Since Saturday, July 5, 2025, St. Cousair Co., Ltd. has been offering vintage wines exclusively at the St. Cousair Winery main store in Iizuna, Nagano.
It is a special opportunity to enjoy rare wines.
Here are the details.
The Appeal of Vintage Wine
Vintage wines are wines that have been aged in bottle for a long period.
As slow oxidation and chemical changes take place, they develop complex aromas and flavors different from those of young wines.
At a time when many wines are consumed quickly, bottles matured under stable temperature and humidity conditions are especially valuable.
In particular, wines made from Chardonnay vines planted around the time St. Cousair was founded include vintages from roughly 25 years ago and are extremely rare.
Vintage Wines Being Served
The vintage wines currently offered at the St. Cousair Winery main store include:
★ St. Cousair Chardonnay 2009
A white wine made from Chardonnay harvested at the estate’s Oiri Vineyard. After aging it has developed a golden color, with sweet aromas reminiscent of honey and candy along with calm woody notes. On the palate it is strikingly mellow, with rich depth and a long finish.
★ Kyoho 2013
Kyoho is a hybrid of American and European grape varieties and can show a foxy aroma similar to Concord wine, reminiscent of grape juice. With age, aromas recalling caramel and at times soy sauce emerge.
★ St. Cousair Chardonnay 2000 Neo
A white wine made 25 years ago from Chardonnay grown in the finest parcel of the Oiri Vineyard. Long aging has produced sweet, complex aromas like dried fruit and herbal nuances. Opportunities to taste Japanese Chardonnay from this era are rare, so it is well worth trying.
★ Rosé Brut 2016
A sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Enjoy fresh aromas reminiscent of apple and pomegranate together with fine, creamy bubbles developed through aging.
For the schedule and other details, see the reference information below.
Reference
Schedule
July 19–21: St. Cousair Chardonnay 2000 Neo
July 26–27: Rosé Brut 2016
August 2–3: St. Cousair Chardonnay 2009
August 9–10: Kyoho 2013
*Four wines are currently being offered in rotation, but the lineup may change depending on circumstances. Dates after those listed above will be announced sequentially on St. Cousair’s official social media accounts.