Currently, Miyagi Prefecture is gaining attention as a region where high-quality grapes can be grown and wines comparable to those worldwide can be produced.
In recent years, wineries have gradually increased in the same prefecture, but there is a place expected to attract attention in the future.
That is "Yuz farm & vineyard."
This time, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" introduces "Route 113 Blanc 2023" from "Yuz farm & vineyard."
It is a charming bottle that Japanese wine fans definitely want to try.
About "Yuz farm & vineyard"
This time, we introduce "Yuz farm & vineyard."
Many people may not have heard of it yet.
"Yuz farm & vineyard" is a project started in 2020 by its representative, Ken Arai, who returned to his hometown in Miyagi Prefecture aiming to establish a winery in the future.
In April 2024, he transferred what he had built up over four years individually to a corporation he established for the next step and is working hard toward further development.
Let’s explain in more detail what "Yuz farm & vineyard" is below.
About Mr. Arai
Mr. Ken Arai, representative and cultivation and winemaking manager of "Yuz farm & vineyard," was born in 1989 in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture.
From meeting Professor Tsutomu Takayanagi, former director of the Yamanashi University Wine Science Research Center, under whose guidance he established a laboratory and conducted wine research (on flavor-related components in white wine and their interactions), he has been involved with wine since his student days.
Afterward, he joined a medium-sized winery in Nagano Prefecture as a new graduate, engaged in grape cultivation and winemaking, obtained an enologist qualification, and during his tenure, worked not only in winemaking but also in sales delivering directly to customers and managing a company-owned store as a store manager, performing a wide range of wine-related duties.
Ultimately, he has a career as a leader in the winemaking field, involved in fermentation management, product development, and new product creation, excelling in a wide range of areas.
Mr. Arai retired from his winery job in 2019.
Returning to his hometown in Miyagi Prefecture, he examined suitable cultivation sites and began grape cultivation (for winemaking and fresh consumption) in Shichikashuku, where his paternal family home is and where he is familiar, aiming to establish a winery in the future, leading to the present.
"Yuz farm & vineyard" history
The cultivation site chosen by Mr. Arai is Shichikashuku in Miyagi Prefecture, where his paternal family home is located and where he has his roots.
Located at the foot of the Zao mountain range, the area features a unique cool mountain climate with significant temperature differences between day and night.
In 2020, they reclaimed abandoned farmland and newly planted 250 grapevines for wine production, followed by an additional 300 vines the next year, harvesting grapes for the first time in the second year.
Furthermore, in 2022, they newly planted 900 grapevines for wine production, inherited the town’s only apple orchard, and released their first vintage product from 2021.
Also in the same year, they released their first 100% estate-grown wine and their first 100% Shichikashuku-produced white wine in 2023.
By the way, in the same year, about 850 kg of wine grapes were harvested, including the first harvest of Pinot Noir.
In 2024, they newly planted 1,550 grapevines for wine production and steadily progressed by releasing five items, including their first 100% Shichikashuku-produced red wine.
"Yuz farm & vineyard" and cider
The charm of "Yuz farm & vineyard" is not limited to wine alone.
As mentioned above, Mr. Arai inherited the town’s only apple orchard, and the cider apples and cider he produces have received high acclaim. In 2023, his first entry in the JAPAN CIDER AWARDS 2023 Taste Category earned "Cider Brut 2022" two stars, and his debut in the domestic competition Fuji Cider Challenge 2023 won a bronze award.
The orchard where cider apples for "Yuz farm & vineyard" are grown is said to be the place Mr. Arai inherited, which was the only apple orchard in the town.
At the time, Mr. Arai took time to rebuild an apple orchard that was on the verge of being abandoned due to a lack of successors.
Currently, more than 15 apple varieties are cultivated in that orchard alone.
Additionally, Mr. Arai began cultivating Granny Smith, a high-acid overseas variety suitable for cider, and the latest red-fleshed apple variety (IHR17) for rosé cider three years ago.
They also practice approaches unusual for table apples, such as small-fruit cultivation and early harvesting to obtain the important acidity for cider.
Another reason why "Yuz farm & vineyard" cider is highly regarded is Mr. Arai's advanced skills and extensive experience in cider brewing.
Experience gained from producing cider (about 50,000 bottles annually) at a historic winery in Nagano Prefecture, along with the cider's high evaluation not only domestically but also in international competitions, is being applied to current cider production.
While there are many wineries producing both wine and cider, wineries that handle the "cultivation" of both grapes and apples used as raw materials are rare nationwide.
The day when "Yuz farm & vineyard" produces cider that makes a name for itself worldwide is not far off.
Please also be sure to check out the cider from "Yuz farm & vineyard," not just the wine.
"Yuz farm & vineyard" cultivation varieties
At "Yuz farm & vineyard," they mainly use trellis cultivation, while table grapes are grown using shelf cultivation.
They cultivate a wide range of varieties carefully in the vineyard.
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet Franc
- Riesling
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Bourgogne Noir
- Muscat Bailey A and others
In addition, they cultivate about 15 varieties including Shine Muscat, Violet King, Queen Seven for table grapes, and Kogyoku and Sour Rouge apples, as well as peaches like Akatsuki and Kawanakajima Hakuto.
Recommended wine "Route 113 Blanc 2023"
This time, the wine recommended by "CRAFT WINE SHOP" from "Yuz farm & vineyard" is "Route 113 Blanc 2023."
What "Yuz farm & vineyard" aims for is the establishment of a winery that "creates wine from the vineyard and delivers it to the glass."
"Route 113 Blanc 2023" is truly a refined, pure wine that conveys the terroir of Shichikashuku from the glass.
The blend ratio of "Route 113 Blanc 2023" is 95% Chardonnay from Shichikashuku Town and 5% Sauvignon Blanc.
This white wine features fruity aromas, made by slowly fermenting these grape varieties at low temperatures.
Surprisingly, the 5% Sauvignon Blanc shows a strong presence, giving aromas of herbs and tropical fruits.
You can subtly sense notes of stone fruits like peach and citrus, with a smooth mouthfeel, juicy flavors, soft acidity, and minerals forming the structure, resulting in a high-quality finish with a long aftertaste.
In any case, it is a refined taste with no trace of "off-flavors," making you think it is a refreshing flavor brought by the terroir of Shichikashuku, crafted as a white wine that Japanese wine fans should definitely try.
Also, while the typical pairing for Japanese wine is with Japanese cuisine, "Route 113 Blanc 2023" naturally pairs well with Japanese food but also seems to go well with slightly Western-style dishes.
Salads and stews with plenty of herbs, chicken or delicately seasoned pork for meat, and seafood dishes with plenty of olive oil would also pair well.
Personally, I felt that dishes using beans pair very well.
It seems to pair perfectly with dishes using beans, such as chickpea potage and Sicilian-style octopus and white bean salad.
This is a bottle we definitely want those looking for wineries that are likely to gain attention in Japan and worldwide to try.
Summary
Miyagi Prefecture is an important region for Japanese wine.
Although still a relatively new presence, "Route 113 Blanc 2023" from "Yuz farm & vineyard" proves that fact.
If you want to discover new Japanese wines and find wines that make you want to support them.
For those people, we highly recommend "Route 113 Blanc 2023."
"Route 113 Blanc 2023" is available at "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
If you're interested, please be sure to check it out.
Yuz farm & vineyard "Route 113 Blanc 2023"
Including tax 3,740 yen
Go to the purchase page here!
