Nagano Prefecture, which has gained overwhelming support among many Japanese wine-producing regions.
It is known as an attractive wine-producing region where not only native Japanese varieties but also many European varieties are cultivated.
Among the many Nagano wines, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" recommends Shinshu Takayama Winery's "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)".
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" is a white wine brewed only from grapes harvested within Takayama Village, perfectly suited to Japanese cuisine.
We will share the characteristics of "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)", which we want to deliver not only to Nagano wine fans but to all Japanese wine fans.
We have also compiled recommended Nagano wines that go well with Japanese cuisine, so please check those out as well.
About Shinshu Takayama Winery
Shinshu Takayama Winery is a winery established in 2016, located in Takayama Village in northern Nagano Prefecture.
Since Chardonnay was first planted in Takayama Village in 1996, it has been known as a grape-growing area supplying grapes to wineries outside the village.
"The cultivation of wine grapes in the village, started with the desire to 'make the world's best wine,' eventually became known for its high quality, and the growers began to dream of someday making wine themselves in this land."
"Meanwhile, Shinshu Takayama Winery was established in 2016 with investment from 13 grape growers cultivating wine grapes in Takayama Village."
"Until then, outside the village with grapes that have consistently won top prizes at domestic and international wine competitions, they finally became able to add value and brew wine within Takayama Village."
"Leading the winery is Mr. Kazuaki Wakui, in charge of grape cultivation and CEO, who also served as the second chairman of the Takayama Village Wine Grape Research Association, and Mr. Eiichi Takano, the brewing manager, who was a winemaker at a major wine company and also studied brewing in Bordeaux."
"Mr. Takano has a strong bond with Takayama Village, having first brewed grapes planted and harvested in Takayama Village at a winery in Katsunuma where he worked during his time at a major wine company."
"Shinshu Takayama Winery has now grown into a winery highly rated every year at the Japan Winery Awards."
"For Japanese wine fans, it is an important presence that must be tasted."
"Characteristics of 'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)'"
"'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)' is a Japanese white wine packed with charm that cannot be described in a single word."
"Let's convey the characteristics and charm of Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White) below."
"About 'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)'"
"'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)'."
"First of all, many people were probably attracted by its unique naming."
"The origin of 'Murayori' is that it would be delightful if the wine from Shinshu Takayama Village becomes the village's news nationwide."
"The wine's name carries the meaning of 'from the production area, and village news'."
"No matter how far away you live, I want you to feel the terroir by drinking 'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)'."
"And it would be a pleasure to encounter it here, in this land, Takayama Village."
"It is released as a wine filled with such feelings, a wine that warms the heart."
"Now, the next thing to be curious about is the contents of 'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)'."
"The grape varieties used in 'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)' are surprisingly undisclosed."
Of course, only grapes harvested in Takayama Village are used, but the key point is that it contains the vintage of Takayama Village in 2022.
According to the winery, the year 2022, which came after a heavy snow winter, was a year when spring was calm, there was a brief rainy season and a "return of the rainy season," the start of summer was properly hot, and the latter half was cloudy as the season moved into autumn.
The "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)", tightly packed with a year of Takayama Village, combines refreshing acidity with aromas like lemon and white flowers, resulting in a fresh and approachable taste.
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)", packed with the "2022 of Takayama Village", is exactly a "village letter" type bottle that simply lets you feel the terroir of Takayama Village, eliminating preconceptions about the grape variety.
The charm lies in its flavor that complements Japanese cuisine.
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" is a bottle you should enjoy not only on its own but also paired with Japanese cuisine.
The refreshing and gorgeous aromas like lemon and white flowers will likely pair well with tempura squeezed with lemon, fragrant wild vegetables, mild seafood, and dishes using white meat.
Also, it pairs perfectly with light and enjoyable Japanese dishes such as delicious clear soup with yuzu, grilled chicken tenderloin with fragrant seasonings like yuzu pepper, and white fish sushi with salted lemon.
Furthermore, due to its refreshing acidity and slight bitterness in the aftertaste, it is undoubtedly a good match for salads, sashimi, and grilled dishes using seafood.
On the other hand, it is not just light but medium-bodied, with 12% alcohol and a supple strength, so it can be paired with rich Japanese dishes such as grilled fish or meat with salted rice malt and Ishikari hot pot.
It also seems interesting to pair with Japanese natural cheeses such as mozzarella.
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" is a bottle that plays an active role not only on everyday dining tables but also at casual Japanese wine parties on weekends.
It is a must-have Japanese wine whose story itself can be enjoyed as a snack.
Recommended Nagano wines that go well with Japanese cuisine!
Not only "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)", but Nagano wines are all easy-to-use everyday wines that go well with Japanese cuisine.
From here, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" will introduce two recommended Nagano wines that "go well with Japanese cuisine."
Azumino Winery "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020"
Azumino Winery, located in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture.
It is a winery familiar to Japanese wine fans who use grapes from Nagano Prefecture as raw materials and strive to make "clean" wines.
The "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" brewed by such Azumino Winery is a somewhat rare type of white wine.
It is a unique blend not only of white grape Sauvignon Blanc but also Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which are used as raw materials for red wine.
Although mainly Merlot, the fresh and fruity aroma and flavor, light mouthfeel, and gentle acidity make it taste like a white wine.
However, it has a finish with a subtle depth, complexity, and structure brought by black grapes, offering a charm different from typical white wines.
"Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" is an elegant type of white wine that is not too assertive overall, making it an excellent match for Japanese cuisine.
The refreshing herbal nuances of Sauvignon Blanc harmonize well with Japanese cuisine sprinkled with Japanese herbs such as mitsuba, wasabi, yuzu, and mugwort.
For fish, white-fleshed fish is recommended, but due to the richness derived from black grapes, it also pairs well with rich-flavored fish like yellowtail, greater amberjack, and blackthroat seaperch.
Also, grilled chicken tenderloin with wasabi and shiso, Japanese-style chicken sauté with lemon sauce base, and pork shabu-shabu with plenty of vegetables in sesame sauce are easy to pair with light meat dishes.
Considering its refreshing aroma, subtle acidity, and richness, tempura of conger eel with sansho salt is an excellent match.
When pairing "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" with Japanese cuisine, why not choose dishes prepared with rich aromas?
Kusunoki Winery "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)"
Suzaka City in Nagano Prefecture is known for producing high-quality grapes.
Kusunoki Winery, a representative winery of Nagano Prefecture, is located in that city.
Known as a popular winery that continues to produce healthy and elegant wines using a wide range of varieties from European to indigenous Japanese varieties, under the philosophy of "high-quality, gentle, and elegant wines that pair well with Japanese meals."
This time, the bottle that "CRAFT WINE SHOP" wants to recommend is Kusunoki Winery's "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)".
This red wine pursues the potential of the indigenous Japanese variety "Muscat Bailey A," resulting in a refined finish that exudes a different charm from European varieties.
As Kusunoki Winery is well known for its aged wines made from European varieties, it has elevated the aged Muscat Bailey A into an attractive bottle.
Characterized by the delicate and complex aroma brought by aging, a soft mouthfeel, elegant fruitiness, and smooth tannins.
It also emits an aroma reminiscent of the noble Pinot Noir variety, while featuring a unique character with a savory scent that evokes caramel, typical of Muscat Bailey A.
If you pair "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)" with food, Japanese cuisine is definitely recommended.
The savory aroma pairs well with all kinds of sweet and spicy sauces that have been heated, making it a perfect match for sauce-grilled chicken (especially fresh liver).
It also has a flavor that makes you want to pair it with seared tuna, seared bonito, and slightly sweet simmered sukiyaki.
The complex flavors and delicate acidity brought by aging, along with smooth tannins, also seem to pair well with slightly bitter grilled salted Pacific saury, grilled salted sweetfish, and grilled turban shell.
It goes well with flavorful simmered chicken and root vegetables, all kinds of teriyaki, and surprisingly with okonomiyaki with sauce, ham cutlets, and tonkatsu.
Since it can still be bottle-aged further, it would be interesting to change the dishes you pair with it according to its evolving character.
Among Japanese dishes, "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)" pairs well with somewhat rich and slightly bitter flavored dishes.
Pairings that are difficult with European grape varieties should be easily handled by "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)."
Summary
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" is available for purchase at "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
The price is 2,530 yen including tax.
A heartwarming village letter from Takayama Village.
You will understand how excellently this region can cultivate grapes if you try "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)."
Also, we recommend two Nagano wines that pair well with Japanese cuisine.
Please be sure to check out Azumino Winery's "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" (2,420 yen including tax) and Kusunoki Winery's "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)" (2,211 yen including tax) at "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
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Shinshu Takayama Winery / Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White) 750ml"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" Purchase Page It is brewed only with grapes harvested within Takayama Village.
The year 2022, welcomed after a heavy snowy winter. A calm spring, a brief rainy season and a "return of the rainy season," a firmly hot start to summer, and the latter half remained cloudy as the season turned to autumn. This wine is packed with such a year. It combines refreshing acidity with aromas like lemon and white flowers, resulting in a fresh and approachable taste.
From Shinshu Takayama Village to the whole country. We hope the wine becomes the village's news.
We named it "Murayori" as a play on the meanings of "from the production area" and "village news."
Even if you are far away, we hope you can feel the terroir of the production area through the wine, and furthermore, we would be delighted to meet you here in Takayama Village.
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Azumino Winery / Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020 750ml"Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" Purchase Page A distinctive dry white wine that combines the refreshing herbal aroma of Sauvignon Blanc with the richness from black grapes. |
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Kusunoki Winery / Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red) 750ml"Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)" Purchase Page |
