sometimes described as a bottle that brings the atmosphere of a casual Italian dining table just as it is.

Recommended dishes: Sausage, hamburger steak, meat sauce-based dishes

It has good compatibility with fatty processed meats and pairs lightly with tomato-based dishes like Margherita.
Because the carbonation resets the mouth, it is also effective to have it when oily dishes continue.

④ Verdicchio (White) Dry / 1,100 yen

A white grape variety representative of the Marche region in central Italy, characterized by aromas of lemon and herbs, and a refreshing acidity with a mineral touch.
With its fresh taste, it is often said to harmonize well with dishes that have acidic dressings, such as shrimp salad.

Recommended dishes: Seafood dishes, salads, mozzarella

Taking advantage of its light acidity, it pairs well with dishes that highlight the natural sweetness of ingredients like mozzarella and tomatoes.

⑤ Chianti (Red) Dry / 1,100 yen

A red wine representative of the Tuscany region, primarily made from the Sangiovese grape, featuring aromas reminiscent of cherries, tomatoes, and black olives, with moderate acidity and tannins.
Because the acidity of the Sangiovese resonates with the nuances of tomatoes, sommeliers also highly recommend this wine for pairing with tomato-based pasta.
Combinations where the umami of the meat harmonizes with the dissolved tannins, such as 100% beef hamburger steaks, are also frequently mentioned.

Recommended dishes: Hamburger steak, doria, lamb/beef dishes

This Chianti is what makes people hesitate until the very end between "1,100 yen or 2,200 yen," and it seems many regulars enjoy the process of starting with the affordable 1,100 yen bottle and stepping up to the higher-end Riserva if they like it.

⑥ Chianti Rufina Riserva (Red, Full-bodied) Dry / 2,200 yen

Even though it is the same Chianti, this is a higher-end line aged in large barrels for about three years.
It has aromas derived from the barrels and a spicy character, with firm tannins.
Sommeliers often recommend pairing it with fatty foods, as it is a bottle where you can feel depth and complexity rather than a simple taste.

Recommended dishes: Rib steak, lamb, cheese

With a structure where rich tannins and acidity stand up to greasy fat, it elevates the satisfaction of meat dishes like steak or lamb skewers by one level.

The perspective of choosing by alcohol content

Beyond pairing with food, choosing by alcohol content is another approach.
As a guide, Don Raffaello and Verdicchio are around 10-13%, Chianti is around 12-13%, and Lambrusco Secco is around 11%.
For those who are not strong with alcohol or for a first glass, we recommend starting with the lower-alcohol sparkling Lambrusco, and then moving on to reds like Chianti once you get used to it.

You can take it home if you can't finish it

It may not be widely known, but you can take home leftover bottled wine from Saizeriya.
If you tell the staff, they will provide a bag for takeaway at no extra charge.
However, there are a few points to note.

• Unopened bottles cannot be taken home due to liquor licensing laws (they are always uncorked at the time of service)

• Sparkling wine loses its carbonation easily, so it is best to finish it in the restaurant if possible

• For corked wines like Don Raffaello and Chianti Rufina Riserva, it is difficult to put the cork back in once removed, so you need to be careful not to spill it when taking it home

I think the ease of knowing you don't have to force yourself to finish it even if you think you ordered too much is also a good thing.

◆ Summary

Looking only at the price, Saizeriya's bottled wine is often dismissed as 'cheap for a reason,' but there is serious craftsmanship behind the cost, including a history of direct imports since 1993, a commitment to temperature-controlled shipping, and long-standing relationships with talented producers in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.
If you think a little about the background of the production area and the makers, not just the low price, your usual glass will surely look different!

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Next time, I will be writing a little about 'Saizeriya's Olive Oil,' so please read it if you have the time.

I write about various things from my daily life as a sort of diary.
Please read my previous article as well if you have time.