Nagano Prefecture has gained overwhelming support among Japan's many wine regions.
It is known as an attractive wine region where not only native Japanese varieties but also many European varieties are cultivated.
Among many Nagano wines, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" recommends Shinshu Takayama Winery's "Murayori 2022 (White)".
"Murayori 2022 (White)" is a white wine made only from grapes harvested in Takayama Village that pairs well with Japanese cuisine.
We will share the features of "Murayori 2022 (White)" that we want to deliver not only to Nagano wine fans but to all Japanese wine fans.
We have also compiled recommended Nagano wines that pair 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 began with the desire to "make the world's best wine," and over time, it became known for its high quality, and the growers began to dream of someday making their own wine here.
In this context, Shinshu Takayama Winery was established in 2016 with investment from 13 grape growers cultivating wine grapes in Takayama Village.
Until then, outside the village they produced grapes that regularly won top prizes at domestic and international wine competitions, and finally, they were able to add value and produce wine within Takayama Village.
Leading the winery are 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 head winemaker who previously worked at a major wine company and studied winemaking in Bordeaux.
Mr. Takano has a strong bond with Takayama Village, having first vinified 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 grown into a winery highly rated every year at the Japan Winery Awards.
It is an important wine that every Japanese wine fan should definitely try.
Features of "Murayori 2022 (White)"
"Murayori 2022 (White)" is a Japanese white wine packed with charm that cannot be described in a single word.
Let us share the characteristics and charm of Murayori 2022 (White) below.
About "Murayori 2022 (White)"
"Murayori 2022 (White)".
First of all, many people will be attracted by its unique name.
The origin of "Murayori" is the hope that the wine from Shinshu Takayama Village will become a village letter sent nationwide.
The wine's name carries the meaning of "from the production area, and a village letter."
No matter how far you live, we want you to feel the terroir by drinking "Murayori 2022 (White)".
And it would be a pleasure to encounter it here in Takayama Village.
It is released as a heartwarming wine filled with such feelings.
Now, the next point of interest is the contents of "Murayori 2022 (White)".
The grape varieties used in "Murayori 2022 (White)" are, surprisingly, undisclosed.
Of course, only grapes harvested in Takayama Village are used, but the key point is that it encapsulates the 2022 vintage of Takayama Village.
According to the winery, 2022, following a heavy snow winter, was a year with a gentle spring, a brief rainy season and "return of the rainy season," a hot start to summer, and a cloudy second half leading into autumn.
This "Murayori 2022 (White)", filled with a year in Takayama Village, combines refreshing acidity with aromas of lemon and white flowers, resulting in a fresh and approachable taste.
"Murayori 2022 (White)", packed with the essence of Takayama Village in 2022, is a truly "village letter"-style wine that simply expresses the terroir of Takayama Village without preconceived notions of grape varieties.
The charm lies in its flavor that complements Japanese food.
"Murayori 2022 (White)" is a bottle you should enjoy not only on its own but especially paired with Japanese cuisine.
The fresh and floral aromas of lemon and white flowers make it easy to pair with tempura squeezed with lemon, fragrant wild vegetables, mild seafood, and dishes using white meat.
It also pairs perfectly with light and refreshing Japanese dishes such as clear soup with yuzu, grilled chicken tender skewers seasoned with fragrant condiments like yuzu pepper, and white fish sushi topped with salted lemon.
Furthermore, its refreshing acidity and slight bitterness in the aftertaste make it undoubtedly a great match for seafood salads, sashimi, and grilled dishes.
On the other hand, it is not just light but has a medium body and a supple strength with 12% alcohol, so it can also be paired with rich Japanese dishes such as grilled fish or meat with salted rice malt and Ishikari hot pot.
It also seems interestingly compatible with Japanese natural cheeses like mozzarella.
"Murayori 2022 (White)" is a bottle that shines not only on everyday dining tables but also at casual weekend Japanese wine parties.
A must-have Japanese wine whose story itself can be enjoyed as a snack.
Recommended Nagano wines that pair well with Japanese cuisine!
Not only "Murayori 2022 (White)", but Nagano wines are all easy-to-use everyday wines that go well with Japanese food.
From here, we will introduce two Nagano wines recommended by "CRAFT WINE SHOP" that pair well with Japanese cuisine.
Azumino Winery "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020"
Azumino Winery, located in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture.
This is a winery familiar to Japanese wine fans that uses grapes from Nagano Prefecture as raw materials and strives to make "clean" wines.
This "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" from Azumino Winery is a somewhat rare type of white wine.
A unique blend not only of white grape Sauvignon Blanc but also red wine grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Although mainly Merlot, its fresh and fruity aroma and flavor, light mouthfeel, and gentle acidity make it taste like a white wine.
However, it has a subtle depth, complexity, and structure brought by the black grapes, giving it a unique charm different from typical white wines.
"Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" is an elegant white wine with moderate expression, making it an excellent match for Japanese cuisine.
The refreshing herbal nuances of Sauvignon Blanc harmonize well with Japanese herbs like mitsuba, wasabi, yuzu, and yomogi sprinkled on Japanese dishes.
For fish, white-fleshed varieties are recommended, but thanks to the richness from black grapes, it also pairs well with flavorful fish like yellowtail, greater amberjack, and blackthroat seaperch.
It also pairs well with grilled chicken tenderloin with wasabi and shiso, Japanese-style chicken sautéed with lemon sauce, and refreshing meat dishes like pork shabu-shabu with sesame sauce and plenty of vegetables.
Considering its refreshing aroma, subtle acidity, and richness, tempura of conger eel with sansho pepper salt is an excellent match.
When pairing "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" with Japanese cuisine, try choosing dishes with rich aromas.
Kusunoki Winery "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)"
Suzaka City in Nagano Prefecture is known for producing high-quality grapes.
Kusunoki Winery is a leading winery in Nagano Prefecture, located in this city.
Known as a popular winery that continues to produce healthy and elegant wines using a wide range of varieties from European to native Japanese grapes, based on the philosophy of "high-quality, gentle, and refined wines that pair well with Japanese meals."
The one bottle that "CRAFT WINE SHOP" especially recommends this time is Kusunoki Winery’s "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)."
This red wine pursues the potential of Japan’s native variety "Muscat Bailey A," offering a refined finish with a charm distinct from European varieties.
Kusunoki Winery, known for its aged wines made from European varieties, has elevated this aged Muscat Bailey A into an attractive wine.
Features delicate and complex aromas from aging, a soft mouthfeel, elegant fruitiness, and smooth tannins.
It has a unique character that emits aromas reminiscent of the noble Pinot Noir, along with the caramel-like toasty scent typical of Muscat Bailey A.
If you are pairing "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)" with food, Japanese cuisine is definitely recommended.
The toasty aroma matches well with all kinds of sweet and savory sauces, and is a perfect match for sauce-based yakitori, especially fresh liver.
It also pairs well with seared tuna, bonito tataki, and slightly sweet sukiyaki.
The complex flavors and delicate acidity from aging, along with smooth tannins, also complement slightly bitter grilled Pacific saury, grilled sweetfish, and grilled turban shell.
It pairs 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’s interesting to change the dishes you pair with it as the wine evolves.
Among Japanese dishes, "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)" pairs well with somewhat rich or slightly bitter flavors.
Pairings that are difficult with European grape varieties should be easily handled by "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)."
Summary
"Murayori 2022 (White)" is available for purchase at the "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
Price: 2,530 yen including tax.
A heartwarming message from Takayama Village.
You will understand how excellently this region can cultivate grapes by trying "Murayori 2022 (White)."
Additionally, we recommend two Nagano wines that pair well with Japanese cuisine.
Please also 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 the "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
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Shinshu Takayama Winery / Murayori 2022 (White) 750mlPurchase page for "Murayori 2022 (White)" Made exclusively from grapes harvested within Takayama Village.
The year 2022 arrived after a heavy snow winter. A gentle spring, a brief rainy season and a "return of the rainy season," a hot start to summer, followed by a cloudy second half leading into autumn. This wine captures that year in a bottle. It features refreshing acidity combined with aromas of lemon and white flowers, resulting in a crisp and approachable flavor.
From Takayama Village in Shinshu to all over Japan. May wine become the village’s message.
Named "Murayori" as a play on words meaning both "From the Village" and "Village News."
Even if you are far away, we hope you can feel the terroir of the region through the wine, and we would be delighted to meet you here in Takayama Village.
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Azumino Winery / Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020 750mlPurchase page for "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" A distinctive dry white wine combining the refreshing herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc with the richness derived from black grapes. |
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Kusunoki Winery / Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red) 750mlPurchase page for "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)" |
