Recently, a press conference was held regarding the 2024 "Suntory Japanese Wine" strategy.
When it comes to Suntory's Japanese wine brand, "SUNTORY FROM FARM" was majorly overhauled in September 2022.
At this press conference, Keiko Yoshio, Managing Executive Officer and General Manager of Wine Division at Suntory Limited, and Kohei Oyama, Chief Viticulturist at Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery, Suntory Limited, took the stage.
How will this brand, which continues to make great strides as a top runner in Japanese wine, evolve in 2024?
Here is an overview of the 2024 "Suntory Japanese Wine" strategy.
Two Policies and Strategies
In the 2024 "Suntory Japanese Wine" strategy, the following two policies and strategies were announced as key focal points.
- Evolution of Flagship Wines
- Evolution of the Winery
Let's explain each of them.
About the Evolution of Flagship Wines
The flagship wines of "SUNTORY FROM FARM" are "Tomi" and "Iwadarehara" from the Symbol Series.
These wines, crafted at Tomi no Oka Winery and Shiojiri Winery, are positioned as the pinnacle of the brand.
The following two points were cited as key factors in the evolution of the flagship wines.
- Strengthening the Indigenous Japanese Variety "Koshu"
- Innovation of "Tomi Red"
Koshu is an indigenous Japanese grape variety and an important grape for Suntory as well.
Driven by the desire to elevate Koshu into a grape variety that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world's best, the company has continued to strengthen its focus on Koshu.
With an increase in Koshu harvest yields and three wines made from "SUNTORY FROM FARM" Koshu receiving awards at international competitions, its progress shows no signs of stopping.
And now, from the flagship wine "Tomi," "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Koshu 2022" will finally be released.
In fact, this is the very first Koshu released under the "Tomi" label.
As will be explained in detail later, it is no exaggeration to say that Japan's finest Koshu has been born, making it a bottle with exceptionally high expectations.
Next, about the innovation of "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red."
Having started the challenge of working with European varieties with an awareness of world wines in the 1950s, Suntory has determined the target quality for each era and continuously expressed the terroir of Tomi no Oka while adjusting the varietal composition.
The varietal composition of "Tomi Red" varies depending on the era; some years it was predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, other years Cabernet Franc, and in other years Merlot, reflecting a blend ratio that expresses the terroir year by year.
And now, in "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2020," which aims to balance world-class quality and terroir uniqueness at a high level, the leading role is played by none other than Petit Verdot.
Petit Verdot is known as a minor blending variety in Bordeaux, but as it has become possible to harvest Petit Verdot of world-class quality, "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2020," featuring this grape as the main component, debuts in 2024 as a red wine that expresses the terroir of Tomi no Oka Winery.
Let's take a closer look at the two "Tomi" wines mentioned above.
"SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Koshu 2022"
At Suntory, they have continued the challenge of increasing the concentration of Koshu as a key to standing alongside the world's white wines.
Making the most of the advantages of having an estate vineyard, such as selecting and planting suitable clones, choosing suitable plots and cultivating with optimal methods, and carefully harvesting only fully ripe grapes, they have pursued the challenge of creating the "ultimate" Koshu.
Amid this process, two plots were selected aiming for the grape flavor profile required for Tomi's Koshu.
As a result of their meticulous dedication—not only planting suitable clones but also selecting only fully ripe clusters at harvest—the long-awaited "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Koshu 2022" was born.
Fitting for the flagship wine "Tomi," "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Koshu 2022" is crafted to offer a rich aroma reminiscent of Japanese citrus, a concentrated flavor overflowing with fruitiness, and a pleasant lingering finish.
A wine that clearly sets itself apart from conventional "Koshu" has been realized.
"SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2020"
The new vintage, "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2020," is a red wine made predominantly from Petit Verdot.
Through trial and error since the 1990s, Suntory discovered that Petit Verdot suits the terroir of Tomi no Oka and yields a richly distinctive flavor.
While Petit Verdot inherently possesses a strong personality, Tomi no Oka's terroir shapes it into a wine where softness and great elegance can be experienced.
The company noted that waiting for the phenolic compounds to mature is the key to harvesting Petit Verdot that "is deep in color and exhibits power while offering softness and refinement," thoroughly managing cultivation to create an environment free from grape diseases.
Furthermore, in 2022, they improved the vinification process by introducing equipment such as whole-berry fermentation and a vertical basket press.
Through vinification that draws out the further potential of the grapes, "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2020" was born, truly deserving of the flagship name.
The grape varieties for "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2020" are 54% Petit Verdot and 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, making it primarily Petit Verdot.
Pursuing full ripeness of the fruit, this wine is attractive for its impression of dark fruits and its smooth, elegant flavor.
About the Evolution of the Winery
In the 2024 "Suntory Japanese Wine" strategy, the evolution of Tomi no Oka Winery was also discussed.
The key points of the winery's evolution are as follows:
- Further Pursuit of Delicious Quality
- Promoting Sustainable Management
- Strengthening Customer Touchpoints
Of particular note is the overview of the further pursuit of delicious quality.
As an initiative to leverage the terroir of Tomi no Oka Winery, grape cultivation is amazingly managed by dividing the vineyards into approximately 50 plots.
To carry out detailed separate vinification of base wines according to the characteristics of each grape lot, a new winery building will be constructed.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2024, with completion expected in September 2025.
By vinifying grapes plot by plot and creating a diverse array of base wines, this remarkable plan will enable the production of even higher-quality wine.
In addition, Suntory will promote sustainable management to realize business activities that embody "In Harmony with People and Nature," including addressing climate change, conserving the natural environment and soil, and coexisting with local communities.
Furthermore, many projects are planned to help consumers more deeply experience the winery's charm through on-site tours, products, and events, such as the aforementioned 50-plot experience tour, limited tours that convey "craftsmanship," and products and events that communicate "how to enjoy wine."
Let's look forward to it evolving into a wonderful place where Japanese wine feels even closer than ever before.
High Expectations for "SUNTORY FROM FARM"!
At the press conference, it was also mentioned that as Suntory's medium-term Japanese wine policy, they aim for a sales volume of 100,000 cases (unit: 9L/case) in 2030 while enhancing the quality of both "craftsmanship" and "customer touchpoints."
Not only cultivating high-quality grapes but also increasing production volume is crucial for Japanese wine to make great strides forward.
Suntory continues to lead as a top runner in Japanese wine while evolving even further.
Let's keep our eyes on the Japanese wine brand "SUNTORY FROM FARM."
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