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 Mieikeno Chardonnay 2016 selected by wine journalist Tadayuki Yanagi

Japanese people are too tolerant of Japanese wine. Some people describe wines with weak alcohol quality as delicate. Some people describe funky-smelling wines as unique. However, Domaine Mie Ikeno's wines require no such excuse. Is it any wonder that someone who tasted this winery's Chardonnay blindfolded would say Meursault?

Miei Ikeno returned to Japan after obtaining the qualification of a nationally certified brewer at a university in Montpellier, southern France. She found abandoned farmland at the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake, and spent three years planting grapes there starting in 2007. Currently, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir are grown on 3 hectares of land.

Relatively well-drained volcanic ash soil with a mixture of sand and clay. Over 2,400 hours of sunshine a year and approximately 1,000 mm of rainfall allow the grapes to ripen to perfection. Furthermore, thanks to the altitude of 750 meters, night temperatures are low and the acidity remains fresh. The conditions here are ideal for the three varieties that Ikeno grows.

Chardonnay has flavors of ripe grapefruit and pineapple. Rich, meaty, creamy flavor. The domaine's Chardonnay also includes ``Gekko,'' which is harvested at night when it's cool, but I'll leave that introduction to another time.

(Titles omitted)

Mieikeno Chardonnay 2016
Maker: Domaine Mie Ikeno
Variety: Chardonnay
Features: Brewed only with grapes from our own fields. It is very popular and sold out at the domaine, but we are affiliated with it.Hoshino Resorts RISONARE YatsugatakeYou can enjoy it at the main dining room.
Price: XNUM X yen (tax included)
https://www.mieikeno.com/