Nagano
長野県 安曇野市
At the center of wonderful moments
~in the center of a beautiful time~
We want our wine to be placed at the center of people's dining tables and at the center of their circle. Le Milieu builds its life centered around grape growing and winemaking. To craft wines that stay in people's memories, right at the center of their hearts. With these thoughts in mind, we dedicate ourselves to our grapes and wine.
Japanese wine.jp Editorial Department
Le Milieu means “the middle” in French. The name reflects our desire to stay true to the essence of things rather than rely on superficial techniques.
We also hope that a wine we make may become an important bottle for someone.
We aim to create wines that bring back memories of Azumino's scenery and of the feelings we have put into Le Milieu.
We grow grapes and make wine in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture.
Our main estate vineyard, Tennobara in Akashina, was once a thriving mulberry-growing area, but over time it was abandoned and became 15 hectares of woodland.
Local volunteers began clearing the land by hand in 2013. We joined the effort partway through, and to date 10 hectares have been transformed into vineyards. About 1.5 hectares of that area belong to Le Milieu.
Facing Mount Jonen in the Northern Alps at around 600 meters above sea level, the west-facing, well-drained, gravelly slope is planted with more than ten grape varieties, centered on Chardonnay and Merlot.
Azumino offers conditions well suited to grape growing: relatively low rainfall, pronounced temperature differences, gravelly and well-drained soils, strong western sunlight, and frequent winds.
From the many varieties grown in this environment, we make wines with minimal intervention so that each grape's individuality can shine, with an emphasis on elegance and finesse.
We also make cider from apples, long cultivated as a local specialty of Azumino, preserving their aroma and bringing out the fruit's best qualities.
PHOTO — NIHONWINE.JP editorial
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SOURCE — NIHONWINE.JP editorial