Hokkaido is known as a prestigious wine region in Japan that continues to produce wines surpassing those of the world. In recent years, various wineries have been established throughout the prefecture, and among them, there is one winery with great future potential.
That is "MARO Wines."
This time, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" has stocked some notable wines from "MARO Wines." Here, we will introduce "MARO Wines" and the wines we have in stock.
About "MARO Wines"
"MARO Wines" is a wine brand started in 2022 by winemaker Naoyuki Maro, located in Naganuma Town, Hokkaido.
Born as a wine brand purely pursuing "deliciousness," "MARO Wines" has attracted attention from the wine industry and enthusiasts due to its high quality.
Let’s briefly introduce what "MARO Wines" is all about.
About Winemaker Naoyuki Maro
The representative of "MARO Wines" is winemaker Naoyuki Maro. Previously active as a medical representative for a foreign pharmaceutical company, he entered the wine industry in 2014. While involved in launching a winery in Niki Town, Hokkaido, he continued to hone his winemaking skills by training at wineries overseas during the winter season. His training locations include top wineries such as "Weingut Bernhard Koch" in Pfalz, Germany (a famous winery with a Japanese female winemaker), "Koyama Wines" in New Zealand founded by Ryu U. Koyama, "Bass Phillip Wines" in Australia, and "Marinus & Leeuw Family Wines Leeuw Estate" in South Africa. Despite starting with no prior wine experience, he won a gold medal for a red wine he produced at the world’s largest competition, the DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARD 2020, and completed the prestigious UC Davis Winemaking Certificate Program in the U.S. in 2021, establishing himself as a prominent winemaker. In April 2022, Maro launched his own brand, "MARO Wines." In 2023, the "Hokkaido Space Winery," Japan’s first "shared winery," was completed in Naganuma Town, Hokkaido. This innovative business model, where multiple producers can make wine together, attracted significant attention. With overseas training, award-winning wines, and completion of courses at the University of California, Davis, Maro is recognized worldwide as a winemaker with both skill and knowledge.
Winemaking at "MARO Wines"
"MARO Wines" started from the desire to make his own wine and not just be a hired winemaker. Although he initially made wine at a winery where he had good relations, he felt there were limits to branding. Therefore, in 2023, Maro established the shared winery "Hokkaido Space Winery" in Naganuma Town, Sorachi region. This facility not only allows for winemaking in their own space but also provides a place for producers who have knowledge, skills, and experience but lack funding. Additionally, by inviting top winemakers from overseas, it offers the opportunity to experience world-class winemaking, contributing to raising the overall level of Japanese wine. The philosophy of "MARO Wines" is simple: purely pursue "delicious" wine. The winemaking is based on five principles:
- Clean wine where good microorganisms work
- Respect the characteristics of grape varieties
- Always maintain a questioning attitude
- Deliver sincerely
- Open to children
The philosophy of "MARO Wines" is founded on delicious winemaking based on academic knowledge and experience in cultivation and production. Since wine is a fermented product, a small mistake can lead to spoilage, but it is not something the winemaker forcibly controls. The winemaking is done with the image of "steering" on a vast ocean so that good microorganisms can work easily in the wine.
The Unique Character of "MARO Wines"
The wines produced by "MARO Wines" are basically "wines with lively aromas true to the grape variety, flavors riding on supple acidity peaks, creating a beautiful texture that remains consistent through the finish." "MARO Wines" regards the "aroma" of wine as its charm and feature, always aiming to fully express the original scent of the grape variety (primary aroma). They are sensitive to undesirable odors called "off-flavors," and their wines are clean, expressing the grape’s natural aroma, flavor, and taste. Acidity is also a characteristic of their wines. They feature lingering citrus-like acidity, balancing sweetness and mineral elements to build a refined texture, which is a hallmark of "MARO Wines." The elegant texture is created by the harmonious layering of the grape’s natural "aroma" and supple citrus acidity. At the Sakura Award 2023, MARO Wines won the highest honor, the Diamond Trophy, confirming its quality recognized by wine professionals. We encourage you to experience these two key points in "MARO Wines" wines.
Outstanding Quality! Two Selected Wines from "MARO Wines"
"CRAFT WINE SHOP" has recently started carrying "MARO Wines." Here, we introduce two outstanding wines: Chardonnay and Zweigeltrebe.
MARO Wines / Chardonnay 2024
"Chardonnay 2024" is a medium-bodied dry white wine characterized by a creamy fullness and smooth texture. Normally, "MARO Wines" ferments and produces 100% in stainless steel tanks to express fruitiness straightforwardly, but for the 2024 vintage, the fruit expression was different from usual, requiring a different approach to bring out richness. Therefore, 20% of the wine was aged in wooden barrels. The restrained fruit is layered with deep spices, grapefruit nuances, ripe fruit sensations, and herbal notes reminiscent of kumquat and chamomile. The balance of fruit fullness and lively high acidity, subtle bitterness, and spice flavors add layers to the wine. Changing the temperature allows you to enjoy different aromas and tastes, making it a versatile wine for pairing with a wide range of dishes.
MARO Wines / Chardonnay 2024
4,950 yen (tax included)
See wine details here
MARO Wines / Zweigeltrebe 2023
Zweigeltrebe is one of the flagship wines of "MARO Wines." It features a gentle fruit aroma with complex layers of spices, freshly picked berries, pomegranate, and cardamom. There is a faint toasty touch and elegance from rosehip. The supple mouthfeel and gently soft fruitiness fully express the philosophy of "MARO Wines" winemaking. The persistent, integrated acidity and umami reminiscent of nigari contribute to the complexity of the finish, resulting in an elegant and dignified artistic Zweigeltrebe. The balance of satisfying body and elegance in the finish is a result of the winemaking method Maro developed over nearly ten years working with this variety. This is a gem to be enjoyed at a slightly lower temperature to appreciate its delicate flavors.
MARO Wines / Zweigeltrebe 2023
5,500 yen (tax included)
See wine details here
Summary
By the way, "MARO Wines" started its own vineyard in 2024, and it is expected that they will be able to make wine from their own grapes around 2027.
"MARO Wines" is poised to grow into a Japanese winery attracting attention worldwide.
Why not try their wines for yourself?
