Ryugan, one of Japan’s representative native grape varieties, has been added to the grape-variety list of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). The registration formally recognizes Ryugan internationally as a grape variety and marks a major step in communicating the value of Japan’s distinctive grapes to the world.
What Kind of Grape Is Ryugan?
Ryugan is a white grape variety that has long been cultivated mainly in Nagano Prefecture. There are several theories about its origins, but it is regarded as one of the grape lineages with a long history in Japan. In recent years, wineries in Nagano in particular have increasingly explored winemaking that highlights its varietal character.
The wines are known for gentle aromas reminiscent of citrus, Japanese pear, and white flowers, together with delicate, soft acidity. Rather than emphasizing flamboyance or power, Ryugan often offers a calm, understated flavor profile that sits comfortably alongside Japanese cuisine and has attracted attention for its compatibility with Nagano’s food culture.
What Is the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine)?
The OIV is an intergovernmental organization that develops international standards relating to grapes and wine. When a grape variety is registered on the OIV list, it gains international recognition. This can have major significance for the overseas development of Japanese wine, including enabling the grape name to be shown on labels for export.
Interest in Japanese grape varieties has grown both domestically and internationally in recent years. Koshu was registered by the OIV in 2010, Muscat Bailey A in 2013, and Yamasachi—a red-wine grape developed in Hokkaido—in 2020. Efforts to present grapes with a uniquely Japanese identity to the world have continued since then. Ryugan’s registration adds further momentum to that movement.
International varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are widely known across the global wine market. At the same time, interest has been rising in native and local varieties that express the individuality of their place of origin.
Grape varieties nurtured over time within the climate and culture of a region are important vehicles for expressing a distinctively Japanese identity.
Ryugan’s OIV registration is therefore encouraging news, showing the potential for Japanese grape varieties to earn recognition within global wine culture and build new value.
National Research Institute of Brewing https://www.nrib.go.jp/#topics