Chichibu Wine is the oldest winery in Saitama Prefecture, where Gensaku Asami began cultivating grapes in 1889 and producing wine in 1935. International and indigenous grape varieties are grown in their vineyards at the foot of Mount Ryokami, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, and are made into a wide variety of wines.
Its reputation is such that many of its wines have won awards at the Japanese Wine Competition since its inception. Wines are made according to Mr. Gensaku's philosophy: “Ferment the grapes produced by the sun and let them rest for a long time to obtain a healthy wine.”
Koshu is a white grape variety endemic to Japan, grown mainly in the Koshu Valley in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Derived from Japan's main indigenous grape variety, Koshu has a subtle, sublime flavor. Its aromatic richness is in no way commensurate with the work required to cultivate this fragile, pink-skinned grape variety, which was introduced 1,300 years ago via the Silk Road. Each long, voluminous bunch is protected at the top by a small, hand-carved parasol to prevent damage from rain.
The grapes are so fragile that they must be harvested by hand. Wine made from the Koshu grape has a subtlety that is typically Japanese. Elegant, lively and aromatic, it has light, fresh citrus aromas of lemon and yuzu, jasmine and white peach, as well as mineral notes that sometimes reveal flavors of pear, lychee, dried apricot, pineapple and even shiitake mushroom.
Color is generally pale lemon yellow with hints of bright green and pink. Gensakujirushi Koshu Sur Lie 2023 (wine on its lees) is a dry white wine with a refreshing aroma of green apples and white flowers and a well-balanced profile between lively acidity and sweetness that gives it remarkable volume on the palate. The lingering acidity extends into a pleasant finish.
This aromatic and floral wine also offers subtle notes of lime and bread yeast from its six months of aging on lees. This wine is a perfect accompaniment to tempura, sushi and sashimi, fried chicken, salt-grilled fish, oysters, cream cheese gratin, and soft cheeses with a bloomy rind such as Brie and Camembert. The year 2023 was marked by a record heat wave and a dry summer. The Koshu grapes benefited from stable spring weather and intense sunshine after the rainy season, resulting in well-ripened skins and a finish rich in fruit and umami.
The “Gensakujirushi Koshu Sur Lie 2023” is a vintage that combines power and delicacy.
