Nagano
長野県 塩尻市
In this land long known as a wine-producing region,
Berry Beads Winery pursues quality and flavor from cultivation through vinification,
continuing to evolve as a frontier of Shiojiri wine.
Farmers, winemakers, salespeople, service professionals, craftspeople... We want to connect the individual brilliance of colleagues who care deeply about what they do, the joy of winemaking, Shiojiri's natural blessings and living creatures, and everyone involved with them. From Shiojiri, located at the belly—the center—of Japan, we hope to expand this circle of connections like a shining strand of beads. That wish is embodied in our name.
◆ Something Different: Low-Temperature-Fermented Niagara Wine
At 780 meters, our vineyard sits higher than the typical vineyards of Shiojiri, which are around 700–730 meters. Its position on a mountainside provides excellent airflow, while abundant sunlight and the temperature swings created by the mountains to the east and west help the grapes ripen with deep color and flavor.
What makes a delicious wine? There is still so much we do not know—and that is precisely what makes it interesting. We learn, little by little, from what we do not yet understand.
We will always keep pursuing wines that are truly delicious, just as we have until now.
We want to be a winery that can coexist with Shiojiri's sunlight, air, water, soil, and living creatures. With that in mind, we observe and study the local climate, landscape, and ecosystems. Through winemaking, we aim for a gentler world in which we live together with all forms of life in nature.
Compost made from weeds helps improve soil conditions and enrich the ecosystem. It takes up necessary nutrients, loosens the soil, and attracts and increases microorganisms. In this way, Belly Beads Winery practices winemaking with the natural cycle in mind.
Belly Beads Winery has a particular commitment to the Niagara grape variety.
Using early-harvest Niagara, a specialty of Shiojiri City, we produce a wine called “Niagara Green Harvest.”
Harvesting early reduces the risk of disease and also moderates the variety's distinctive foxy aroma, resulting in a fresh, well-balanced dry wine with lively acidity.
It pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including nozawana pickles and vegetable terrine.
We take time with fermentation, maintain rigorous quality control, and refine the wine through open discussion and shared opinions. At Belly Beads Winery, winemaking means “having a dialogue” with the land, the grapes, and every step of the process.
—Wines that will continue to be loved—
Even today, in the Reiwa era, Shiojiri wine is loved by many people, earns high praise at competitions in Japan and abroad, and is widely recognized as one of Japan's leading wine regions.
We begin with what we can do right in front of us, steadily and one step at a time. Belly Beads Winery will keep moving forward.
PHOTO — NIHONWINE.JP editorial
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SOURCE — NIHONWINE.JP editorial