Recently, the "SUNTORY FROM FARM New Vintage Tasting: Presented by the Winemakers" was held in Tokyo.
At this tasting event, the winemakers themselves explained the appeal and meticulous dedication behind "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2019" and "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tsugaru Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Sparkling 2020 Green Etiquette."
Tastings of each wine were also conducted.
Here are the details.
About "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2019"
Centering on "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2019" and "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tsugaru Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Sparkling 2020 Green Etiquette," released on September 12, the winemakers explained the passion infused into each wine.
First, Kohei Ohyama, Chief Viticulturist at Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery of the Suntory Wine Company, spoke about the dedication behind "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2019."
This wine belongs to the Symbol Series of "SUNTORY FROM FARM," a Japanese wine brand aiming for quality that inspires the world.
Mr. Ohyama provided a detailed explanation of Petit Verdot, which plays a crucial role in "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2019."
About 30 years have passed since the initial planting of approximately 2 tons in the 1990s.
He described the journey of efforts aimed at crafting Petit Verdot that expresses "deep color, strength, along with softness and elegance," a challenge that is now bearing fruit.
Episodes such as veteran and younger staff actually tasting the grapes to judge ripeness, focusing on the phenolic maturity, were truly fascinating.
In addition, initiatives to draw out the potential of Petit Verdot were introduced, including improvements to the winemaking process through whole-berry fermentation and the introduction of a vertical press.
During the actual tasting, we were able to enjoy "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2019," which blends Petit Verdot, as well as the single-varietal "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi no Oka Petit Verdot 2020."
"SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi Red 2019" offers a magnificent taste where overall balance, smoothness, and elegance can be enjoyed.
Meanwhile, "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tomi no Oka Petit Verdot 2020," crafted as a single-varietal Petit Verdot, was a wonderfully balanced bottle intertwining spiciness, fruitiness, acidity, and elegant tannins.
About "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tsugaru Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Sparkling 2020 Green Etiquette"
"SUNTORY FROM FARM Tsugaru Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Sparkling 2020 Green Etiquette" was explained by Naoki Watanabe, Senior Specialist of the Winery Wine Business Department at Suntory Wine Company.
He shared the history of Suntory's grape cultivation in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, collaborations with local growers, and the terroir.
Particularly interesting was the terroir of the Tsugaru region.
In Tsugaru, rainfall is low from April to August, which is the growing season for wine grapes, and summer leading up to harvest sees rising temperatures with relatively long daylight hours, making it an ideal environment.
Furthermore, it features fertile land with deposited volcanic ash soil from Mount Iwaki, which offers good drainage.
In the Tsugaru region, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are mainly planted, but through years of empirical experience, they recognized the potential of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for high-quality traditional method sparkling wine.
Currently, they aim to produce world-class traditional method sparkling wine using these two varieties.
Under such circumstances, two wines were available for tasting: "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tsugaru Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Sparkling 2020 Green Etiquette" and "SUNTORY FROM FARM Tsugaru Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Sparkling 2019."
True to the Tsugaru region as a major apple-producing area, each wine presents fresh aromas reminiscent of green apples, white flowers, and refined acidity.
The 2020 vintage conveys a youthful impression that is fresher yet fruit-forward, while the 2019 vintage gives a more settled impression with richer fruitiness.
With delicate effervescence, a soft mouthfeel, and an elegant, pure flavor, it felt like quality that could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with renowned wine regions around the world.
Summary
Japanese wine has entered a new phase.
This tasting, along with hearing the winemakers' passion firsthand, reinforced that strong impression.
It is no longer at the level of "wine can be made in Japan too," nor is it simply "it would be nice if the world recognized it someday."
Japanese wine that already stands on equal footing with world wines has emerged from "SUNTORY FROM FARM."
To experience its exceptional quality, why not taste the wines of "SUNTORY FROM FARM" introduced here with your own five senses?
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