You often hear that Japanese wine is also competitive on the global stage.
However, many people may vaguely not know which producers in which regions make wines that are "recognized worldwide for their quality."
This time, for those interested, we will introduce a winery that "CRAFT WINE SHOP" confidently recommends.
That is the winery "Vinoble Vineyard & Winery" in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Once you taste it, everyone becomes captivated by its "high quality."
In this article, we will share the appeal of Vinoble Vineyard.
About Vinoble Vineyard
Vinoble Vineyard is a winery located in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, in the center of the Chugoku region.
Although a new winery established in 2021 by Takashi Yokomachi, the representative, grower, and winemaker, through the crowdfunding project "Hiroshima-grown, from seedlings to wine fund," it has already attracted great attention for producing wines of world-class quality.
This milestone was achieved at the internationally prestigious wine competition IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022) held in 2022.
The winery’s 'Sauvignon Blanc 2021' won a gold medal with the highest score of 95 points. (The only other wine with the same score is from a winery in Marlborough, New Zealand, the holy land of Sauvignon Blanc.)
Winning the gold medal was the first for a privately owned winery in Japan.
It was a moment that shocked wine professionals worldwide.
Furthermore, at the G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023 Partners Program dinner, their Semillon sparkling wine was chosen as the toast wine, and Vinoble Vineyard continues to produce wines of quality that Japan proudly presents to the world.
Why Vinoble Vineyard’s wines are so highly regarded.
Let us share the secret behind this.
About Takashi Yokomachi
Takashi Yokomachi, the representative of Vinoble Vineyard, graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture’s Department of Brewing Science and has honed his skills at leading Japanese wineries such as Miyoshi Winery and Katsunuma Brewing.
After working as a winemaking consultant, he also serves as the executive director of the grapevine nursery company "Lag Phase," showing his diverse and multifaceted activities.
Mr. Yokomachi, who possesses exceptional winemaking skills, also has a top-level commitment to grape cultivation.
Mr. Yokomachi is a self-proclaimed clone enthusiast, and his vineyard grows clones of Pinot Noir such as Abel and mv6, as well as a clone of Sauvignon Blanc called NZ MS, showing a dedication similar to famous wineries in renowned wine regions worldwide.
Even major wineries in Japan are working on adjusting plots and processing by clones, but few small, privately owned wineries are as thorough as this.
Also, the vineyard cultivates more than 20 grape varieties, including overseas varieties still rare in Japan, so there is no doubt that new wines will continue to be produced from Vinoble Vineyard.
Although the winery is highly recognized as a world-class winery, it was established recently in 2021.
For that reason, we look forward to Mr. Yokomachi’s future challenges.
Commitment to trellis cultivation
When you hear about wines that rival those of the world, you might imagine that the grapes are grown using hedge cultivation.
As is the case with famous wine regions worldwide, well-known Japanese wineries also actively adopt hedge cultivation.
On the other hand, Vinoble Vineyard is characterized by its commitment to "trellis cultivation."
Miyoshi City, where the winery's vineyard is located, is a basin-shaped area with a large temperature difference between day and night, and relatively cool summers, making it known as a region suitable for cultivating elegant, high-quality grapes with rich color, aroma, sugar content, and acidity.
On the other hand, this production area experiences heavy rainfall during the growing season, and risks such as the autumn rain front just before harvest, typhoons, heavy rain, and sudden downpours make healthy grape cultivation challenging.
After exploring various cultivation methods, Mr. Yokomachi decided to adopt a trellis cultivation method with rainproof vinyl installed to reduce these risks.
The method that suits the land and the importance of harvesting healthy grapes.
For Mr. Yokomachi, who aims to produce clean wine, having healthy grapes as raw materials is more important than anything else.
By the way, the vineyard does not use herbicides or chemical fertilizers, only compost made from fermented plant residues and bark.
Trellis cultivation to bring out the land’s qualities is another reason Vinoble Vineyard’s wines are highly regarded.
Commitment to winemaking
As a winemaking consultant, Mr. Yokomachi aims to create clean wines that express varietal characteristics.
While prioritizing healthy fermentation and aging to express varietal characteristics, he carefully adjusts the balance by trying many patterns based on the condition of the harvested grapes.
Gentle handling, a style that minimizes human intervention, is also a characteristic of his winemaking.
Aiming for a luxurious style close to grand vin, Mr. Yokomachi wants discerning old wine fans to know that Japanese Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are of comparable quality.
By the way, Miyoshi City in Hiroshima Prefecture is known for dense fog called the "sea of mist" from late autumn to early spring, and Mr. Yokomachi hopes to one day make the best noble rot wine in this area.
Using his knowledge, experience, and skills in grape cultivation and winemaking, he harvests healthy, high-quality grapes with cultivation methods suited to the land and carefully crafts the wine to bring out the grapes’ charm.
If you want to enjoy delicious wine and understand that Japanese wine can compete globally, please try the wines created by Mr. Yokomachi, who is sincere about wine.
Three Vinoble Vineyard wines recommended by CRAFT WINE SHOP
As CRAFT WINE SHOP, we recommend all wines produced by Vinoble Vineyard.
Among them, we have carefully selected three gems that Japanese wine fans should definitely try.
Now, let’s introduce three recommended Vinoble Vineyard wines from CRAFT WINE SHOP.
Vinoble Vineyard Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2022
Vinoble Vineyard became famous for Sauvignon Blanc, but it is also known for its high-quality Chardonnay.
The 'Vinoble Vineyard Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2022' uses Chardonnay carefully harvested from our own vineyard.
Fermented in French oak barrels, underwent malolactic fermentation in the barrel, followed by 9 months of barrel aging.
A rich Chardonnay with well-balanced fruitiness, barrel aroma, and acidity.
Enjoy pairings that match the wine’s intensity, such as rich dishes with cream sauce or smoky dishes that harmonize with the barrel aromas.
Vinoble Vineyard Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2022
Including tax: 4,500 yen
Vinoble Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022
It’s no exaggeration to say that Sauvignon Blanc is the face of Vinoble Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc carefully cultivated and harvested in our own vineyard, crafted with gentle handling to bring out the varietal characteristics.
It offers the characteristic aromas of Sauvignon Blanc like citrus and melon, hints of Japanese herbs, and fresh acidity, all beautifully balanced.
A versatile wine that pairs well with Japanese cuisine and a wide range of dishes.
By the way, the 2021 vintage won a gold medal at the IWSC.
Vinoble Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Including tax: 3,699 yen
Vinoble Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022
Miyoshi City, where excellent Pinot Noir can be harvested.
This high-quality Pinot Noir is carefully harvested from our own vineyard and crafted with gentle handling.
Aged for 12 months in barrels, it features the bright red fruit and floral scents like rose and violet typical of Pinot Noir, resulting in an elegant and rich wine.
With elegant barrel aromas and tannins, this flavor is a fusion of Burgundy Pinot and the best of Japan, unique to Vinoble Vineyard.
Vinoble Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022
Including tax: 4,500 yen
Summary
Vinoble Vineyard is attracting attention not only in Japan but worldwide.
As a small winery, production volume is limited, and some wines are difficult to obtain.
"Has the quality of Japanese wine finally reached this level?"
When you drink Vinoble Vineyard's wine, everyone will utter this phrase.
This is a rare chance to get precious wine, so please check out Vinoble Vineyard's wines.
*Currently, Vinoble Vineyard is running a crowdfunding campaign aiming to win a gold medal for their noble rot wine!
Please be sure to check it out as well.
Click here for the page!
