When it comes to Japan's world-renowned wine-producing regions, it is Yamanashi Prefecture.
Yamanashi Prefecture is a region with a long history of winemaking in Japan, and wines from this prefecture have won numerous awards at domestic and international wine competitions.
This time, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" introduces a notable winery that produces wines that carefully express the terroir of Yamanashi Prefecture.
That is "Komazono Vineyard."
A winery that makes Japanese wine fans say, "There are still many interesting wineries in Yamanashi," and is a must-watch winery.
Let's introduce winery information and recommended wines from "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
About Komazono Vineyard
Komazono Vineyard is a winery located in Fujiki, Enzan, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Yamanashi Prefecture is widely known for Katsunuma as a wine-producing region, but Enzan, located in the same Koshu City, is also an excellent area.
What kind of winery is Komazono Vineyard?
Let's explain the dedication to grape cultivation and wine brewing as considered by Mr. Osamu Kondo, the person responsible for cultivation and brewing management, based on the history.
History of Komazono Vineyard
The history of Komazono Vineyard began in 1952 when it was founded as Gomi Juice Industry Co., Ltd. in Fujiki, Enzan, Koshu City.
After that, it became Gomi Wine Co., Ltd., and under the philosophy of "making wine in harmony with the laws of nature," it gained attention as a winery dedicated to biologic cultivation, producing wines made from 100% Yamanashi-grown grapes.
Later, in 2019, the company name was changed to Komazono Vineyard Co., Ltd.
Since 2015, Mr. Osamu Kondo, who was involved in sales at the predecessor Gomi Wine Co., Ltd., has served as the president and director of Komazono Vineyard, as well as the person responsible for cultivation and brewing management, continuing to this day.
"At Komazono Vineyard, 'Komazono' is the name of our own vineyard that has been cultivating Koshu grapes since before the company's founding. Even now, while inheriting the founding philosophy of 'making wine in harmony with the laws of nature and the universe,' we continue to express the unique flavors of this land through our wines."
The Komazono Vineyard series is broadly divided into three categories.
- "Pony"
- "Tao"
- "Cru Nishino"
"Pony" is a brand that uses 100% Yamanashi-grown grapes carefully cultivated by contracted farmers, allowing you to enjoy Japanese wine casually.
"Tao" is a single-region brand made by region, expressing the varietal characteristics of each area.
And "Cru Nishino" is a wine made from grapes grown in Minami-Alps City, available only at contracted restaurants and specialty stores.
The wines produced by Komazono Vineyard are all healthy, refined, and high-quality, with the characteristics of the varieties and regions clearly expressed.
The winery's philosophy is "Tao," meaning "the way," and wines bearing this name have been highly evaluated in domestic and international wine competitions.
Also, since Komazono Vineyard is a small-scale winery often called a “boutique winery,” its production volume is small, and there are many brands that are difficult to obtain.
Because Komazono Vineyard produces wines that rival those of the world, it will continue to attract more attention in the future.
Mr. Osamichi Kondo and his commitment
The president and director of Komazono Vineyard, who is also responsible for cultivation and brewing management, is Mr. Osamichi Kondo.
He is also a certified Wine Scientist from Yamanashi University and a renowned winemaker.
Mr. Kondo's commitment is to cherish the "once-in-a-lifetime encounter" with the grapes of that year and that vineyard, avoiding scientific approaches as much as possible.
In grape cultivation, they practice biologic farming methods and produce wine with the aim of "maximizing the individuality of the grapes."
Commitment to grape cultivation
Komazono Vineyard owns Komazono, where old Koshu vines estimated to be 80 years old are scattered, as well as Kawakubo, Takemori, and Nishino vineyards.
They are committed to winemaking that values the individuality of grapes grown in each vineyard, where there are significant differences in climate conditions, including altitude differences from 280m to 620m (an altitude difference of 340m), as well as differences in soil composition.
Another unique aspect of Komazono Vineyard is that it not only focuses on Koshu but also cultivates European varieties and domestically improved varieties according to the vineyard environment.
Various varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Bijou Noir are cultivated.
Also, the Nishino vineyard located in Minami-Alps City is at an altitude of 280m, which is a different approach from wineries that have recently been cultivating at higher altitudes seeking cooler production areas, and this is one of the winery's particular commitments.
By deliberately establishing vineyards in low-altitude areas, the goal is to harvest healthy grapes that respond to the growth phases of grapes without relying on scientific approaches and to recent climate changes.
Commitment to winemaking
Mr. Kondo’s dedication also shines in the winemaking process.
Generally, winemakers use different yeasts to achieve their desired goals (for example, choosing yeasts that bring out pineapple-like fruit aromas in Sauvignon Blanc).
However, Komazono Vineyard deliberately standardizes the use of neutral yeast and focuses on making wines that respect the individuality of the grapes used.
The commitment to not changing juice extraction methods or fermentation management based on region or grape variety, and to unify these processes, is rarely seen in other wineries.
They minimize the use of antioxidants and do not perform heat sterilization, continuing to uphold the management philosophy of "wine making in harmony with the laws of nature."
Like the world’s famous wine regions, we want to create wines that make Yamanashi’s terroir recognized worldwide and contribute to Yamanashi Prefecture being valued globally.
That is the commitment of Mr. Osamichi Kondo.
Why not check out Komazono Vineyard’s wines that carefully express the terroir of Yamanashi Prefecture?
Three recommended Komazono Vineyard wines by "CRAFT WINE SHOP"
Introducing three recommended wines from Komazono Vineyard by "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
Wines from the popular Komazono Vineyard winery—if you find a wine that interests you, be sure to check it out.
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Komazono Koshu 2024
A white wine made 100% from Koshu grapes from the Komazono vineyard, the company’s own vineyard and the origin of the Komazono Vineyard name.
The Komazono vineyard is at an altitude of 460m, with sandy loam soil composition, and the Koshu grapes are cultivated using the shelf-shaped H short pruning method.
The brewing is done in sealed stainless steel tanks, resulting in a finish that allows you to enjoy aromatic qualities and rich fruit flavors.
When sipped, a rich fruitiness spreads in the mouth with a sense of fruit sweetness, but it is a refined wine with sharp, crisp acidity and the characteristic bitterness of Koshu lingering in the aftertaste.
This Koshu has a solid umami flavor and makes you want to pair it with Japanese dishes that have a strong broth flavor, such as bonito or kelp dashi.
This is a versatile type of Koshu that feels rich in body and pairs well with Western cuisine.
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Komazono Koshu 2024
3,080 yen including tax
Click here to purchase!
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Kawakubo Pinot Noir 2023
A red wine made from Pinot Noir harvested at the Kawakubo vineyard located on the left bank of the Fuefuki River.
The Kawakubo vineyard, located at an altitude of 460m with sandy loam soil, benefits from cool winds descending from the Chichibu mountain range, creating a large temperature difference between day and night, an ideal cultivation environment for European grape varieties such as Pinot Noir.
A refined Pinot Noir with aromas of small red fruits like wild strawberries, spiciness, and earthy nuances.
While it has nuances that evoke a somewhat wild atmosphere, it also possesses the pure nuances typical of Japanese wine, suggesting new possibilities for Pinot Noir.
With abundant acidity and firm tannins, it also promises long-term aging potential.
Try pairing it with meat dishes that have a strong umami of red meat, sauces made with red wine vinegar and fruits, or the recently popular domestic game meats to enjoy powerful umami.
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Kawakubo Pinot Noir 2023
Including tax: 4,400 yen
Click here to purchase!
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Kawakubo Bijunoir 2023
A red wine made from Bijunoir grown in the Kawakubo vineyard.
Bijunoir is a red wine grape variety bred at the Yamanashi Prefectural Fruit Tree Experiment Station, a cross of (Koshu Sanjaku × Merlot) × Malbec, meaning a black jewel that produces wines with rich aroma, softness, and strength.
You can sense the aroma of black fruits typical of Merlot and Malbec and spiciness, with a very soft mouthfeel and rich fruit flavor.
You can feel the sweetness of the fruit, but it has a good balance with the tension from acidity and tannins, resulting in a refined impression.
For Japanese cuisine, dishes with sweet sauces like grilled chicken with sauce, grilled eel, and sukiyaki are recommended.
Being medium-bodied, it pairs well with fatty beef and pork, and also goes well with Western-style fish dishes such as tuna and bonito.
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Kawakubo Bijunoir 2023
3,300 yen including tax
Click here to purchase!
Summary
A wine that clearly conveys the terroir of Yamanashi Prefecture and the individuality of the grape varieties born in that land.
That is the wine of Komazono Vineyard.
Because Komazono Vineyard values the "once-in-a-lifetime encounter" that can only be experienced in that year and place, you can enjoy a different taste even among wines produced in Yamanashi Prefecture.
What kind of wine represents Yamanashi Prefecture?
If you want to know its taste, why not try picking up a wine from Komazono Vineyard?
Click here if you want to know more about Komazono Vineyard!
