Kurakake Chardonnay 2024 12% 750ml

The A. Et Y. Minowa Estate began cultivating wine grapes in Nagano Prefecture in 2008. The owner, Yasushi Minowa, worked for many years as a physician. Drawing on his knowledge and experience as a wine enthusiast, he settled in Nagano Prefecture in 2008 and founded his estate. The vineyards are located in the Kurakake and Netsu areas, in the town of Tomi. These gently sloping hillsides facing south benefit from abundant sunshine and good drainage, making them ideal for growing grapes. The terrain was formed by the eruptions of the Asama-Kurofushi volcanic group, mountain collapses and the runoff of sediment from rainfall that has continued since antiquity. The geology and varied soil types of the different plots, rich in diversity, are one of the main attractions of wine grape cultivation in this region. The main varieties grown across the estate's 3 hectares are limited to Burgundy and Champagne grape varieties, such as pinot noir, pinot meunier, chardonnay, aligoté and pinot blanc. The wine names include names associated with local terroirs such as "Kurakake", "Netsu", "Shutsujo" and "Mido", with the aim of achieving recognition as world-class wines. In 2024, frost damage in May led to uneven shoot growth. Subsequently, record heat caused early berry colouring, but physiological disorders linked to high temperatures slowed this process. In addition, the prolonged rainfall caused by the typhoon that stalled from late August to early September led to a widespread proliferation of disease. Unfavourable weather conditions continued thereafter, resulting in unprecedented growth failures, such as red grapes being unable to develop proper colour. While many vineyards opted for an early harvest to avoid the risk of disease, Mr Minowa patiently waited for the grapes to ripen. Thanks to rigorous sorting during the harvest, the estate was able to harvest healthy, high-quality grapes.