2024 Grid Koshu | A Classic Dry White Wine That's Approachable and Pairs Well with Food

The wine that best showcases the charm of "Koshu," a grape indigenous to Japan

Koshu is the most widely used grape varietal for white wine production in Japan[*].

[*]Source data: Overview of Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturers and Wholesalers, Taxation Department, National Tax Agency, December 2024

Among the wines that best capture the characteristics of Koshu, now loved worldwide, is "Gris de Koshu," first released in 1999.

The taste and cost performance of "Gris de Koshu" captivated the SiKiTO staff, who are wine enthusiasts. It is truly exceptional. Named after "Gris" (French for gray, referring to the skin color of Koshu) and "de" (of), it is a long-selling staple product of the winery.

The label design was created by Kenya Hara, one of Japan's leading designers.

〈Awards and Achievements (Examples)〉
・Decanter Asia Wine Awards: First gold medal and regional trophy for Asia (2013)
・Appeared in Episode 9 of the TV drama "Grand Maison Tokyo"

A mellow, aromatic dry white wine

With food pairing as its top priority, this wine offers a fresh and rich aroma, resulting in an approachable finish.

You'll be surprised by its complex structure, which combines fruit aromas of white peach, pear, orange, and orange peel with elegant floral notes of sandalwood and jasmine, and a hint of white pepper and clove spices.

Although dry, it offers a refreshing acidity balanced with umami, making it a crisp and enjoyable drink.

Koshu, the first Japanese indigenous varietal to be registered in the international varietal list

Koshu is an indigenous Japanese white grape varietal said to have been discovered about 800 years ago.

In 2010, it became the first indigenous Japanese varietal to be registered with the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), which allowed its varietal name to be listed when exporting to EU countries, thus increasing its international recognition.

This served as a catalyst for further elevating the reputation of Japanese wine and Koshu wine.

Yamanashi Prefecture, where approximately 95% of Koshu is produced, is also the birthplace of Japanese wine and boasts the highest production volume, making it the center of Japanese wine production.

A winery that expresses the beauty of Japan in wine

Grace Wine, a traditional top winery in Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture, has been making wine for over 100 years. Their greatest focus since their founding has been on cultivating their own grapes.

Convinced that the aroma and taste of wine are determined by the grapes, they cultivate highly concentrated grapes in Japan's top-class sunshine and well-drained soil.

In winemaking, they adhere to a natural style, successfully bringing out the clean taste and umami of Koshu without the chaptalization or acidification that was once common practice.

Since 2008, Ayana Misawa has been the head of viticulture and winemaking.

The eldest daughter of the fourth-generation owner, Shigetake Misawa, she honed her skills at seven wineries in five countries around the world. In 2014, her "Cuvée Misawa Akeno Koshu 2013" won the first gold medal for a Japanese wine at the "Decanter World Wine Awards," the world's largest wine competition! It continued to win gold medals for six consecutive years.

This achievement undoubtedly boosted the global recognition of both Koshu and Japanese wine.

All grapes are hand-picked, and great care is taken in every step from cultivation to fermentation. The wines, crafted with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, are now often described as "wines that express Japan."

Please enjoy this classic wine, a staple from a winery that continues to achieve brilliant results on the world stage.

Click here for a list of Grace Wine products 〉