In recent years, wineries have been emerging all over Japan, and Shikoku is no exception, with many attractive wineries being established. Among them, the "Inoue Winery" located in Kochi Prefecture is especially noteworthy.
This time, we will introduce wines recommended by the "CRAFT WINE SHOP." Even those who might think, "Wine in Kochi Prefecture?" will find these wines to be of high quality and worth trying. Please use this as a reference when choosing your wine.
What is "Inoue Winery"?
There are three essential points to know about "Inoue Winery." Understanding these points will deepen your appreciation of their wines.
A Winery Operated by a Lime Company
"Inoue Winery" was established in 2016. The winery was founded and is operated by Inoue Lime Industry Co., Ltd., a long-established company in Kochi Prefecture that produces various products using lime.
Kochi Prefecture is known for its excellent lime deposits, and the company has long offered high-quality products utilizing lime. One of their best-selling products is the lime-based pesticide "IC Bordeaux." Through this connection, they received advice from Mr. Tomio Shimura of the Grape Research Institute, who suggested, "Since you have wonderful limestone soil comparable to Burgundy, why not try cultivating grapes?"
If grape cultivation succeeds, it could lead to the reuse of abandoned farmland, which is a problem in Kochi Prefecture, and if wine can be made from those grapes, it would contribute to regional revitalization. With hopes for the future, the story of "Inoue Winery" began.
Grape Cultivation with Blessed Soil and Thorough Measures
Shikoku, including Kochi Prefecture, is a hot and humid area with many typhoons, so it has long been considered unsuitable for growing wine grapes. Grape cultivation in Kochi was a high hurdle even for "Inoue Winery," and they faced opposition from those around them.
Amid this, they received advice from Mr. Tomio Shimura of the Grape Research Institute, who was the catalyst for establishing the winery: "Careful selection of grape varieties" and "thorough measures against rain." This led to trial grape cultivation. The quality of the harvested grapes was high, and the wine made from them was also of excellent quality, giving them confidence in grape cultivation and winemaking in Kochi.
Currently, "Inoue Winery" owns five vineyards within Kochi Prefecture, and the cultivation is handled by employees of Inoue Lime Industry. These include the Inao vineyard, where high-purity lime is mined; the Yamakita vineyard, which has mineral-rich, well-drained soil containing limestone; the Teyui vineyard, known for good drainage and abundant sunlight; the Kokuhoku vineyard, where various soil types are intricately mixed; and the Yusuhara vineyard, located 540 meters above sea level above the clouds. Each vineyard cultivates grape varieties suited to its conditions. To make the most of the blessed soil, uncompromising and thorough measures are implemented. It is precisely because Kochi Prefecture has world-class limestone soil that the wines made at "Inoue Winery" are so unique.
Winemaking Aimed at "Wines You Want to Drink Every Day"
With world-envied limestone soil, thorough rain protection, carefully selected varieties, and the expertise of Inoue Lime Industry, which also produces excellent Bordeaux mixture, the grape quality is impeccable.
So, what kind of commitment do they have in winemaking? The winemaking is handled by employees who trained at wineries in Yamanashi, where the winemaking was originally outsourced. Although winemaking was previously outsourced to wineries in Yamanashi and Shimane Prefectures, since February 2021, production has started at "Inoue Winery’s first winery," equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
The goal of "Inoue Winery" is to produce wines that you want to drink every day and that pair well with Kochi Prefecture’s local ingredients. They carefully determine the balance of grape acidity, sugar content, and polyphenol levels to harvest at the optimal time. Extraction is delicate, and they make every effort to prevent oxidation, focusing on a clean taste without off-flavors.
Incidentally, "Inoue Winery" values food pairing, scientifically analyzing the compatibility of their wines with Kochi’s specialty dish "Katsuo no Tataki" (seared bonito) as part of their promotion of "Kochi wines."
Because these are wines you want to drink every day, they are made to pair easily with everyday meals. This is another of "Inoue Winery’s" commitments.
CWS Selects! Two Recommended Wines from Inoue Winery
Inoue Winery has proven with quality that excellent wines can be produced in Kochi Prefecture.
Here are two recommended wines carefully selected by "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
Please try these attractive wines that stand out with their individuality while maintaining clean quality.
Inoue Winery / tosa cavatina Sannan Tannat 2023
This red wine is made luxuriously from Tannat grapes harvested at the Yamakita vineyard in Konan City. The Yamakita vineyard is characterized by good sunlight exposure and mineral-rich, well-drained limestone soil. Tannat, said to derive its name from strong tannins, produces rich and powerful wines. It features aromas of cassis, blackberry, and black fruits with a rich and complex sweetness, along with spicy and toasted nuances. The palate is delicate yet has high acidity and firm tannins, delivering a strength that surpasses the world standard. The complex interplay of fruit sweetness and spice makes this a high-quality red wine. Since Tannat shows great aging potential, purchasing multiple bottles is recommended.
Inoue Winery / tosa cavatina Sannan Tannat 2023
Price including tax: 5,500 yen
More details about the wine here
Inoue Winery / tosa cavatina Yamakita Albariño 2024
This white wine uses Albariño grapes grown in Kagami Town, Konan City, Kochi Prefecture, a famous production area for Wenzhou mandarins. The Albariño grapes, bathed in abundant sunlight, produce an aromatic wine. The Yamakita Albariño is characterized by a clear, pale lemon color. It offers a floral aroma reminiscent of tropical fruits, along with citrus, herbs, and fresh scents, making it a wine that satisfies with its fragrance alone. The gentle palate is brought by refreshing acidity and mineral nuances. The finish reveals aromas of black tea and flowers, adding to its elegance.
Inoue Winery / tosa cavatina Yamakita Albariño 2024
Price including tax: 4,620 yen
More details about the wine here
Summary
Some may have never imagined wine coming from Kochi Prefecture. "Inoue Winery" breaks that stereotype and is a winery to watch in the future. Blessed limestone soil, carefully selected varieties, thorough rain protection, and clean winemaking that respects the potential of the grapes—all of these are packed into the wines of "Inoue Winery," reflecting the terroir of Kochi Prefecture.
If you are looking for new Japanese wines, be sure to check out "Inoue Winery."
