75cl

Yamanashi Koshu sur lie: A Refined White Wine Showcasing Japan’s Native Grape

With a winemaking heritage dating back to 1877, Château Mercian is one of the most established and respected producers of Japanese wine. Located in the renowned Yamanashi Prefecture, home to the nation’s oldest and finest vineyards, Mercian farms exceptional sites to create premium wines that express the purity and elegance of Japan’s native Koshu grape. Meticulous grape selection and a scrupulous approach in the winery result in Japanese wines with grace and complexity that rival top international styles.

Viticulture and Vinification

The Koshu grapes for this expressive white wine are sourced from Mercian’s estate vineyards in Yamanashi, where the combination of volcanic soils, elevation, and cool climate are ideal for Koshu. Records show Koshu growing wild in Yamanashi as early as 1186. The grapes are harvested by hand in early autumn at optimal ripeness. After pressing, the juice undergoes a 14-day fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Sur lie ageing for 8 months rounds out the palate and develops subtle creaminess and texture.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant pale straw in colour, Yamanashi Koshu sur lie offers delicate aromas of lemon, lime, yuzu and Asian pear. Hints of chalk and wet stone minerality add intrigue.

The palate is light-bodied and vibrant, with precise flavours of citrus fruits and green apple accented by a touch of salinity.

Bright, mouthwatering acidity refreshes the long finish.

This wine shows finesse, complexity, and a whisper of creaminess from sur lie aging. With its delicate refinement that belies impressive complexity, Yamanashi Koshu sur lie beautifully captures the pure expression of Japan’s legendary native grape.

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