Japanese wine: history, unique differences, types, winemaking regions, interesting facts
When choosing high-quality alcohol from grapes, the Russian consumer is accustomed to focusing on French, Italian or Spanish producers, which are considered world leaders in the field of winemaking.
Some connoisseurs prefer alcohol from Argentina, California, New Zealand or Australia.
But few people have heard of Japanese wines, let alone tried them. Do they exist at all? Vzboltai figured out this issue.
About industrial winemaking in Japan
It turns out that industrial winemaking in the Land of the Rising Sun exists and delivers quite good drinks.
But they are almost never produced for export.
The fact is that the natural and climatic conditions of Japan are absolutely not suitable for growing grape vines.
High humidity, fogs, strong winds, lack of heat and sun, frequent natural disasters do not contribute to the ripening of light-loving fruits.
Nevertheless, there are more than 200 wineries in the country that produce grape drinks.
History of local viticulture
Everything is unusual and shrouded in mystery in mysterious Japan. And the emergence of winemaking was not without mysticism.
According to local legends, the vines were brought to the country by Buddha in the early VIII century and handed over to a monk who planted them and as a thank you made a statue in honor of the donor.
Historians are of a different opinion and believe that grape seedlings were imported to Japan by Buddhist missionaries from China, who assimilated and subsequently gave birth to local winemaking.
The process took a long time: the first variety resistant to adverse weather conditions appeared only in the XII century, it was called Koshu.
Today, the fertile variety is grown everywhere in Japan (with the exception of Hokkaido).
Its specificity lies in the thick skin of the fruit, which can be white, pink or black, depending on the species.
Mostly white wine is produced from Koshu.
It took hundreds of years for local winemaking to become industrialized.
It took the Japanese a long time to develop a special system of vine cultivation and wine production.
But even despite the use of advanced technologies, the process of making drinks from grapes in the Land of the Rising Sun is still laborious and expensive.
The high price of land suitable for growing vines plays a significant role in shaping the cost of local beverages.
Differences of Japanese wine from others
Arched (pergola) and horizontal (trellis) systems are used to grow grapes.
They help to protect the vines from damage during stormy winds and prevent fruit rot.
During the rainy season, which falls on the most important period for berry ripening (June-July), the plantings are covered with a special protective structure made of plastic or huge umbrellas.
In addition to indigenous grape varieties, imported grape varieties, mainly American, are widespread in Japan.
The most famous local wine is Kyoho with dark purple large fruits that have a delicate strawberry flavor.
At first, the country produced mainly sweet drinks, adding a large amount of sugar to reduce the acidity of the products.
A little later, this technology was abandoned. Modern winemakers pay more attention to dry and semi-dry wines.
Semi-sweet drinks are also produced, but no sweeteners are added to them: nowadays they are completely natural products.
Japanese winemakers rely on quality, not quantity.
Local vineyards have a small area, but are equipped with modern technological equipment.
Much attention is paid to the characteristics of finished products, constantly improving production technologies and parameters of wine materials.
There is a whole system of control and evaluation of drinks at all stages of production.
Only products that contain at least 5% of local raw materials are classified as "Japanese wines" and must be bottled in the country.
Types of Japanese wines
Grape drinks produced in Japan are divided into two main groups:
Kokusan - wines made from imported raw materials, which are the most common.
Kokunaisan - products from local fruits, which are rarely found on sale and are highly valued.
It is quite difficult to buy Japanese grape drinks outside the country, it is better to try them in national restaurants.
The fact is that in Japan, people prefer to consume wine berries in their original form, as food, not a drink.
Fruit Japanese wines are better known abroad.
Of these, the most popular are plum ("ume-xu"), quince and pear wines are also found, peach, pomegranate and different types of berry drinks.
It is considered traditional rice wine, which, however, is not drunk in its pure form, but added to dishes or mixed with other types.
Grape products from Japan are distinguished by a delicate, refined bouquet that perfectly harmonizes with local cuisine. It is not boring and has a natural, mild taste.
Regions of winemaking in Japan
Different regions of the country grow specific grape varieties, the choice of which is based on climate and soil characteristics:
Hokkaido is considered the largest supplier of wine grapes, where winemaking specializes in cold-resistant German and Austrian varieties.
They are also grown in the northeastern regions of the country.
Large batches of grape drinks are produced in Yamagata, Yamanashi, Fukuoka, Nagano, Aichi and Okayama prefectures.
Most of the plantations and wineries are located on the hills near Mount Fuji in Yamanashi.
The best wines are produced in the Nagano region, but production volumes are small.
In Yamagata and Hyogo regions, mainly European varieties are grown.
Niigata produces light table wines that perfectly harmonize with fish dishes, while Kyoko produces drinks that go well with vegetable snacks.
Interesting facts
Japanese sommeliers are considered to be among the best in the world.
Residents of the country have high sensitivity and are able to distinguish flavors well.
The Japanese Tasters Association is the second largest in the world.
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The local wine fruits are characterized by particularly large sizes that are unusual for Europeans.
Some berries are comparable in size to ping-pong balls. They are also characterized by a high juice content.
A bunch of local Ruby Roman grapes was sold for an incredible price (just under $1000 - and this is not the limit!) the owner of one of the elite hotels. It took about 14 years to breed the variety.
The result exceeded all expectations: the berries have not only a beautiful ruby hue, but also a pleasant refreshing taste filled with exquisite sweetness.
Worthy examples of Japanese wine can be found not only among the products of large factories: the best drinks are produced in small family wineries.
One of the most exotic wines made in Japan is sakura wine.
It can be tasted at local wineries, and rare samples are available for sale.
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The first industrial enterprise for the production of Japanese wines was opened on the basis of an old plant producing sake.
Update: 07.10.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth