Vintage - 2016

Country - Japan

Region - Yamanashi province

Grape Varieties - Koshu 100%

Alcohol by volume - 11.5%

Bottle - 75cl

Producer - Grace Winery

Grace Winery was established in 1923, in the Katsunuma province, the birthplace of the Japanese wine industry. Committed to the belief that great wine is made in the vineyard, they were the first to research and introduce European training and pruning methods introducing such as using long cordon training and Vertical Shoot Positioning in 1990. The wines are made in a modern way to retain the delicate characteristics of this individual and exciting grape variety.

Made from Japan's most important indigenous grape variety: Koshu. The grapes for the Hishiyama Private Reserve are grown in a vineyard with a complex granitic soil structure, imparting wonderful mineral characteristics to the final wine. The warm climate promotes healthy grapes with a good phenolic maturity at harvest time. A modern long cordon training system is being used as an alternative to the traditional trellising methods. Significant advances have been made in limiting yields and focussing on canopy management. These endeavours have concentrated flavours and sugars, balancing the high acidity that occurs naturally in this variety.

The fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks to preserve the naturally occurring acidity of the Koshu grape while maintaining the integrity of its pure fruit aromas. The maturation took place in stainless steel tanks, where this wine spent six months on its fine lees, adding a rich complexity to the final wine.

Ethereal and elegant, similar to the Kayagatake but like the bigger brother – more depth on the nose, this has melon but also peach, minerality in there in spades from the complex granite soils found in the Hishiyama district. Again the remarkable freshness and elegance of the Koshu is present but with a linear, crisp, length with gorgeous mouth watering acidity and wonderful minerals and peaches on the finish - this leans towards a classy Albariño or Cru Chablis.

The perfect pairing for Japanese cuisine, but also with Asian and Western cuisine which is inspired by fresh seafood, light meats and fresh vegetables. This wine has a linear Zen-like quality, which is all about balance.