Fattoria AL FIORE / hana 2024 (Red) 750ml

“Hana,” which has been consistently crafted since the release of the Cat Series, mainly features Steuben grapes from Toshinobu Kazama, an almost 80-year-old farmer in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture. Mr. Kazama, always cheerful, energetic, and lively, quickly becomes friends with the harvest volunteers and is a wonderful father figure in Yamagata. Despite his advanced age, the grapes he cultivates and nurtures improve every year, and I have nothing but respect for Mr. Kazama.
In 2024, Mr. Kazama truly outdid himself!!
Steuben, a Labrusca variety grown for fresh eating, has larger berries than wine-specific varieties, making it difficult to produce a well-structured wine. However, in pursuing a uniquely Japanese character, wines made carefully from delicate and subtle Labrusca grapes blend seamlessly into everyday Japanese life.
Accordingly, the winemaking process requires far more precision and delicacy than with wine-specific varieties. Until now, blends with Neo Muscat and Merlot were used, but this time, for the first time, I believe we have expressed a wonderful balance using only Steuben. I hope to continue in this direction, so please look forward to it.