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 selected by sommelier Rie Matsuki x 98wines (Q Hachi Wines) Rosé 2018

98wines is located in the Tamamiya district of Koshu City, overlooking the Kofu Basin and the beautiful Mt. Fuji in front. The brewery uses terraced fields to produce wine that defies gravity, and the Japanese house next door, with its beautiful mud walls and cedar plank floors, functions as a wine shop and a kitchen studio. Every location is edgy down to the smallest detail.

98wines is particular about using local grapes, Koshu and Muscat Bailey A. While thinking seriously about helping local farmers who are forced to abandon farming due to old age, they brought two qvevri from Georgia, one of the world's oldest wine-producing regions, and installed them on the floor of a Japanese house. I buried it in Georgia has an 2-year-old brewing method that uses jars. This year, he plans to use that method to prepare Koshu. Don't forget to make wine with such a playful spirit.

Rosé wine is currently experiencing an unprecedented boom all over the world. The secret to its popularity is that it has a beautiful color that looks great on social media, and that it's easy to drink and goes well with a wide range of foods. How did Hirayama take on the ever-popular rosé wine? It was a unique production method that involved adding whole bunches of Koshu white grapes to Muscat Bailey A red wine. In fact, this manufacturing method is quite advanced from a professional point of view. How should we develop this? I'm curious about what will happen next.

The wine has a light body with hints of perilla and some pink pepper, and has a hint of spice and shiso, which goes well with a wide variety of Japanese dishes. I also recommend pairing it with my standard shiso dumplings.

(Titles omitted)

98wines Rosé 2018
Maker: 98wines / Representative Shigeyuki Hirayama
Variety: Muscat Bailey A and Koshu
Features: A long-awaited winery launched by a notable brewer. Mr. Hirayama has been involved in winemaking for a long time at Mercian and Katsunuma Jozo, and also works as a wine consultant. Although it was only established last year, wine journalists from all over the world have already come to tour the brewery due to its unique brewing techniques, sensibilities, and creativity.
*At the time of the interview, the etiquette was still in the process of being designed, so the actual etiquette may be different.
Price: TBA.
https://98wines.jp/