Japan

Japan makes wine, and this is what it grows.

Koshu leads the plantings, with Muscat Bailey A and Muscat of Alexandria alongside it.

Vines root into alluvial and volcanic.

The climate is continental, running humid and temperate.

The vineyards themselves read as hills.

Red wine, white wine and sparkling wine, plus one more is what the region is known for, and in the glass it shows lighter and often more aromatic, reflecting unique local characteristics, crisp and fresh and refreshing with delicate bubbles, plus two more.

Pour them alongside sushi, grilled fish, veal and tempura.

Serve chilled.

Best drunk young.

In the glass.

Red: Lighter and often more aromatic, Reflecting unique local characteristics.

White: Crisp and fresh.

Sparkling: Refreshing with delicate bubbles, Used for special occasions.

Dessert: Sweet and rich.

Grapes planted here.

Bottles to look for.

• Domaine Takahiko 'Nana-Tsu-Mori' Pinot Noir, Hokkaido, Japan
• Domaine Takahiko 'Yoichi Nobori' Passetoutgrain, Hokkaido, Japan
• Hibiki 'Japanese Harmony' Blended Whisky, Japan
• Hibiki 'Japanese Harmony' Master's Select Blended Whisky, Japan
• Hibiki 12 Year Old Blended Whisky, Japan
• Hibiki 17 Year Old Blended Whisky, Japan
• Hibiki 21 Year Old Blended Whisky, Japan
• Hibiki 30 Year Old Blended Whisky, Japan

At the table.

• sushi
• grilled fish
• veal
• tempura
• sashimi

Serving and cellaring.

• Serve chilled.
• Best drunk young.

Japan: common questions

More from here: every wine region in Japan.