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 Coco Farm Winery Petit Manseng 2016 selected by wine journalist Tadayuki Yanagi

Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, which are unique to Japan, seem to have limited potential at this point. On the other hand, with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, it is difficult to compete with other famous wine producing regions. As a result, the search for new grape varieties that are best suited to the local terroir (soil and climate conditions) is currently underway.

The variety that Coco Farm Winery in Ashikaga is currently working on is Petit Manseng. It is a white variety grown in Jurancon in southwestern France. Summer in Ashikaga is hot even at night, which causes the grapes to lose their acid content. Therefore, Petit Manseng was selected as a variety that does not lose its acidity even in hot environments.

The vegetation of Juranson is similar to that of Ashikaga, and its great advantage is that it is resistant to moisture and is less susceptible to diseases. When they tried growing the scions of Petit Manseng on the roots of Koshu, they were able to raise the sugar content sufficiently and maintain high acidity.

Last year, I had the opportunity to vertically taste the first vintages from 2011 to 17. Wines from all years have a degree of concentration and a pleasant pure acidity. What surprised me most was its potential to withstand seven years of aging. The day may come when Ashikaga will be called Japan's Jurancon.

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Coco Farm Winery Petit Manseng 2016
Maker: Coco Farm Winery
Variety: Petit Manseng
Characteristics: Cultivate varieties suitable for the land. Brewing is done by natural fermentation using native yeast. A wine that goes well with chirashi sushi, fried oysters, and Chinese dishes such as sweet and sour pork with pineapple.
Price: 4,590 yen (tax included/according to editorial department)
https://cocowine.com/