One black grape that has been loved for a long time as a unique Japanese variety is Muscat Bailey A.
Since it is a grape also used for fresh eating, it is widely known as an "eating grape," but it is a grape that produces excellent wine, and in recent years, various styles of wine have been made from Muscat Bailey A.
This time, we have summarized the appeal of Muscat Bailey A.
Furthermore, we will introduce three recommended Muscat Bailey A wines from the "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
Let's unravel the charm of Muscat Bailey A, the black grape that Japan proudly presents to the world.
Muscat Bailey A is a black grape born in Japan
Muscat Bailey A is a black grape born in Japan.
Developed in 1927 by Zenbei Kawakami (founder of Iwanohara Vineyard), it is a black grape variety that is easy to cultivate and resistant to Japan's hot and humid climate, and has been cultivated mainly in Yamanashi Prefecture and throughout Japan. (Cultivation is also active in Yamagata, Nagano, Hyogo, Hiroshima, etc.)
The characteristic of Muscat Bailey A is that it combines qualities for both table grapes and wine, having Bailey (an American variety) and Muscat Hamburg (a European variety) as parents.
It is known for producing wines with a unique flavor that is globally rare, combining the distinctive candy aroma of table grapes with wine-like acidity and tannins.
However, it is also true that due to the characteristics of the wine, it was undervalued by wine lovers and experts as having a "grape juice-like taste."
Meanwhile, as wine professionals and others continued to study cultivation and winemaking methods to maximize the potential of Muscat Bailey A, in recent years many high-quality Muscat Bailey A wines comparable to those worldwide have been produced.
Aroma of red fruits, spices, herbs, relatively mild acidity and tannins, and a complex, structured body.
From new wines like Nouveau to long-aged types, "Japanese red wines" that Japan can proudly present to the world are produced from Muscat Bailey A.
Three things to know about Muscat Bailey A
To know Muscat Bailey A more deeply, we have summarized three key points you should know.
This is useful information when choosing Muscat Bailey A wine, so be sure to remember it.
① Aroma and taste of Muscat Bailey A
As representative aromas of Muscat Bailey A, you often see evaluations such as "strawberry" and "candy."
Additionally, blueberry, raspberry, herbal and earthy notes, rose, and spicy aromas are also characteristic.
As mentioned above, this "strawberry" and "candy" nuance gives a grape juice-like impression, and Muscat Bailey A wines have been undervalued.
Only Muscat Bailey A, which has Labrusca species as a parent, exhibits the characteristic "foxy flavor (an aroma reminiscent of grape juice)" typical of wines made from those species, which seemed to be disliked by enthusiasts and experts accustomed to imported wines.
Although the exact nature of the foxy flavor aroma has not been fully elucidated, a series of compounds such as methyl anthranilate and ο-aminoacetophenone are involved, and it is believed that the interaction with flaneol and 4-methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-3-furanone contained in Muscat Bailey A is related to the formation of the foxy flavor.
However, many of the Muscat Bailey A wines produced in recent years have been made to skillfully retain this unique aroma while enhancing the desirable aromatic elements as wine, leading to their evaluation as "rare and distinctive red wines on a global scale."
As a result of research and practice by experts on small berry size, hedge cultivation, late harvesting, and cultivation in cool environments, it is suggested that the proportion of seeds and skins has increased, further enhancing the aroma.
For example, Muscat Bailey A containing many compounds such as furaneol with fruity and caramel nuances and γ (gamma)-nonalactone reminiscent of coconut has been produced, evolving into an aromatic wine.
As the proportion of seeds and skins increases, the tannin content increases, producing wines of quality that can withstand more structured aging.
Of course, there are also wines that deliberately emphasize the unique candy aroma of Muscat Bailey A, or are made into light-bodied rosé for easy drinking, or finished sweet, which can be regarded as the “diversity” of the same variety.
The characteristic sweet aroma of Muscat Bailey A is its charm, and it is recommended to enjoy the wine appreciating this.
② Enjoy a variety of styles
Just as Koshu, a unique Japanese variety, is, Muscat Bailey A is also a variety that produces wines in a wide range of styles.
Muscat Bailey A released as a new wine like Yamanashi Nouveau is finished as a refreshing, low-tannin, early-drinking wine that maximizes sweet aromas like strawberry and candy.
On the other hand, unlike the light-bodied style mentioned above, medium-bodied Muscat Bailey A aged in oak barrels is also popular.
While retaining refreshing acidity, the slightly higher tannin content results in a mellow, structured, and complex flavor after aging.
Barrel aging adds vanilla, smoky, and coconut-like aromas derived from the barrel, giving a rich impression.
Also, some Muscat Bailey A wines incorporate the luxurious method called saignée to draw off juice, then undergo long-term barrel and bottle aging before release, so even with the same variety, a variety of styles can be enjoyed.
Due to its beautiful color and sweet and sour taste, it is often made as rosé wine, and some are even natural wines of the “vin naturel” type, made completely pesticide-free and without added sulfur dioxide.
Muscat Bailey A is a variety that is difficult to evaluate uniformly, and in a good way, it is a variety that makes you expect that another expression is still hidden.
It is recommended to enjoy Muscat Bailey A from various wineries across Japan, not just from a single winery.
③ Good compatibility with Japanese cuisine
Starting with Muscat Bailey A, wines produced in Japan are considered to pair well with Japanese cuisine.
Among them, Muscat Bailey A is a unique Japanese variety, and due to its distinctive taste, it is a grape variety that shows excellent compatibility with Japanese cuisine seasonings.
Especially recommended are dishes using sweet sauces made with mirin, sake, soy sauce, and sugar, as well as dishes grilled over charcoal.
Muscat Bailey A's characteristic aromas of caramel and smoky nuances, along with hints of sweet and sour, and sometimes nuances reminiscent of reduced jam, are full of elements that make you want to pair it with “sweet and salty sauce” and “the fragrant smell of charred charcoal.”
Therefore, it pairs effortlessly with dishes such as grilled chicken with sauce, grilled eel kabayaki, chicken teriyaki, okonomiyaki and takoyaki, and menchi katsu with plenty of sauce.
Also, medium-bodied Muscat Bailey A is recommended for pairing with seafood such as bonito and tuna sashimi, sushi made with red vinegar, and simmered splendid alfonsino.
Rosé has a sweet aroma, refreshing acidity, and mild tannins, so it also pairs well with Chinese dishes such as chili shrimp, mapo tofu, and sweet and sour pork.
Personally, I recommend pairing Muscat Bailey A with beef sukiyaki boldly using tomatoes.
Pairings that seem difficult with imported wines may succeed with Muscat Bailey A.
Why not try various combinations?
"CRAFT WINE SHOP" Recommended 3 Muscat Bailey A Wines
Because Muscat Bailey A is attractive for its diverse styles, we want you to try wines brewed at various wineries.
From here, let's introduce three recommended Muscat Bailey A wines from "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
Cfa Backyard Winery "Ring Components MBA"
Cfa Backyard Winery, a small winery run by brewer sisters in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture.
"Ring Components MBA" is a recommended Muscat Bailey A wine mainly brewed from locally grown Muscat Bailey A in Tochigi Prefecture.
A unique approach finished by blending wine aged for one year in barrels.
Enjoy a complex aroma with a beautiful dark ruby appearance, cherry compote and plum aromas, gentle fruitiness, and spicy nuances brought by aging.
Since aromas such as white peach and lavender also emerge over time, it is good to enjoy the wine's changes slowly rather than drinking it all immediately after opening.
A mellow attack and a pleasant fruitiness remain as an aftertaste.
With a modern label design and the adoption of a Vinolock (glass) stopper, it creates a stylish atmosphere just by placing it on the dining table.
As a pairing, it goes well with Japanese dishes eaten with sweet sauces such as yakitori with sauce, grilled eel kabayaki, and sukiyaki.
Cfa Backyard Winery "Ring Components MBA"
2,420 yen including tax
Hombo Shuzo "Chateau Mars Hosaka Muscat Bailey A Cold Maceration 2022"
Muscat Bailey A wine brewed by Mars Yamanashi Winery Honbo Shuzo, located near Isawa Onsen Station in Yamanashi Prefecture.
"As the name suggests, 'Chateau Mars Hosaka Muscat Bailey A Cold Maceration 2022' is a red wine that adopts the cold maceration method, where destemmed and crushed Muscat Bailey is soaked at low temperature in the tank before fermentation."
The cold maceration method is a technique commonly used worldwide for Pinot Noir, but it can also be said to be a good match for medium-bodied Muscat Bailey A as it promotes the extraction of aroma and umami components.
The Muscat Bailey A used as the raw material is carefully cultivated in Hosaka Town, Yamanashi Prefecture.
You can richly feel the aroma of fruits such as strawberries and raspberries, and the attack is gentle with mellow tannin bitterness spreading as umami in the mouth.
A classic type of wine that allows you to fully enjoy the "Muscat Bailey A character."
Try chilling it a little before pouring it into a glass and enjoying it.
Hombo Shuzo "Chateau Mars Hosaka Muscat Bailey A Cold Maceration 2022"
Including tax, 1,746 yen
Usada Winery "Unite ユニテ 2018"
A special Muscat Bailey A "Unite ユニテ 2018" brewed by Usada Winery located in Chichibu, a notable production area where charming alcohol is born.
It is an extremely luxurious red wine "made possible only because it is Chichibu," aged in bourbon barrels of the world-famous venture whiskey "Ichiro's Malt," also made in Chichibu.
Of course, the excellent taste is notable, but the artistic label design is also something to pay attention to.
It was designed by artist Hisashi Katsuya, who also named it.
Although they couldn’t put it into words well when drinking this wine made in whiskey barrels, by continuing to drink it, they felt it smoothly entered the throat.
Imagining that it would also pair well with a wide range of dishes, they felt the magic of two things connecting when drinking the last glass and named it "Unite ユニテ."
"Unite ユニテ 2018" uses grapes grown in the Chichibu Kama-no-ue area, mainly Muscat Bailey A blended with Merlot.
With the vintage also being 2018 and aged, it is a bottle that allows you to encounter a new side of Muscat Bailey A.
Why not pick it up as a gift for someone special or as a reward for yourself?
Usada Winery "Unite ユニテ 2018"
Including tax, 8,800 yen
Summary
Muscat Bailey A is a genuine Japanese representative black grape variety registered with the OIV in 2013 as an indigenous Japanese variety.
It is a variety that produces wines rich in variation, changing expression depending on cultivation and brewing methods, and it is sure to ignite the curiosity of Japanese wine fans.
If you want to experience the charm of Muscat Bailey A, be sure to check it out at "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
