"Prestige Class Mills 2021," a white wine from historic Yamanashi Prefecture winery Lumiere, has won Gold at the 9th SAKURA Japan Women's Wine Awards 2022.
This rare white wine made from 100% Mills—a red grape variety grown in extremely limited quantities in Japan—has achieved a remarkable feat.
Let's take a look at the details.
The Only Variety of Its Kind Among the Award-Winning Varietal Wines!
"Mills" is the red grape variety used in "Prestige Class Mills 2021."
Some of you may have never heard of it.
This grape variety was created by Dr. Mills in North America by crossing Muscat Hamburg with Creveling. Around the 1945–1955 period (Showa 20s), it was cultivated as a wine grape alongside Koshu and Delaware in areas such as the Enzan district of Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
However, it is currently cultivated by only a handful of growers, making it an exceptionally rare wine offering.
"Prestige Class Mills 2021" was the only wine of this variety among the single-variety award-winning wines entered into the 9th SAKURA Japan Women's Wine Awards 2022.
It is no exaggeration to call it a bottle of high rarity value.
Lumiere and Mills
The history between Lumiere and Mills dates back to the era of Toshihiko Tsukamoto, Lumiere's fourth-generation head.
Enamored by the distinctive aroma and flavor of Mills, he asked local farmers to cultivate it about 60 years ago.
Sparked by that initiative, Lumiere has continued its dedicated winemaking using Mills to this day.
In recent years, they released the nouveau wine "Frère Mills" in 2009 (now discontinued).
To highlight Mills' greatest appeal—its gorgeous aroma and gentle flavor—they use only the juice of the red grapes to craft an aromatic, fresh, single-varietal white wine.
Since 2021, they have been selling the award-winning "Prestige Class Mills," alongside sparkling wine, candies, and other products that showcase its aroma and flavor.
About "Prestige Class Mills 2021"
"Prestige Class Mills 2021" is a 100% Mills white wine.
It is an aromatic wine featuring gorgeous fragrances reminiscent of lychee, pear, and rose, with a soft mouthfeel where pleasant sweetness and acidity meld in fine balance.
Crafted with a gentle flavor, it can be enjoyed with meals as well as during relaxing moments.
Discover the Charm of Mills!
In response to this award, Lumiere commented, "We view this award as an invaluable opportunity where the flavor of 'Mills,' a grape variety that is still largely unknown, was recognized. Moving forward, we aim to continue working on raising its recognition and expansion so that we can share the appeal of Mills with even more people."
Along with varieties Japan takes pride in such as Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, why not pay attention to Mills as well?
Reference
Lumiere Winery