Want to give a gift to that special someone? In such cases, Japanese wine is recommended.
With delicacy suited to the Japanese palate, a special feeling brought by wine, and compatibility with Japanese cuisine, these wines make gifts that recipients will appreciate.
This time, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" introduces two special Japanese wines that you can enjoy for their aged character.
Please consider using them as gifts for your important loved ones.
Aged Japanese wines are perfect for gifts!
Wines can be categorized as young wines shipped soon after production and aged wines matured over a long period. Casual or fresh wines, like white wines, are usually shipped within the same or following year, and red wines like Nouveau are shipped in the harvest year or after 1-2 years of aging. While these wines have fresh appeal, varietal aromas, and refreshing mouthfeel, aged wines offer a specialness that these do not. For example, here are some charms of aged wines.
Color and aroma
Aging changes the wine’s color. Exposure to oxygen causes various components in the wine to change, turning red wines to a pale brick color and white wines to a golden hue.
The aroma derived from the raw grapes, called the primary aroma (fruitiness, flowers, spices, etc.), becomes subdued, while the secondary aroma from fermentation and the tertiary aroma from aging, called bouquet, become prominent. You can enjoy aromas and flavors not present when young, such as vanilla and spiciness from barrels, dried fruits, ripe fruits, leather, tobacco, honey, earth, and mushrooms.
Smoother and more complex mouthfeel
Red wines contain many tannins. (Some white, rosé, and orange wines do as well.) Also, white wines contain many acids, including organic acids, which contribute significantly to the wine’s structure and tension.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the balance of tannins and acidity greatly affects wine quality, and these elements are also important for aging. Wines that can endure long aging require strong tannins and intense acidity, which can make them seem tough when young. (Recently, more wines are delicious both young and aged.)
Over time, these elements chemically react with various components in the wine, making it smoother and more complex in flavor.
Luxury and specialness
The charm of aged wine lies in its appearance, aroma, taste, and complexity, but above all, it’s the special feeling of being a "wine that has been aged."
Generally, aged wines are more expensive compared to non-aged wines. This is for various reasons, but mainly because aged wines require careful selection of grape quality and meticulous production, making them inevitably pricier than wines shipped quickly. Drinkers also tend to associate "aged" with luxury, so receiving them as gifts can create a special feeling.
Aged wines offer high satisfaction because you can feel their complexity even on their own, but another point is that they allow you to enjoy pairings that are difficult with young wines. They pair well with ingredients and dishes that have strong character, richness, or distinctive flavors, expanding the range of pairing options.
Recommended aged Japanese wines from "CWS"!
The charm of Japanese wine is that even when aged, it finishes with an elegant character. It’s not overly complex or difficult to enjoy, so even those who don’t usually drink much wine can easily and deliciously enjoy it.
As mentioned above, high-quality aged wines tend to be expensive, but the aged wines introduced here offer outstanding cost performance.
Let us introduce two recommended aged Japanese wines from "CWS."
CruX / THANKS, LOVE KOSHU BARREL AGED
Made with 100% Koshu from Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture. This white wine is brewed to maximize the aroma potential and features complexity created by skillful barrel aging. The charming design is also attractive for gifts. "THANKS, LOVE KOSHU BARREL AGED" has a bright pale yellow appearance. The aroma is floral and fruity, with tropical fruits, apple, flowers, and apricot, giving a refreshing and sweet impression. The taste is surprisingly refreshing with sharp acidity that remains firmly, giving it a well-structured flavor. It also retains the characteristic richness and slight bitterness typical of Koshu in its rich taste and finish.
Pairs well with oily dishes, and is also recommended with oil pasta, sardines or mackerel rich in fat, and fried chicken. Try it with herb-roasted pork, pork shabu-shabu, salt-grilled chicken skewers, or salt-based chanko hot pot—dishes that are refreshing yet rich in flavor.
CruX / THANKS, LOVE KOSHU BARREL AGED
2,970 yen (tax included)
More details about the wine here
CruX / THANKS, LOVE ASSEMBLAGE
A red wine made by blending Muscat Bailey A and Syrah grapes harvested in Yamanashi Prefecture. The label, designed in a lovely pink color, is perfect for gifts.
The aged appearance visible when poured into a glass creates a special feeling. The aroma features red fruits, spiciness, herbal nuances, and a refreshing scent. The taste is more pure and elegant than mellow. You can faintly sense flavors of dark chocolate and spices. The balance of tannins and acidity is good, resulting in a complex yet approachable flavor that even beginners to Japanese wine can enjoy.
Not only do they pair well with Western-style dishes like beef stew and liver pâté, but they also seem to go well with dishes like mackerel simmered in miso, kalbi with yakiniku sauce, and marinated tuna. Since you can also sense a slight plum nuance, try pairing it with dishes using plum or slightly more elaborate stews rich in garlic and fat.
CruX / THANKS, LOVE ASSEMBLAGE
2,970 yen (tax included)
More details about the wine here
Summary
I want to give a special Japanese wine to that important person. For those people, we recommend the "THANKS, LOVE" series. These Japanese wines offer excellent value, allowing you to directly experience the charm of aged wine and the quality of Japanese wine. Please take this opportunity to try them.
