KŌSHU

While ‘Kōshu’ is not a Japanese native grape, it has been grown in Japan for both table consumption and winemaking for centuries, so these days is considered a Japanese grape variety. Kōshu is a white grape variety and is grown mainly in Yamanashi Prefecture near Mt Fuji. Kōshu is an old name for Yamanashi. There are several wine regions in Japan, and Yamanashi is considered the top winemaking region.

JAPANESE WINE

People are often surprised when I tell them that Japan produces some excellent wines. Japanese wine production began almost 150 years ago, and Japanese wine consumption could go back as far as 718AD. The Japanese love wine, and since the 1980s wine has become a drink of choice in many Japanese homes. 

A DIFFERENT GROWING TECHNIQUE

The Japanese wine industry is different from the rest of the world. The ‘Kōshu’ grape variety is used in Japanese wines and is grown on horizontal trellis frames, rather than vertically as they are in Australia.

KŌSHU

While ‘Kōshu’ is not a Japanese native grape, it has been grown in Japan for both table consumption and winemaking for centuries, so these days is considered a Japanese grape variety. Kōshu is a white grape variety and is grown mainly in Yamanashi Prefecture near Mt Fuji. Kōshu is an old name for Yamanashi. There are several wine regions in Japan, and Yamanashi is considered the top winemaking region.

KATSUNUMA JYOZO WINERY 

At Dejavu Sake we represent Katsunuma Jyozo Winery from Yamanashi. Established in 1937, the current family, headed by Mr Aruga, has owned the winery for three generations and has a long history as a Japanese winery pioneer. The Katsunuma Jyozo Winery was the first Japanese winery to be represented at the international wine competition – Vinalies Internationals in France in 2003. Their wines are made from 100% Yamanashi grown Kōshu grapes, and the taste is clean, fresh, elegant and has finesse. Katsunuma Jyozo wines pair perfectly with Japanese cuisine.