Niigata

Niigata is a wine region of Japan.

The signature grape is Albarino, backed by Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus one more.

The ground underneath is sand.

The climate is varied, running temperate.

The vineyards themselves read as coastal and mountains.

Red wine, white wine and sparkling wine, plus one more is what the region is known for, and in the glass it shows refreshing with citrus notes, characteristic of albarino, light-bodied reds with vibrant acidity and particularly from pinot noir.

Names to look for on a shelf: Cave d’Occi, Domaine Chaud and Fermier.

At the table these bottles work with sushi, sashimi, grilled fish and salads.

Serve chilled.

Best drunk young.

In the glass.

White: Refreshing with citrus notes, Characteristic of albarino.

Red: Light-bodied reds with vibrant acidity, Particularly from pinot noir.

Grapes planted here.

Producers worth knowing.

Bottles to look for.

• Cave d'Occi Albarino, Niigata, Japan
• Cave d'Occi Bijou Cabernet Sauvignon, Niigata, Japan
• Cave d'Occi Bijou Pinot Noir, Niigata, Japan
• Cave d'Occi Chardonnay, Niigata, Japan
• Cave d'Occi Flamingo, Niigata, Japan
• Cave d'Occi Funpy Cidre, Niigata, Japan
• Cave d'Occi Funpy Sparkling White, Niigata, Japan
• Cave d'Occi Le Nord Albarino, Niigata, Japan

At the table.

• Sushi
• Sashimi
• Grilled fish
• Salads
• Pasta with light sauces

Serving and cellaring.

• Serve chilled.
• Best drunk young.

Nearby regions.

Niigata: common questions

More from here: every wine region in Japan.