Japanese wine, which is produced domestically using 100% grapes grown in Japan, has undergone remarkable evolution and is attracting attention from around the world. As ``Japanese wine'' begins to awaken and undergo a paradigm shift, three wine authorities will carefully select and introduce 3 bottles that you should experience now.

Japanese Wine x Cuvée Misawa Akeno Koshu 2017 selected by wine journalist Tadayuki Yanagi

The ultimate form of Koshu at the moment is this ``Cuvée Misawa Akeno Koshu.'' Koshu is a grape variety with European roots that came from the continent via the Silk Road. Originally a variety suitable for winemaking, it has been grown for over 1000 years as a raw food, so it has lost its potential for winemaking.

Grace Wine's Shigeki Misawa worked desperately to awaken that latent ability. However, the characteristics that have been ingrained over many years do not disappear easily, and although we tried growing them under hedges, which is common in Europe, they did not bear fruit.

His daughter Ayana is the one who took revenge on her father. She is trying her hand at cultivating Koshu hedges at her own farm in Akeno, Hokuto City. Koshu, which was planted in 2005, exceeded 7 degrees for the first time in 12, its seventh year. The wine that was born in this way is ``Akeno Koshu.''

Smaller grapes are produced than in Koshu, which is cultivated on trellises, and the resulting wine retains the purity and delicateness of Koshu, but has a thicker mid-palate. The wines of the last few years have a flint-like smokiness to them.

At Akeno Farm, we are currently in the process of massaru selection (the process of selecting and increasing the number of excellent plants). It will take 10 to 20 years to see results. I can't take my eyes off Akeno Koshu's evolution for a while.

(Titles omitted)

Cuvée Misawa Akeno Koshu 2017
Maker: Grace Wine
Variety: Koshu
Features: Koshu hedge cultivation, which is rare in Japan. It is very popular and is already sold out. To ensure you get your hands on this year's releases, we recommend making a reservation at the winery.
Price: 5,400 yen (tax included/according to editorial department)
http://www.grace-wine.com/