Among the many Japanese wine regions, Nagano Prefecture has gained tremendous support.
It is known as an attractive wine region where not only native Japanese varieties but also many European varieties are cultivated.
This time, among the many Nagano wines, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" recommends the Shinshu Takayama Winery "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (white)."
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" is a white wine brewed exclusively from grapes harvested in Takayama Village, designed to complement Japanese cuisine.
We would like to convey the characteristics of "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (white)" to all Japanese wine fans, especially those in Nagano.
Also, I have compiled recommended Nagano wines that pair well with Japanese cuisine, so please check that out as well.
About Shinshu Takayama Winery
Shinshu Takayama Winery is a winery established in 2016, located in Takayama Village in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.
Since Chardonnay was first planted in Takayama Village in 1996, it has been known as a grape-growing area that supplies grapes to wineries outside the village.
The cultivation of wine grapes in the village, which began with the aspiration of "creating the world's best wine," has come to be known for its high quality, and before long, the farmers began to dream of one day making the wine they themselves would produce in this land.
Amidst this, the Shinshu Takayama Winery was completed in 2016 with the investment of 13 growers cultivating wine grapes in Takayama Village.
Until then, the grapes that had consistently produced award-winning wines in domestic and international wine competitions have finally been able to add value and produce wine within Takayama Village.
The winery is led by Mr. Kazuaki Waki, the representative director in charge of grape cultivation, who also served as the second president of the Takayama Village Wine Grape Research Association, and Mr. Eiichi Takano, the brewing manager, who was a winemaker at a major wine company and also studied winemaking in Bordeaux.
Mr. Takano has a strong bond with Takayama Village, as he was involved in the first grapes that were planted and harvested in the village, which he first vinified at the Katsunuma winery during his time at a major wine company.
Shinshu Takayama Winery, which has now grown into a winery that is highly regarded every year at the Japan Winery Awards.
If you are a fan of Japanese wine, this is an important presence that you must definitely try.
Features of 'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)'
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" is a Japanese white wine filled with charms that cannot be described in just one word.
Let's convey the features and charm of Murayori (むらより) 2022 (white) below.
About 'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)'
"Murayori 2022 (White)."
First of all, many of you may have been intrigued by that unique naming.
The origin of "Murayori" comes from Takayama Village in Shinshu, and it would be delightful if wine could become a message from the village to the whole country.
"It is a wine with a name that carries the meaning of 'from the production area, and village news.'"
No matter how far away you live, I want you to feel the terroir of the region by drinking "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (Shiro)."
And I would be happy if we could meet in this place, Takayama Village.
"This wine, filled with such feelings, is released as one that warms the heart."
Now, the next thing I'm curious about is the contents of "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)".
The variety used in 'Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)' is, surprisingly, not disclosed.
Of course, we only use grapes harvested from Takayama Village, but the key point is that we are packing the 2022 vintage from Takayama Village.
According to the winery, the year 2022, which followed a heavy snowfall winter, was characterized by a mild spring, a brief rainy season and "the return of the rainy season," a solidly hot start to summer, and a transition into autumn with continued cloudy weather.
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)," which is packed with a year from the high mountain village, combines refreshing acidity with aromas reminiscent of lemon and white flowers, resulting in a crisp and approachable flavor.
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (Shiro)" packed with "The 2022 of Takayama Village" is a bottle that eliminates preconceived notions of varieties and allows you to simply feel the terroir of Takayama Village, truly embodying the essence of a "village newsletter."
The appeal is the taste that goes well with Japanese cuisine
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" is a bottle that you should definitely enjoy pairing with Japanese cuisine, as well as on its own.
The refreshing and vibrant scents of lemon and white flowers pair well with dishes made with tempura drizzled with lemon, fragrant mountain vegetables, mild seafood, and white meats.
Also, it shows the perfect compatibility with Japanese cuisine that can be enjoyed refreshingly, such as delicious clear soup with yuzu, grilled chicken tender skewers using fragrant seasonings like yuzu pepper, and white fish sushi topped with salt lemon.
With its refreshing acidity and a light bitterness that lingers on the palate, it is undoubtedly a great match for salads and sashimi made with seafood, as well as grilled dishes.
On the one hand, it is not only light but also has a medium body, with an alcohol content of 12% and a supple strength, making it suitable for rich Japanese dishes such as grilled fish and meat dishes using salt koji, as well as Ishikari nabe.
"It seems interesting to pair it with Japanese natural cheeses like mozzarella."
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" is a bottle that shines not only on everyday dining tables but also at casual Japanese wine parties on weekends.
This is a must-have Japanese wine that can be enjoyed as a snack along with the story of the wine itself.
Recommended Nagano wines that go well with Japanese food!
Not only "Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)," but Nagano wines are all easy-to-use wines that pair well with Japanese cuisine.
From here, we will introduce two items of Nagano wine recommended by "CRAFT WINE SHOP" that pair well with Japanese cuisine.
Azumino Winery "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020"
Azumino Winery, located in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture.
This winery, familiar to fans of Japanese wine, is committed to making "clean" wine using grapes produced in Nagano Prefecture.
The "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" produced by the Azumino Winery is a somewhat rare type of white wine.
This is a unique blend made not only from white grape Sauvignon Blanc but also from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which are used as raw materials for red wine.
"It is primarily Merlot, but the fresh and fruity aromas and flavors, along with a light mouthfeel and gentle acidity, make it taste just like white wine."
However, it has a finish that possesses a different charm from typical white wines, subtly conveying the depth, complexity, and structure brought by black grapes.
"Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" is an elegant type of white wine that is not overly assertive, making it a perfect match for Japanese cuisine.
The refreshing herbal nuances of Sauvignon Blanc pair well with Japanese cuisine that features a sprinkle of Japanese herbs such as mitsuba, wasabi, yuzu, and yomogi.
If it's fish, white fish is recommended, but due to the richness derived from black grapes, it seems to pair well with fatty fish like yellowtail, amberjack, and black throat sea perch, which have a strong presence.
Additionally, grilled chicken tenderloin served with wasabi and shiso, Japanese-style chicken sauté based on lemon sauce, and pork shabu with plenty of vegetables in sesame sauce are also easy to pair with refreshing meat dishes.
Considering the refreshing aroma, subtle acidity, and richness, tempura of anago served with sansho salt shows the best compatibility.
When pairing "Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" with Japanese cuisine, why not choose dishes that are richly aromatic?
Nasu Wainary "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)"
Suzaka City in Nagano Prefecture is known for producing high-quality grapes.
"Kusunoki Winery" is a representative winery of Nagano Prefecture located in that city.
Known as a popular winery that continues to produce healthy and elegant wines using a wide range of varieties from European varieties to Japan's indigenous varieties, with the philosophy of "high-quality, gentle, and elegant wines that pair well with Japanese cuisine."
This time, the bottle that "CRAFT WINE SHOP" recommends is Kusunoki Winery's "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)."
This red wine, which explores the potential of the Japanese indigenous variety "Muscat Bailey A," has a refined finish that exudes a different charm compared to European varieties.
Kusunoki Winery, known for its aged wines made from European grape varieties, elevates the matured Muscat Bailey A into an attractive bottle.
The delicate yet complex aroma brought about by aging, the soft mouthfeel and elegant fruitiness, and the smooth tannins are characteristic.
It has a unique character that evokes the noble variety of Pinot Noir while also offering a toasty aroma reminiscent of caramel, characteristic of Muscat Bailey A.
If you're pairing 'Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)' with food, Japanese cuisine is definitely recommended.
The fragrant aroma pairs well with all types of heated sweet and spicy sauces, making it a perfect match for grilled chicken skewers (especially fresh liver).
Additionally, it has a flavor that makes you want to pair it with grilled tuna, seared bonito, and slightly sweet simmered sukiyaki.
The complex flavors and delicate acidity brought by aging, along with smooth tannins, seem to pair well with the slightly bitter grilled sanma, grilled ayu, and grilled turban shell.
The flavorful simmered chicken and root vegetables, as well as teriyaki in general, can surprisingly pair well with okonomiyaki using sauce, ham cutlets, and tonkatsu.
Since it can still be aged in the bottle, it would be interesting to change the dishes to match its evolving characteristics.
Among Japanese cuisine, "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (red)" pairs well with dishes that have a slightly rich flavor and a hint of bitterness.
Even difficult pairings with European varieties should be easily handled with "Muscat Bailey A 2018 (red)."
summary
"Murayori (むらより) 2022 (White)" is available for purchase at "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
The price is 2,530 yen including tax.
A heartwarming message from Takayama Village.
You should be able to understand how excellent grapes can be cultivated in this land by trying "Murayori 2022 (White)."
"Also, I recommend two items of Nagano wine that pair well with Japanese cuisine."
"Azumino Winery 'Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020' (including tax 2,420 yen) and Kusunoki Winery 'Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)' (including tax 2,211 yen) are also worth checking out at 'CRAFT WINE SHOP.'"
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Shinshu Takayama Winery / Murayori 2022 (White) 750ml"Murayori 2022 (White)" Purchase Page We only use grapes harvested from within Takayama village for our brewing.
The year 2022, which followed a winter of heavy snow. A gentle spring, a brief rainy season and "the return of the rainy season," the beginning of summer was quite hot, and the latter half continued to be cloudy as the seasons turned to autumn. This wine encapsulates such a year. With refreshing acidity, it combines aromas of lemon and white flowers, resulting in a crisp and approachable flavor.
From Shinshu Takayama Village to the nation. If wine could become the village's message.
"I named it 'Murayori' by combining the meanings of 'from the production area' and 'village news.'"
"Even if you are in a distant land, I hope you can feel the terroir of the region through wine, and I would be delighted if we could meet here in Takayama Village as well."
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Azumino Winery / Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020 750ml"Azumino Quartet Blanc (White) 2020" Purchase Page This is a distinctive dry white wine that combines the refreshing herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc with the richness derived from black grapes. |
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Nasu Wainary / Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red) 750ml"Muscat Bailey A 2018 (Red)" Purchase Page |
