"wa-syu OFFICIAL ONLINE SHOP" (hereafter wa-syu) is an online shop operated by JUN CO., LTD. that suggests ways to enjoy Japanese wine.
On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, the online shop released <Signature Koshu 2019>, a limited-edition wine brewed in collaboration with Chateau Katsunuma Co., Ltd.
This wine, released in limited quantities this time, is reportedly a treasured white wine that has undergone bottle aging in the "Katsunuma Tunnel Wine Cave," a wine storage facility that is rare even globally.
Here, we introduce what kind of wine it is.
Uses Koshu Harvested in Japan's Grand Cru District!
What is used for <Signature Koshu 2019> is, as the name suggests, Japan's proud indigenous grape variety "Koshu."
Chateau Katsunuma Co., Ltd., which crafts this wine, owns its own vineyard in the Toriibira district, which is also hailed as Japan's Grand Cru district, and surprisingly, Koshu harvested there is reportedly used for this wine.
Managing Director Tsuneo Imamura, in charge of winemaking and the creator of <Signature Koshu 2019>, commented on the Toriibira district: "Toriibira, where the 'Sasago-oroshi' wind blows, is a place topographically endowed with optimal conditions for grape growing. The soil is clayey, mixed with mountain gravel (pebbles and stones), well-drained, and rich in iron and other mineral components. Because of these soil characteristics, natural yield restrictions take effect, raising the sugar content of each individual berry and concentrating the juice with extract components, which ultimately transforms it into good wine."
It would not be an exaggeration to say that <Signature Koshu 2019> is a special bottle that lavishly uses Koshu born in Japan's absolute top-tier growing area.
Aged in the Bottle for 12 Months in the "Katsunuma Tunnel Wine Cave"!
<Signature Koshu 2019> is uncompromising about the quality of the raw material, Koshu.
Naturally, there is no compromise in the vinification and aging processes either.
This time, the Koshu grapes were first fermented in stainless steel tanks, and then transferred to American oak barrels to impart a subtle oak aroma.
From there, it was further finished by being aged in the bottle for 12 months in the "Katsunuma Tunnel Wine Cave."
This "Katsunuma Tunnel Wine Cave" is a wine cellar utilizing the former JR Fukazawa Tunnel, which was built for railways in 1903 (Meiji 36) and retains its original form, and is made of brickwork that also holds high value as a railway heritage site.
Inside the tunnel cave, the temperature is maintained at 14°C and the humidity at 70% throughout the year, making it an ideal environment for preserving wine.
<Signature Koshu 2019>.
It is a superb masterpiece crafted with thorough attention to detail, from raw materials to vinification and aging.
<Signature Koshu 2019> Goes Well with Japanese Cuisine!
The characteristics of <Signature Koshu 2019> are its concentrated fruitiness and elegant taste with a subtly sweet oak aroma.
Furthermore, for pairings, it is a deeply appealing bottle rarely seen among foreign wines, matching seafood and white fish dishes, marinated tuna (zuke), and horse meat sashimi (basashi).
In addition, for Japanese cuisine, teriyaki or fried Shingen chicken, tenzaru soba, and fish paste products (gobo-ten, edamame tempura, satsuma-age, etc.) are recommended, as well as pairings with Western dishes such as cream-based pasta dishes, smoked Kai salmon, and roast chicken.
Incidentally, Mr. Imamura was formerly a chef, and he commented on the wine's pairings: "While preserving tradition, I always make wine with the wish that it can accompany any dish. In particular, as an appeal unique to Japanese wine, I believe there is an affinity with Japanese cuisine—which was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013—so I pursue that deeply. I want to continue making wine that brings happiness to customers for the next 10 or 20 years. This sentiment will not change."
Why not enjoy pairing <Signature Koshu 2019> while feeling Mr. Imamura's passion?
Get Your Hands on Château Katsunuma's Precious Wine!
In addition to <Signature Koshu 2019>, wa-syu is also offering a limited release of the white wine <Sur Lie Koshu Sparkling 2018>, made from Koshu grapes specially selected from multiple outstanding vineyards within Château Katsunuma's extensive estate vineyards centered around "Toriibira" and the adjacent famous growing area "Hishiyama."
Only wa-syu carries Château Katsunuma wines that cannot be obtained anywhere else.
Please take this opportunity to check out <Sur Lie Koshu Sparkling 2018> alongside <Signature Koshu 2019>.
*If you would like to know more about <Signature Koshu 2019>, click here!
Product Details
Signature Koshu 2019
Regular Price: ¥5,500 (tax included)
Sur Lie Koshu Sparkling 2018
¥5,500 (tax included)
Details
