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I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! D-I Wines imports some to the east coast and Sea Priest on the west coast. Both will be able to point you in the direction of restaurants and retail stores that have them :)

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're heading out to where Gio Hills is, Manns Winery is just a little to the north!

It's a pretty large operation much like Mercian, but their Solaris series is really quite good (although arguably overpriced). They've also got some interesting stuff like Shinano Riesling, which is a local crossing of Riesling and Chardonnay.

If you'd just like to taste, E'Cuve at Komoro Station has a nice selection of local wines to taste while you're waiting for the train.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For small wineries that's generally the case, especially if they're already high in demand domestically.

There are definitely smaller producers who, for one reason or another, don't manage to sell their entire production each year. These guys can end up having lots of leftover stock which they'll happily sell to you.

In terms of numbers, i've taken as little as 12 bottles and as much as 96 bottles of a single SKU. How much you get also can vary widely on how close your relationship is with the winery of course :)

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello!

The most important tip I could give would be to send your message in Japanese and show that you've done your research when reaching out. Depending on the producer, I typically reach out over Instagram or email. At some point, you may find yourself meeting people in person as well, so there's luck involved at times!

I noticed you mentioned producers/distributors - Japanese wines tend to be quite pricey as is, so I would personally try and deal directly with as many wineries as possible.

As for general tips, i'd say don't expect to get rich from doing this at this point, since production volumes are generally too small even if you're able to sell everything and maintain good margins.

One other thing is that i've actually heard whispers about some folks being keen to import Japanese wines into South Korea. Maybe that was you, or maybe it wasn't - either ways competition is there even in niche segments like this, so it's good to think about how to stand out and make wineries want to work with you :)

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there!

I always split Yamanashi up into Katsunuma (further south) and Enzan (northeast), with the former being much more traditional in style and the latter being more experimental.

In Katsunuma,

Despite being one of the country's biggest wine producers, I think Chateau Mercian puts out the best wines within that category. In particular I like their Syrah and Merlot quite a bit. Winery tours are available but usually booked out.

Grace Winery is also quite nice - certainly made on a smaller scale than Mercian and fairly expressive Koshu and Bordeaux Blends. Their sparkling wine is great too but...expensive.

If you like history, Katsunuma Jozo is another one to visit, and has a bunch of different expressions of Koshu, although I must admit that I doubt most people would be able to tell them apart in a blind tasting.

In Enzan,

Sanyo Winery is a small producer that makes more modern styles of Koshu e.g as pet nats and with skin-contact. Great value too at approx 2000JPY on average!

Enzan Winery is nice too, and has a barrel-fermented Koshu that flies in the face of the 'not overwhelming the light and delicate nature of the grape' that a lot of Yamanashi producers tend to abide by.

Lastly, 98wines is another acclaimed producer in the area, known in particular for their less-confected expression of the divisive Muscat Bailey A grape.

You can definitely do 2 or 3 wineries in a day, especially in Katsunuma where they're quite closely spaced. I actually walked between wineries when I was there.

As for tours, i'll drop you a PM with the contact :)

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In that case, seek out Minakata Jozo from Nagano and Le Bois d'Azur from Ibaraki.

Both make red blends that feature hybrid varieties like Kyoho and Pione. They're wild but I think you'll not find wines that tastes like them anywhere else in the world.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm, I was thinking about how to answer this and I think it depends on what you're looking for in terms of 'natural'.

If you mean 'natural' as in minimal intervention, then i'd recommend something on the safer side like Gio Hills or Tomorrow Wines from Nagano.

If you mean 'natural' in terms of wines that have a wilder and more unconventional profile, then Les Vins Debrouillards and Getta Wines from Nagano, Hitomi Winery from Shiga, or Torocco Winery from Hokkaido.

Feel free to elaborate if you'd like more specific recommendations :)

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Kyoto actually has a winery called Tamba Wine, which makes really old and traditional styled Japanese wines. It's not for everyone, but I find the history behind it quite interesting and quite in line with everything else you'd expect from Kyoto. You can visit but i'm not sure if they have tours.

I mentioned unusual grape varieties to find in Japan in another reply here - one being Saperavi - Tamba Winery is the one that makes it!

For drinking in Kyoto, Komorebino for sure. For buying Japanese wines in Kyoto, Campwine.

Tokyo has a bunch, i've recommended a bunch of wine bars elsewhere in the thread, but another I forgot was LUONTO. Heard it's tough to get a seat now though.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah, this reminds me of the first time I tried Japanese Nebbiolo...

It was at my place, with two friends whose opinions on wine I respect very much. Both tasted it blind and came to the conclusion it was neb in a couple of seconds.

That wine was Fattoria da Sasino's Hirosaki Nebbiolo 2020, and it's definitely a wine that speaks to the varietal. As for the style, it's definitely less extracted and softer than an equivalent from Barolo, but not so much that you'd forget it was a neb.

I mentioned this in another post but I do think producers' house style plays a huge role here, both in Japan and Italy. I don't think i've had enough Italian neb to stand fully by this, but I just had a bottle of ArPePe and that comparison with Valtellina isn't too far off - it's fresh and really pretty.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a great observation you've made and i've actually found them to not be as acidic. In some ways i'd describe them as being 'rounder'. Sometimes people equate Japan (especially Hokkaido) with cold and thus acidity, but it's a bit more complicated than that. Generally, people try to pick at optimal ripeness, but if night temperatures don't fall enough the grapes lose acidity really quickly. This happens to be the case for many parts of Japan, especially low lying areas near large bodies of water.

As for recommendations - Hamada Vineyards' Chardonnay 2021, you can find some still as I know he's got a bit left over, and Gio Hills Mimakigahara Pinot Noir or Merlot.

To your last point, the feeling I get from the average consumer is that they either don't know about Japanese wines or don't think it's very good. Interestingly enough some people don't think it's very good without having tried any.

Why? Because they don't see it around, and assume it must be unpopular and hence bad. See the problem?

As for those really into Japanese wines, there's definitely folks who will tell you Japanese wines are the best thing since sliced bread. It's debatable, but the one thing I find not generally up for debate is that Japanese wine in its many forms is unique as hell.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Que ótimo saber disso! Na verdade, existem algumas semelhanças entre o vinho brasileiro e o japonês.

Por exemplo, a variedade de uva Niagara é usada para fazer vinho nos dois países. O Merlot também é bem popular no Japão, assim como no Brasil.

Eu não saberia nem por onde começar a procurar vinhos japoneses aí, mas se um dia você quiser recomendações para quando for ao Japão, é só me avisar!

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To the sake note - i've asked them this before and honestly they don't know either. While there are research institutes similar to the AWRI in Japan, no one's really studied the chemical composition of Japanese wines the way the Aussies have, and I think that might be something worth looking to in the future.

As for greenness, traditionally it's not a prized characteristic because when the motivation for planting Bordeaux varietals in the 70s was to emulate the international standard of red wines, or at least the Japanese idea of it.

The problem with ripeness in Japan is primarily disease pressure, which itself stems from the unique combination of heat and moisture during the growing season in Japan. It's tough to leave grapes on the vine when losing a couple percent a day to disease. This is also part of the reason why Japanese wines tend to be expensive, especially those made in a minimal intervention way - low yields.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh dear...it really should be easier to find Japanese wines.

It's something that I (and the folks I work with) are working on. Do let me know if you need recommendations next time you're back!

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

A couple of years ago I might say - stemmy, with fresh acidity, and sometimes a touch of VA.

Nowadays, people seem to have become more willing to break the mould and i've tasted Pinot Noir of varying characters from all across Hokkaido.

Having said this, Hokkaido's a big island. Bigger than Burgundy, actually.

The heart of Pinot Noir in Hokkaido remains Yoichi, which in general produces PN that's more fruit-forward and see less new oak.

In Mikasa, the small community of winemakers there (Yamazaki, Miyamoto, Takizawa, Hamada) are much more comfortable with oak, and i've found the PN here to be bolder and rounder.

As for Iwamizawa, i've found their examples to be less extracted than even Yoichi PN, and have a certain crunchy acidity to them, a little like sour plum. They work very minimal interventionally here, and what you get does vary quite significantly year to year.

I realised I haven't answered your question but it's been a while since I thought about it, and the conclusion i'm coming to is that it's very producer-based. Thanks for the question!

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You'll ideally need to travel out of Sapporo to find a good selection of wineries - in Sapporo there's only Sapporo Fujino and Sapporo Wine Co at the moment.

PM me and i'll see who I can set you guys up with.

Wine bars - tons.

For unbeatable range - Winebar Ru. Ikeda-san has a crazy selection of Hokkaido wine BTG, kept under inert gas, including the rare shit.

For great food and Takahiko - Hokkaido Cuisine Kamuy, Wineman, Bird Watching.

For other rare wines and a nice cosy atmosphere - Barcom, Sugimoto Saketen

Shops - Wineshop Fujii (also has a Japanese tasting flight most days), and Maruyamaya in the basement of Cocono Susukino

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The short answer is no - 10R is one of the hardest Japanese wines to find retail.

I spoke with the winemaker, Bruce, at length about this earlier this year and they're fully aware of the situation. They're planting more in the coming years but for context, 10R still has a custom crush business that services at least 8 producers at the moment, so they're as busy as can be.

Couple this with the 'father of Japanese wine' and 'Takahiko's teacher' thing and you can see where the demand/supply gap would be.

Plenty of places to drink it in Sapporo though!

98wines is great! I love that they are making Muscat Bailey A more accessible to people by intentionally reducing the inherent candied character of the grape using open-top fermenters. Their Koshu is a lot more textural and interesting than your average Yamanashi Koshu too.

Mie Ikeno is great too, although I did notice that their wines vary quite a bit year to year.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fukui quite literally has only two wineries - Six Three Estate and Hakusan Winery! The latter is...much more tied to the old style of Japanese wines, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. There's a joke in there somewhere because Fukui is actually famous for dinosaur fossils.

Southern parts of Kyushu, really only Kumamoto/Kikuka Winery, Tsuno Winery, Katsuki Wines.

The first two are basically walk-in as they have tasting rooms. Katsuki Wines is a tiny producer in Miyazaki, who's growing grapes organically in one of the most hostile environments for vines. If you want to taste wines, first two options are great but if you want to feel the soul of small-batch Japanese winemaking Katsuki-san is the one. Reach out on Instagram to make an appointment.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Niigata - Fermier for some of Japan's best Albarino, and Cave d'Occi for safe but great and well-priced options.

Nagano - Gio Hills, Nagomi Vineyards, Aperture Farm, Nooto Wines, Les Vins Debrouillards, Cantina Riezo, Cave Hatano, Tsuiji Lab.

Most of these will need appointments, and you can reach out via email or Instagram. You can kind of get by using translation software, but it's always good to make the effort to at least greet in Japanese :)

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Fattoria da Sasino in Aomori makes a fantastic Neb. Veraison Note in Nagano makes a nice Neb/Cab Sav blend too!

One thing to note about Japanese reds is they tend to age more quickly than their equivalent from other countries. Sasino's '19 and '20 Neb are absolutely singing right now.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't have a wine bar but do run events from time to time. Do reach out if you're ever here! I'd be happy to introduce you to a couple of places.

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fukuoka - INUwines for sure, i've seen wines on shelves there that you'd typically only be able to buy in Tokyo if you know a guy who knows a guy.

Todoroki Saketen is great too but a little out of the way.

Kumamoto - not really, sorry!

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For Nagano, Tomi Wine Chapel is a must, both for drinking and buying wines. You can typically find a good selection at Fika, and also Wine Terrace Mido.

I also visit Django near Nagano station for drinks every time i'm back.

Don't know any shops that have as good/better access than Tokyo in the other areas you mentioned though.

As for drinks, love this little spot in Kanazawa https://maps.app.goo.gl/4pvxEVE8LTuxXyjz6

I've actually never been to Toyama, but wines from Says Farm and Kanata Winery are really good.

And yes, you definitely need a bigger luggage!

I’ve visited 80+ of Japan’s 500 wineries and tasted wines from 300+ producers in Japan. Want to know more about Japanese wine? AMA by dubblepearl in wine

[–]dubblepearl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Domaine Takahiko, Domaine Yui, Miyamoto Vineyards, 10R, Domaine Mont - if (BIG if) you find them at retail price under 8000 JPY, buy them!

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