On October 21st.
At bistro-cafe "SAN TROPEZ", directly connected to JR Ebisu Station, "Kakuuchi Japanese Wine" was held, offering casual enjoyment of Japanese wine and seasonal small plates.
This time, we visited the event together with Toru Kanizawa, head of the "UNITED ARROWS LTD. WINE CLUB" (hereafter referred to as the Wine Club). (Since it is a shop run by JUN Group, a fellow fashion apparel company, he seemed more excited than ever...)
We experienced the wines featured that day as well as their pairings with food.
Comparing "Chateau Jun" Wines!
At "Kakuuchi Japanese Wine", guests could enjoy a tasting flight set of 4 recommended labels from "Chateau Jun".
Speaking of "Chateau Jun", it is a winery established in 1979 in Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, by apparel & life creation company JUN Group.
It is a popular winery that crafts wines not only from Yamanashi's representative varieties such as Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, but also from international varieties like Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Here is the lineup of the recommended 4-variety tasting flight set featured this time.
Jun Sparkling Chardonnay
Koshu 2021
Koshu Barrel Aged 2021 (French Oak)
Petit Verdot 2019
Among them, <Jun Sparkling Chardonnay> was a rare sparkling wine—a charming bottle offering a creamy mouthfeel, delicate oak nuances, and pleasant acidity.
Wines You'll Want to Pair with Autumn Ingredients
Mr. Kanizawa tasted and compared the various Chateau Jun wines.
"Overall, they were charming wines with distinct fruitiness. What I personally want to highlight is the <Koshu Barrel Aged 2021>. A full-bodied Koshu that can only be achieved through solid barrel aging in French oak is very appealing. That said, it isn't overly heavy; the fruitiness and sharp acidity are still enjoyable. It's a very well-balanced bottle."
Naturally, he also praised the other wines, such as the elegant <Koshu 2021> with its distinct fruitiness, and the <Petit Verdot 2019> with its smoky nuances, fresh acidity, and moderate tannins.
"These are wines that make you want to eat food," remarked Mr. Kanizawa.
"While <Koshu 2021> seems to pair well with dishes focused on summer vegetables or carpaccio, <Jun Sparkling Chardonnay>, <Koshu Barrel Aged 2021>, and <Petit Verdot 2019> make you crave autumn ingredients. Because these wines possess a pleasant body, they make you want to enjoy pairings with slightly more substantial autumn ingredients, such as root vegetables or grilled saury with its characteristic bitterness."
With that, we ordered one of the small plates offered at "Kakuuchi Japanese Wine": "Sweet Potato and Potato Gratin Dauphinois."
We had Mr. Kanizawa pair it with his favorite, <Koshu Barrel Aged 2021>.
"The sweetness of the sweet potato and potato pairs beautifully with the oak notes and sweetness of the <Koshu Barrel Aged 2021>. Furthermore, the smoky nuance and savory aroma from the barrel complement it very well. While it is a rich dish, the <Koshu Barrel Aged 2021> holds its own thanks to its depth. Because the lingering acidity on the finish is solid, it leaves a refreshing impression after eating."
At "Kakuuchi Japanese Wine", one can easily enjoy authentic pairings.
Mr. Kanizawa also seemed very satisfied.
*The wines featured in this tasting flight are available for purchase on wa-syu.
Jun Sparkling Chardonnay
https://wa-syu.com/products/cbc02700
Koshu 2021
https://wa-syu.com/products/cbs02710
Koshu Barrel Aged 2021
https://wa-syu.com/products/cbs02720
Petit Verdot 2019
https://wa-syu.com/products/cba02700
Looking Forward to the Next Event!
On that day, 2022 nouveau wines from "Chateau Jun"—Pione (Rosé) and Delaware (White)—were also available for advance sale.
They were "Yamanashi-style nouveau wines" featuring fruity sweetness and fresh flavors that evoke a sense of nostalgia, so please be sure to check them out.
By tasting and comparing "Chateau Jun" wines on this occasion, we were able to sense the winery's approach to winemaking.
Using high-quality grapes and carefully fermenting them results in a flavor that expresses the essence of Yamanashi and is "classical" in the best sense.
We were able to spend a wonderful time that felt like returning to the origins of the deliciousness and charm of Japanese wine.
Incidentally, the schedule for "Kakuuchi Japanese Wine" from November onward will be posted on the website as soon as it is decided.
"Kakuuchi Japanese Wine" at "SAN TROPEZ" is a place where you can easily discover the appeal of Japanese wine.
Why not check it out on future occasions?
Details
Click here for the "Chateau Jun Item List"
https://wa-syu.com/collections/シャトージュン
wasyu
https://www.instagram.com/wasyuofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/wasyuofficial
"SAN TROPEZ"
https://www.jun.co.jp/brand/san_tropez/