I bet you haven’t even considered that Japan has a small, but growing wine industry.
If you read a previous post, you might be aware that I’m currently pregnant with my first child and I was going on vacation to Japan after my WSET Level 3 exam was completed. Obviously, I’m only tasting and not drinking wine. I was not even planning on doing that on this trip, but when my husband ordered a glass of Japanese Merlot at lunch in Kyoto, I had to try it.
It was interesting. Right away, the first taste I got was toffee and juicy red plums. At first, I thought the wine was too oxidized, but as it sat and opened up, I realized, “that’s just the wine!”.
I believe the restaurant served it a bit chilled, which I personally believe was a mistake. Once it got to temperature, the toffee flavors settled a bit and allowed the ripe plum-profile to come through, which made it more enjoyable to drink. Additionally, this wine seemed to have low tannins and was medium acid.
If you’re looking at a map of Japan, Nagano (where this particular wine is from) is west of Tokyo, nestled between Myoko-Togakushi National Park and Mount Azumaya. According to naganowine.jp, the Nagano Prefecture is surrounded by mountains with altitudes around 3000 meters, and five regions within GI Nagano that the website calls “Shinshu Wine Valley”. Apparently, Nagano is also the largest producer of Merlot in Japan.
Unfortunately, this has been the only wine we have been able to try so far on our trip. As we walked around Kyoto, we found other wines from Muscat, to Tannat, and Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc (as a blend), either in stores or on various bar menus. I’m not entirely sure where in Japan these wines are grown, but there is apparently a vineyard somewhere in Kyoto!
If I didn’t happen to be pregnant and here for such a limited time, I would make an effort to go find the wineries and ask all the questions. However, digging deeper into Japan’s wine industry might require a separate trip (and more research once I’m home).
a wine & a woof
This weeks “Wine & Woofs” pairing is the 2021 Ghost Block Zinfandel, Pelissa Vineyard, Oakville Napa Valley and my sister’s “kaiju” German Shepherd, Apollo.
This Zinfandel is is big and bold. Full of a lush and stewed mixture of black, blue, and red fruit, with a spicy herbal note, as well as a breeze of eucalyptus leaves, on the nose. The taste reminds me of cherry cola syrup. Blackberry, blueberry, and red plums, with a touch of cedar, rosehip, and vanilla are very present.
Like the wine, Apollo is BIG. Weighing in at 100 pounds and at least 36 inches tall from toe to top of his head, while standing on all fours (excluding his massive bat-like ears)! He is also one of the most loving and goofy dogs I’ve been around and wants to be as close as possible to you in any given circumstance. Sit on the couch, he’s in your lap. Driving in the car, he will stretch his head forward until his nose is on your shoulder. Walk around the house, he’s always right behind you, stumbling over his own paws.
Ghost Block has been one of my favorite producers of Cabernet Sauvignon for over a decade and their Zinfandel is also exceptional and worth a try.
~Kir
P.S. Original art works and “I’ll Drink to That” will return to the regular posting after my trip 😊.
*Featured artwork is by me. If you would like to support me and my art, please feel free to subscribe and follow me on Instagram at Kirsten Spalding and/or Wines & Woofs.