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Best Japanese Grapes Types
Koshu is a white grape variety native to Japan, primarily grown in the Yamanashi Prefecture, which is known as the heart of Japanese viticulture. This grape has a long history in Japan, dating back over a thousand years, and is well-suited to the country's unique climate and growing conditions.
Koshu grapes are typically large, with thick, pinkish-purple skins, although they produce a white wine. Wines made from Koshu grapes are known for their delicate and subtle flavors, often exhibiting notes of citrus, pear, peach, and white flowers, along with a distinct minerality that reflects the volcanic soils of the region.
THE BEST Koshu White Grapes
Kyoho is a Japanese variety of grapes that were developed in 1937 as a cross between the Vitis vinifera (European) and Vitis labrusca (American). These grapes are renowned for their size, which can be seen in its name, coming from a combination of characters for gigantic and peak.
The grapes are deep purple to almost black in color, the texture is almost gelatinous, while the flesh has a sweet flavor and low acidity. In Japan, Kyoho grapes are eaten as they are, but they are also used as expensive gifts or in various desserts such as parfaits, cakes, fruit sandwiches, jellies, ice lollipops, or as a topping for shaved ice.
Ruby Roman is a traditional table grape variety originating from Iskihawa prefecture. This variety of grapes dates back to 2008. The grapes are red in color and their size is close to that of a ping pong ball – each grape weighs more than 20 grams.
Ruby Roman is very juicy and has low acidity and high sugar content. Each grape is tested and comes with a seal of certification. These rare grapes are very expensive – in 2019, a bunch of Ruby Roman grapes were sold for 1.2 million yen.
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Best Japanese Grapes Producers
Iichiko is a renowned Japanese producer of shochu, a traditional Japanese spirit made from various ingredients like barley, sweet potatoes, and rice. Founded by Sanwa Shurui, Iichiko is famous for its commitment to high-quality production and innovation.
Headquartered in the Oita Prefecture of Kyushu, Japan, an area known for its clean water and natural beauty, Iichiko has become a global leader in the shochu industry. Iichiko's most notable products include its flagship barley-based shochu, iichiko Saiten, which is crafted using unique methods such as the "all Koji" fermentation technique.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2022
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
BEST Iichiko Spirits
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Best Japanese Grapes
The Ajimu Wine Moroya Koshu is a white wine from Japan. Made from the Koshu grape, it presents aromas of pear drops and exotic stone fruit, with peach notes. The palate is savory and balanced, offering good length. This still white wine has an alcohol content of 11.5%.
It is celebrated for its unique flavor profile, reflecting the distinctive qualities of the Koshu grape variety.
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022
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