Starbucks, one of the coffee chains with numerous stores operating worldwide.
In addition to the high quality of the coffee served, it is a beloved place for many people as a 'third place' where they want to visit every day, thanks to its extensive menu, comfortable atmosphere, and friendly service from the store staff (partners).
When you think of Starbucks, 'coffee' or 'tea' usually comes to mind, but did you know that Japanese wine is also served?
Furthermore, those wines are produced by 'Hirakawa winery' in Yoichi Town, Hokkaido, which has gained overwhelming support from Japanese wine fans.
Why does Starbucks carry Hirakawa winery, and what is the significance of offering Japanese wine in the first place?
This time, we spoke with Masaki Ishimura from the Beverage Development Team at Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. about the reasons why Starbucks serves Hirakawa winery and Japanese wine.
In the second part, we asked about cocktails using Hirakawa winery wine served at "STARBUCKS RESERVE® ROASTERY TOKYO" (hereinafter Roastery) on the 3rd floor, at "ARRIVIAMO™ BAR" (hereinafter Arriviamo Bar), as well as coffees recommended for wine fans.
About Cocktails Based on Hirakawa winery Wine
At Arriviamo Bar, cocktails based on Hirakawa winery wine are served, but when they first started offering Hirakawa winery products, cocktails were not served.
Mr. Ishimura: "Using Mr. Hirakawa's wine as a cocktail was a sensitive matter. Turning a wine into a cocktail into which the producer's passion and commitment have been poured—we even consulted with wine retailers about it.
Therefore, when we first started handling Mr. Hirakawa's wine, we did not offer it as a cocktail. However, we had a strong desire to present this wonderful wine as a cocktail in a Starbucks-like way, so we decided to consult with Mr. Hirakawa.
When we create cocktails, we offer them as a means to maximize and shine a light on the appeal of ingredients like coffee.
Wine is delicious on its own, but we wanted to bring out its full charm as a cocktail. When we consulted him with that idea, he readily agreed."
Currently, the number of cocktails served at Arriviamo Bar based on Hirakawa winery wine is 2.
White wine: "Blanc de Yoichi Cuvée Gastronomique Symphony Jasmine"
Rosé wine: "Rosé de Yoichi Cuvée Gastronomique Symphony Limeade"
Mr. Ishimura: "This time, we had our bartenders select Starbucks coffee and tea that pair well with Mr. Hirakawa's wine, developing them so that the appeal of Hirakawa winery and Starbucks resonate with each other.
First, for the white wine-based cocktail, we use <TEAVANA™ Jasmine Dragon Pearls>. The recipe was inspired by the delicate aroma of Blanc de Yoichi and the floral notes behind it.
Next, for the rosé wine-based cocktail, we use <TEAVANA™ Raspberry Limeade>. The flavor is a brilliant harmony between a herbal tea featuring vivid acidity blended with balsamic vinegar and the minerality of Rosé de Yoichi.
The cocktails can be enjoyed thoroughly on their own, but we would definitely love for you to pair them with Princi bread."
Additionally, Mr. Hirakawa himself reportedly suggested recommended situations for enjoying the cocktails.
Mr. Ishimura: "When Mr. Hirakawa tried the cocktails, he suggested that he would like people to drink them during 'a season that is neither hot nor cold.'
For example, spring or autumn. Since the Roastery has a wonderful terrace, he recommended situations like taking your time and relaxing with a drink in the morning or evening during these seasons."
After tasting the completed cocktails, Mr. Hirakawa was also satisfied with their flavor.
Looking back now, what does Mr. Hirakawa think of the cocktails created by Starbucks?
Mr. Hirakawa: "For agricultural producers, expressing the value of an agricultural product like wine reaches completion with bottling, but this cocktail lies on an extension of that.
Upon the foundation of wine, Starbucks' passion as well as their interpretation and respect for Yoichi's natural environment are expressed as added value in this cocktail. It is something that I, as an agricultural producer, want to pursue that cannot be achieved through the taste of wine alone.
Please enjoy a world of flavor where sublimated thoughts are added to wine reflecting nature, in the one-and-only space of Arriviamo Bar."
Coffee Beans Recommended for Wine Fans
While wine cocktails are appealing, when visiting Starbucks, you naturally want to drink coffee too.
We asked Mr. Ishimura to introduce Starbucks coffee beans recommended for wine fans.
- For Light-Bodied Wine Lovers
・Gamay, Muscat Bailey A, light Pinot Noir, etc.
Mr. Ishimura: "For coffee beans suited to those who like light-bodied wines, I recommend <Breakfast Blend> or <Lightnote Blend>. They are light roasts that drink smoothly, so I think fans of light-bodied wines will be satisfied."
- For Medium-Bodied Wine Lovers
・Merlot, full-bodied Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, Sangiovese, etc.
Mr. Ishimura: "For medium-bodied wines, how about <House Blend>? It is a well-balanced coffee, so I think people who like wines that are neither too heavy nor too light will enjoy it."
- For Full-Bodied Wine Lovers
・Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, powerful Syrah, Zinfandel, etc.
Mr. Ishimura: "If you like powerful wines like full-bodied ones, I recommend <Sumatra> or <Komodo Dragon Blend>. They have a deep, earthy aroma, so I think they will offer a satisfying experience."
When stopping by Starbucks, wouldn't it be interesting to choose coffee beans according to your personal wine preferences?
Conveying Japanese wine in a Starbucks Way
Starbucks conveys not only the appeal of coffee and tea, but also that of Japanese wine.
How will Starbucks, which does not specialize in wine, communicate Japanese wine going forward?
Mr. Ishimura: "I am in my early 40s, and I feel like Japanese wine started circulating around the time I reached legal drinking age.
Today, there are many Japanese wine wines of exceptional quality that can be proudly presented to the world, but back then, there were many where price and quality were hard to say were equal. The reality is that many people still hold that past impression of Japanese wine.
We want to continue communicating the 'wonders of Japanese wine' as Starbucks, not only through Japanese wine itself, but also through cocktails and other creations.
One of our important missions is supporting producers, and we would be delighted if we could not only help raise awareness of Japanese wine, but also contribute to the future development of the producers."
At Arriviamo Bar, customers who know Hirakawa winery wines often order the cocktails, but many customers are also said to purchase them after being introduced by the bartenders.
Enjoying Hirakawa winery wine as a cocktail in the atmosphere of Arriviamo Bar, paired further with Princi bread.
Is this not a new way of conveying Japanese wine that only Starbucks can offer?
Providing an experience to discover Japanese wine in a Starbucks-like manner, allowing many people to touch upon the appeal of Japanese wine through that filter.
Why not take this opportunity to visit Arriviamo Bar?
Reference
Interviewee
Masaki Ishimura, Beverage Development, Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd.
Beverage Development, Joined: 2019/2
STARBUCKS RESERVE® ROASTERY TOKYO