When it comes to Japanese drinks, you may be familiar with sake and umeshu, but what about Japanese wine? In fact, some brilliant wine regions can be found in Japan while some of their native grape varieties have been recognized by the world. With more and more Japanese wineries winning international competitions, wine critics nowadays have also paid more attention to their wine. This month, Saketora has decided to introduce 2 award-winning wineries to you. Check what’s special about them and Japanese wine. From now until 11/11, you can also enjoy up to 10% off all new items! Definitely, don’t miss the offer!
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France
France is located at higher latitudes, so most of their wine regions are cool. With French oak barrel being so famous in the world, their wine is often elegant and fine.
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Japan
Grapes can be grown in many areas in Japan, but the main wine regions are usually located in the center or the north. The style is different according to the regions, but their wine is famous for being delicate and soft.
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America
Most wine regions of America are located along the coast, with California being the most important area. With long sunshine hours and American oak barrel being famous in the world, their wine is often robust and rich.
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Japan
Grapes can be grown in many areas in Japan, but the main wine regions are usually located in the center or the north. The style is different according to the regions, but their wine is famous for being delicate and soft.
-
France
France is located at higher latitudes, so most of their wine regions are cool. With French oak barrel being so famous in the world, their wine is often elegant and fine.
-
America
Most wine regions of America are located along the coast, with California being the most important area. With long sunshine hours and American oak barrel being famous in the world, their wine is often robust and rich.
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Koshu:
The Oldest Grape with Floral NotesKoshu, the most prominent Japanese white wine grape, has already had a history of 1,000 years in Japan with Yamanashi Prefecture being the most famous region of production. Despite the pinkish-purple skin, it is used to produce white wine that usually shows the notes of citrus like lemon and lime and flowers like lily. High in acidity with low sugar level, it is often dry, crisp and fresh. It is also versatile, so different wine-making techniques like oak-ageing, skin contact and sur lie can be used to enhance the complexity.
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Muscat Bailey A:
Elegant & Delicate with Red Fruit NotesMuscat Bailey A, a red wine grape hybrid, was developed in 1940s with Yamanashi Prefecture also being the most prestigious region of production. Similar to Gamy of Burgundy, France, it is light to medium-bodied with gentle tannins and fresh acidity. While it often shows the notes of red fruit like strawberry and raspberry, the late harvest will become more robust and the aromas will develop into blueberry and cherry. It is especially famous for its candy-like and foxy aromas. The premium Muscat Bailey A is often aged in French oak in order to enhance the complexity.
Koshu:
The Oldest Grape with Floral Notes
Koshu, the most prominent Japanese white wine grape, has already had a history of 1,000 years in Japan with Yamanashi Prefecture being the most famous region of production. Despite the pinkish-purple skin, it is used to produce white wine that usually shows the notes of citrus like lemon and lime and flowers like lily. High in acidity with low sugar level, it is often dry, crisp and fresh. It is also versatile, so different wine-making techniques like oak-ageing, skin contact and sur lie can be used to enhance the complexity.
Muscat Bailey A:
Elegant & Delicate with Red Fruit Notes
Muscat Bailey A, a red wine grape hybrid, was developed in 1940s with Yamanashi Prefecture also being the most prestigious region of production. Similar to Gamy of Burgundy, France, it is light to medium-bodied with gentle tannins and fresh acidity. While it often shows the notes of red fruit like strawberry and raspberry, the late harvest will become more robust and the aromas will develop into blueberry and cherry. It is especially famous for its candy-like and foxy aromas. The premium Muscat Bailey A is often aged in French oak in order to enhance the complexity.
Grace Wine is one of the most prominent wineries in Japan. Since they were introduced by a famous TV series of Kimura Takuya in 2018, their name has gone viral in Asia. However, right before that, they were well-known enough, especially in the international wine industry, as they were the first winery that won gold medal in Decanter World Wine Awards in 2014. They have been frequently awarded and they are also the president of “Koshu of Japan”, an industry committee in Yamanashi Prefecture specialized in promoting Koshu.
Japan started to produce their own wine around 140 years ago and Soryu, with a history of over 100 years, is one of the pioneers. What’s special about them is they have their own vineyards that are located by the Nikkawa River, Katsunuma City, Yamanashi Prefecture. With the elevation reaching over 350m, the grapes are exposed to long sunshine hours with huge diurnal temperature variations, so they can fully ripen with acidity level retained. They are one of the very few wineries that have been frequently awarded at wine competitions. And back to 2006, they have already won the championship in Japan Wine Challenge, the biggest wine contest in Asia.
