When it comes to pairing wine and water, few have considered the art with as much care and expertise as Mr. Juha Lihtonen, The Best Nordic Sommelier of 2003, the co-founder of the FINE Wine Magazines – the finest wine magazines in world, and Tastingbook.com – the world’s largest wine information service and community. Lihtonen was invited to assess the unique qualities of Kuohu Waters, sourced from Finland’s pristine depths at Syväkivi (Deep Rock) and Kirkas (Clear).
Pure and neutral – vibrant and vivid with a light-bodied texture, delicately mineral… Kuohu waters elevate the flavors of wines and carry them gracefully on the palate with lingering finish.
The unique qualities of Kuohu Waters Still Deep Rock
Kuohu Deep Rock water fills the mouth with a satin-like softness, thanks to its delicately low mineral content (TDS 56 mg/l) and neutral pH (6.8–7.1). It gently cleanses the palate and leaves a harmonious, pure mouthfeel. Thanks to its subtle minerality, Deep Rock enhances the terroir characteristics of fine wines and foods, allowing flavors to linger elegantly. Lihtonen describes it as majestic and elegant with a depth of purity, ideally served alongside delicate dishes and exceptional wines.
Still Bedrock
Kuohu Bedrock water offers greater vibrancy, and a lighter mouthfeel compared to Deep Rock, due to its exceptionally low mineral content (TDS 28 mg/l). With a lower pH (5.8–6.3), it awakens the gustatory glands, delivering an energetic, mouthwatering sensation with a pure and refreshing finish.
If water can be described as delicious, there is no comparison to Kuohu Bedrock.
While Deep Rock shines alongside fine wines, Bedrock is served perfectly alone for its invigorating and clean taste.
A New Approach to Water Pairing
Pairing water with wine is central to Kuohu’s philosophy. According to Lihtonen, water’s role extends beyond quenching thirst – it prepares and cleanses the palate between sips. “The low mineral content, neutrality and delicate structure of Kuohu Waters cleanse the mouth gently, allowing the flavours of wine and food to linger on the palate with purity and finesse” Lihtonen explains. In contrast to Europe’s more mineral waters, which can exaggerate strong flavors like oak, spice, and tannins, Kuohu respects and enhances the wine’s own character. For sommeliers and chefs, Kuohu offers a unique opportunity to elevate the dining experience with a story of purity and terroir.
Waters of True Origin and Sustainability
The origins of Kuohu Waters are as remarkable as their qualities. Drawn from three deep and exceptionally pure sources – Kirkas (45 meters) and Syväkivi (200 meters) – these waters filter through ancient Finnish bedrock, acquiring their distinctive softness and purity. Lihtonen refers to these as ‘cru waters’ – a nod to their elevated character and terroir-driven distinction ‘cru waters’, akin to fine wines rooted in terroir. Like vines penetrating deep into the soil, Kuohu Waters carry the unique imprint of their origin. Officially recognized as first-class groundwater, their heritage from Kuohu village speaks of authenticity and excellence. Sustainability is at the heart of Kuohu’s ethos: Renewable energy powers production. Recyclable, light glass bottles prevent microplastic contamination. Biodegradable labels underline Kuohu’s environmental responsibility.
Water from deeper sources gives a more viscous and heavier mouthfeel and smoothly cleanses the mouth, without affecting on the aftertaste of the wine.
The Future of Fine Dining and Fine Water
Lihtonen believes Kuohu’s approach – treating water with the same reverence as wine – is groundbreaking. It resonates with sommeliers, winemakers, and chefs alike. The finest waters deserve a place in the world’s best restaurants, where their story, purity, and pairing potential can truly shine. Lihtonen has had the privilege of working alongside top chefs and sommeliers -professionals who devote extraordinary care to ensure that every dish and wine pairing is both flavorful and perfectly balanced. In these situations, Lihtonen has noticed that rarely, if ever, attention is paid to the chemical quality of the water served alongside. Yet water, the quiet understudy at the dining table, can be a stealthy assassin of taste – cutting short the lingering finish of both food and wine. In the world of fine dining, where even the smallest details are meticulously considered, Lihtonen believes it is essential that the quality and character of the water served receive heightened attention. In this attention, Kuohu’s distinctive waters not only harmonize the sensory experience for guests but also offer restaurants a compelling opportunity to enrich the overall dining journey of their customers through storytelling and provenance. Kuohu Waters from Central Finland combine natural purity, environmental responsibility, and culinary insight, elevating water into an essential part of the fine dining ritual.
Juha Lihtonen
The Best Nordic Sommelier
