"Currently, Miyagi Prefecture is attracting attention as a region where high-quality grapes can be cultivated and wines that can rival those of the world can be produced."
"In recent years, wineries have been gradually increasing in the same prefecture, and there is a place that is 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's a captivating bottle that Japanese wine fans definitely want to try."
"About 'Yuz farm & vineyard'"
Introducing "Yuz farm & vineyard" this time.
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 personally transferred what he had built up over four years to a corporation he established for the next step and is striving for further development.
Let's explain in more detail what "Yuz farm & vineyard" is below.
About Mr. Arai
Mr. Ken Arai, representative of "Yuz farm & vineyard" and responsible for cultivation and brewing, was born in 1989 and is from Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture.
From his encounter with Professor Tsutomu Takayanagi, former director of the Yamanashi University Wine Science Research Center, under whose guidance he established a laboratory and conducted wine research (taste-related components in white wine and their interactions), he has been involved with wine since his student days.
After that, he joined a medium-sized winery in Nagano Prefecture as a new graduate, engaged in grape cultivation and wine brewing, obtained an oenologist qualification, and during his tenure, he was involved not only in winemaking as a manufacturer but also in sales directly to customers and store management as a manager of a directly operated store, performing a wide range of wine-related duties.
Ultimately, he has a career as a leader in the wine brewing field, engaging in brewing management, product commercialization, and new product development, playing an active role in a wide range of areas.
As for Mr. Arai, he resigned from his winery job in 2019.
Returning to his hometown of Miyagi Prefecture, he examined suitable cultivation sites and began grape cultivation (for winemaking and table grapes) in Shichikashuku Town, 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, Miyagi Prefecture, where his paternal family home is and where he has his roots.
Located at the foot of the Zao mountain range, it is said to have a unique mountainous highland climate with significant temperature differences between day and night.
In 2020, they reclaimed abandoned farmland and newly planted 250 wine grape vines, and the following year planted an additional 300 vines, harvesting grapes for the first time in the second year.
Furthermore, in 2022, they newly planted 900 wine grape vines, inherited the town's only apple orchard, and achieved the release of their first product from the 2021 vintage.
Also in the same year, they released their first 100% estate-grown wine, having released the first 100% Shichikashuku Town-produced white wine in 2023.
By the way, in the same year, about 850 kg of wine grapes were harvested, and Pinot Noir was also harvested for the first time.
And in 2024, they are steadily progressing by newly planting 1,550 wine grapes and releasing five items including their first 100% Shichikashuku-produced red wine.
"Yuz farm & vineyard" and cider
The charm of "Yuz farm & vineyard" is not only the wine.
As mentioned above, "inheriting the only apple orchard in the town," the cider apples and cider produced by Mr. Arai have received high acclaim. In 2023, at the JAPAN CIDER AWARDS 2023 Taste Category, his first entry "Cider Brut 2022" won two stars, and at the Fuji Cider Challenge 2023, his first domestic competition entry, he won bronze.
The orchard where cider apples for "Yuz farm & vineyard" are grown was inherited by Mr. Arai from the only apple orchard in the town.
At that time, Mr. Arai took time to rebuild an apple orchard that was about to be abandoned due to lack of successors.
Currently, more than 15 apple varieties are cultivated in that orchard.
Furthermore, Mr. Arai started cultivating Granny Smith, a high-acid foreign variety suitable for cider, and the latest red-fleshed apple variety (IHR17) for rosé cider three years ago for the future.
It is also characterized by approaches impossible for table apples, such as small-fruit apple cultivation and early picking to acquire the important acidity for cider.
Also, one reason why "Yuz farm & vineyard" cider is highly regarded is Mr. Arai's high skills and extensive experience in cider brewing.
The experience of producing cider (about 50,000 bottles annually) at a historic winery in Nagano Prefecture, along with the high evaluation of that cider not only domestically but also in international competitions, is utilized in the current cider production.
There are many wineries that produce both wine and cider, but wineries that cultivate the grapes and apples used as raw materials from the ground up are rare nationwide.
The day when "Yuz farm & vineyard" produces cider renowned worldwide is not far off.
Please be sure to check out not only the wine but also the cider from "Yuz farm & vineyard."
Cultivated varieties of "Yuz farm & vineyard"
At "Yuz farm & vineyard," hedge-style cultivation is mainly used, and only table grapes are grown using trellis cultivation.
A wide variety of cultivars are carefully grown in the vineyard.
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet Franc
- Riesling
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Bijou Noir
- Muscat Bailey A and others
In addition, about 15 varieties of table grapes such as Shine Muscat, Violet King, Queen Seven, apples like Kogyoku and Sour Rouge, and peaches such as Akatsuki and Kawanakajima Hakuto are cultivated.
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 "makes wine from the vineyard and delivers it to the glass."
"Route 113 Blanc 2023" is exactly a refined and 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 is a white wine characterized by fruity aromas, made by slowly fermenting these varieties at low temperatures.
Surprisingly, the 5% Sauvignon Blanc shows a strong presence, giving aromas of herbs and tropical fruits.
You can subtly feel nuances of stone fruits like peach and citrus, with a mellow mouthfeel, juicy flavor, soft acidity and minerals forming the structure, and a long finish, resulting in a high-quality finish.
In any case, it is a refined taste with no trace of "off-flavors," making you think it is a refreshing taste brought by the terroir of Shichikashuku, and it is a white wine that Japanese wine fans definitely want to drink.
Also, while pairing Japanese wine with Japanese cuisine is the theory, "Route 113 Blanc 2023" naturally goes well with Japanese food but also seems to pair well with slightly Western-style dishes.
Salads and stews using plenty of herbs, chicken or delicately seasoned pork for meat, and seafood dishes using plenty of olive oil would also pair well.
Personally, I felt that dishes using beans pair very well.
It seems to show the best compatibility with dishes using beans, such as chickpea potage and Sicilian-style octopus and white bean salad.
This is a bottle that I definitely want those who are looking for wineries that are likely to attract attention in Japan and globally from now on to try.
Summary
Miyagi Prefecture is an important production area for Japanese wine.
Although still a relatively new presence, the fact is proven by "Route 113 Blanc 2023" from "Yuz farm & vineyard."
I want to encounter new Japanese wines and wines that make me want to support them.
For those people, we definitely recommend "Route 113 Blanc 2023."
"Route 113 Blanc 2023" is on sale 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
Click here to purchase!
