As grapes were never indigenous to Japan all grapevines had been introduced to the region with the movement of the spice route and silk roads over 2000 years. It is believed that about 1300 years ago grapevines were introduced to Japan where the climate was too hot, cold, wet – just too extreme – to grow grapes for wine! Ultimately the existing grape variety most successfully grown in Japan became known as Koshu, which was the then name for the prefecture in which it grew. This prefecture then took the name of a Japanese prince and became Yamanashi, which remains the principal region producing Koshu.
Château Mercian Koshu Gris de Gris wine is an exceptional expression of Japanese culture, let alone Japanese wine. This gentle wine’s quiet persistence and certainty of presence on the palate is a true delight. You need to slow down, pop on some noise-cancelling headphones and enjoy its subtle, textural charms. Like sucking a freshly-shucked oyster through pink silk. This wine has a faint reddish orange hue. Sweet and gentle aromas of apricot, apple compote, Darjeeling, old rose with subtle vanilla notes are derived from 8 months in oak barrels. The complex palate from the skins and seeds of the Koshu grape come from gentle skin contact, this creates a three-dimensional feeling in the mouth. A fantastic wine to enjoy with dishes with sweetish taste using mirin, sugar and soy sauce. Especially good with dishes using wild vegetables.
Please note: All case wine orders can take between 7-10 days for delivery.
Country: Japan
Region: Fuefuki District
Grapes: Koshu 100%
ABV: 11%
Volume: 12 x 75cl
Vintage: 2021
Suitable for Vegetarians: No
Suitable for Vegans: No
Awards: 2020 Vintage: IWC 2022 - Silver
2021 Vintage: IWSC 2023 - Silver
2021 Vintage: IWC 2023 - Bronze