2024 Takahata Classic Kamiwada Pinot Blanc ｜ A light-bodied white wine with citrus and herbal aromas

Skin contact technique: thorough extraction from the skin of locally grown grapes

This is a white wine made from Pinot Blanc grapes grown in the Uwaada district, which is located at a high altitude within Takahata Town in the southern part of Yamagata Prefecture and is likened to Japan's Grand Cru (special quality vineyard).

The secret to its deliciousness lies in the full fruitiness and aroma of the whole grape, brought out by the "skin contact technique," which involves steeping the grape skins in the juice before fermentation to thoroughly extract their components.

In 2023, by separately fermenting batches where harvesting was delayed, the flavor gained more depth.

Lively attack, refreshing aroma and finish

A lime-greenish yellow color with fruity aromas of citrus and herbs. It has a refreshing crispness yet a good depth, with a refined balance of bitterness and astringency in its dry taste.

It pairs well with light dishes, such as white fish simply seasoned with salt, chanko nabe, and fresh cheeses.

It is also excellent at enhancing Japanese flavors, so it's a great match for carpaccio accented with shiso or Japanese citrus.

A town in the wine belt with all the conditions for delicious wine

Takahata Town, located in the southern part of Yamagata Prefecture, is rich in nature and thrives in the production of rice, grapes, and pears. It boasts one of the highest shipping volumes of Chardonnay grapes used in wine in Japan, and the highest shipping volume of Delaware grapes per municipality nationwide.

Regions suitable for growing wine grapes are called wine belts[*], where famous wine-producing regions like France, Italy, and Spain exist. Takahata Town in Yamagata Prefecture is also part of this wine belt.

The sweetness and acidity of the grapes grown in this blessed land create a rich flavor and deep aroma.

[*]A wine belt refers to a region suitable for grape cultivation and winemaking.
Takahata Town meets many of the criteria, including an average annual temperature of 10-20°C, latitude between 30-50°N and 20-40°S, 1000-1500 hours of sunlight from grape budding to harvest, and an annual rainfall of 500-900mm.

Organic farming ahead of its time, winemaking with a 100-year vision

Takahata Town in Yamagata Prefecture has also been a region focused on "sustainable production and consumption" and "biodiversity protection" since the 1970s.

Even during an era when pesticides and chemical fertilizers were encouraged as modern agriculture, young farmers in 1973 formed the "Takahata Town Organic Agriculture Research Group" and began practicing organic farming, recognizing environmental damage and health risks.

This initiative continues to this day, with efforts to reduce environmental impact by setting unique pest control standards that are significantly lower than those set by the prefecture and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Wines made from grapes grown with a vision for 100 years into the future are recommended as souvenirs or gifts for parties.

Click here for a list of Takahata Winery products 〉