Currently, Miyagi Prefecture is attracting attention as a region where high-quality grapes can be cultivated and world-class wines can be produced.
In recent years, wineries have been gradually increasing in the same prefecture, and there is a place that is likely to attract attention in the future.
That is "Yuz farm & vineyard."
This time, at "CRAFT WINE SHOP", we are introducing "Route 113 Blanc 2023" from "Yuz farm & vineyard".
This is a captivating bottle that we definitely want Japanese wine fans to drink.
About 'Yuz farm & vineyard'
"Yuz farm & vineyard" that I will introduce this time.
"There may be many who have not heard of it yet."
"Yuz farm & vineyard" is a project that was launched in 2020 by its representative, Ken Arai, who returned to his hometown of Miyagi Prefecture with the goal of establishing a winery in the future.
In April 2024, he will hand over what he has built up personally over the past four years to a newly established corporation aimed at the next step, and is working hard towards further development.
Let me explain in more detail what "Yuz farm & vineyard" is below.
About Mr. Arai
Ken Arai, the representative of "Yuz farm & vineyard" and the cultivation and brewing manager, was born in 1989 and is from Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture.
This person has been involved with wine since their student days, starting a research lab under the guidance of Professor Tsutomu Takayanagi, the director of the Yamanashi University Wine Science Research Center, and conducting research on wine (such as the taste-related components contained in white wine and their interactions).
After that, I joined a medium-sized winery in Nagano Prefecture as a new graduate, engaging in grape cultivation and wine production. Not only did I obtain my enology certification, but during my time there, I also took on a wide range of roles in the wine industry, including sales positions delivering directly to customers and managing a store as a store manager in a directly operated store, in addition to wine production as a manufacturer.
Ultimately, I have a background as a leader in the wine production site, actively involved in a wide range of areas including brewing management, product commercialization, and new product development.
However, Mr. Arai, who is such a person, retired from the winery he worked at in 2019.
Returning to my hometown of Miyagi Prefecture, I considered suitable areas for cultivation. In Nanakashu Town, where my paternal family home is located and where I am familiar, I started grape cultivation (for winemaking and table use) aiming to establish a winery in the future, and this brings us to the present.
The Journey of 'Yuz farm & vineyard'
The cultivation area chosen by Mr. Arai is Nanokashuku in Miyagi Prefecture, where his paternal family home is located and where he has his roots.
It is located at the foot of the Zao Mountain Range, and it is said to have a unique mountainous high-altitude area with a significant temperature difference between day and night.
In 2020, we cleared abandoned farmland and planted 250 new wine grape vines, and the following year, we planted an additional 300 vines, resulting in our first harvest of grapes in the second year.
In addition, in 2022, we planted 900 new vines for wine, inherited the only apple orchard in the town, and achieved the release of the first product from the 2021 vintage.
In the same year, we released our first 100% self-produced wine, and in 2023, we launched our first 100% Shirakawa Town-produced white wine.
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, we will plant 1,550 new wine grapes and steadily move forward by releasing five items, including the first 100% Nanokashuku-produced red wine."
"Yuz farm & vineyard" and cider
The charm of 'Yuz farm & vineyard' is not just the wine.
As mentioned above, we are "inheriting the only apple orchard in the town," but the cider apples and cider produced by Mr. Arai have received high acclaim. In 2023, he won a two-star award for "Cider Brut 2022" in the taste category of the JAPAN CIDER AWARDS 2023, which was his first entry, and he also received a bronze award at the domestic competition Fuji Cider Challenge 2023 for his first entry.
It is said that the field where the cider apples of "Yuz farm & vineyard" are cultivated was the only apple orchard in the town, and it was inherited by Mr. Arai.
At that time, Mr. Arai took the time to rebuild the apple orchard, which was on the verge of being abandoned due to the lack of successors.
Currently, more than 15 varieties of apples are being cultivated in that field.
Additionally, Mr. Arai has started cultivating the latest variety of red-fleshed apple (IHR17), which is a high-acid overseas variety suitable for cider, such as Granny Smith and rosé cider, three years ago.
One of the characteristics is that they are implementing approaches that are not possible with table apples, such as cultivating small apples and early harvesting to acquire the important acidity for cider.
Another reason why "Yuz farm & vineyard"'s cider is highly regarded is Mr. Arai's high level of skill and extensive experience in cider brewing.
The experience gained from being involved in the production of cider (about 50,000 bottles a year) at a historic winery in Nagano Prefecture, along with the achievements of that cider being highly regarded not only domestically but also in international competitions, is being utilized in the current cider-making process.
There are not a few wineries that produce wine and cider, but wineries that are involved in the "cultivation" of the grapes and apples that serve as their raw materials are a rare presence nationwide.
The day when "Yuz farm & vineyard" produces cider that resonates around the world is not far off.
Not only wine, but please also check out the cider from "Yuz farm & vineyard."
Cultivated Varieties of 'Yuz Farm & Vineyard'
At "Yuz farm & vineyard," we primarily focus on trellis cultivation, using only trellis cultivation for table grapes.
The cultivated varieties are diverse, and these varieties are carefully grown in the vineyard.
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet Franc
- Riesling
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Visionary
- Muscat Bailey A etc.
In addition, it is said that about 15 varieties of table grapes such as Shine Muscat, Violet King, Queen Seven, and apples like Kogyoku and Sour Rouge, as well as peaches like Akatsuki and Kawanakajima White Peach are being cultivated.
Recommended Wine "Route 113 Blanc 2023"
This time, the wine recommended by "CRAFT WINE SHOP" is "Route 113 Blanc 2023" from "Yuz farm & vineyard".
The goal of "Yuz farm & vineyard" is to establish a winery that "produces wine from the fields and delivers it to your glass."
"Route 113 Blanc 2023" is a refined and pure wine that truly conveys the terroir of Nanokashuku through 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 its fruity aroma, which is slowly finished through low-temperature fermentation of these varieties.
What's surprising is that the Sauvignon Blanc 5% has a strong presence, and you can feel aromas of herbs and tropical fruits.
The nuances of stone fruits like peaches and citrus are subtly felt, with a smooth mouthfeel and juicy flavors. Soft acidity and minerals form the structure, resulting in a high-quality finish with a long aftertaste.
In any case, it is a refined flavor that lacks any "off-flavors," and it makes one think that it is a refreshing taste brought about by the terroir of Nanakayashuku. This white wine is crafted to be something that Japanese wine fans should definitely try.
Also, while the theory is that "Japanese wine pairs well with Japanese cuisine," the "Route 113 Blanc 2023" certainly goes well with Japanese food, but it seems to pair nicely with dishes that lean a bit towards Western cuisine.
Salads and stews that use plenty of herbs, as well as chicken and delicately seasoned pork, pair well with seafood that is also generously dressed with olive oil.
Personally, I felt that dishes using beans pair very well.
Dishes using beans, such as chickpea potage and Sicilian-style octopus and white bean salad, seem to show the best compatibility.
"This is a bottle that I definitely want those who are looking for wineries that are likely to attract attention in Japan and globally to drink."
summary
Miyagi Prefecture is an important production area for Japanese wine.
Although it is still a relatively new entity, the fact is proven by "Route 113 Blanc 2023" from "Yuz farm & vineyard."
I want to encounter new Japanese wines, wines that make me want to support them.
For those people, I definitely recommend "Route 113 Blanc 2023."
"Route 113 Blanc 2023" is now available at "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
If you're interested, please check it out.
Yuz farm & vineyard "Route 113 Blanc 2023"
3,740 yen (including tax)
Click here to purchase!
