About Ape Nonno
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Yamasachi
- Price Range
- ¥5,700-6,200
- Alcohol
- 11.0
Ape Nonno — meaning 'flower of fire' in Ainu — is a natural red wine crafted from 100% Yamasachi grapes grown biodynamically at Tomihara Vineyard in Kamifurano, Hokkaido, by Agri System's Kamui Metok Nupuri winery. Fermented with wild yeast and made through semi-carbonic maceration with roughly 13 months of oak aging, it is produced without chaptalization, acidification, added sulfites, fining, or filtration (around 1,211 bottles made). Despite its deep color, it drinks with the light, refreshing character of a rosé, showing strawberry, raspberry, and pink grapefruit fruit alongside dried flowers, herbs, and subtle oak spice, framed by gentle tannins and vibrant acidity.
A standout expression of Yamasachi — you must try it to understand how far Japan's native varieties can go.
New to wine?
A perfect entry point for natural wine lovers — light, fruity, and easy to drink despite being a red wine.
Food Pairings
Its rosé-like lightness makes it wonderfully versatile: try it with matsutake and other mushroom dishes, seasonal vegetable tempura, or lightly seasoned grilled fish and simple grilled meats.
When to drink it
Ideal for special dinners, celebrations, or a quiet evening spent exploring Hokkaido's terroir.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Yamasachi grapes from biodynamically farmed Tomihara Vineyard, Kamifurano, Hokkaido. Wild-yeast fermentation via semi-carbonic maceration, aged roughly 13 months in oak. No chaptalization, no acidification, no added SO2, unfined and unfiltered. Approx. 1,211 bottles produced. ABV 11.0%.
About the producer
Agri System (Kamui Metok Nupuri Winery)Biodynamic vin nature from Japan's largest organic farm.上富良野町, 北海道 · Founded 2023Visit the producer page →More wines from Agri System (Kamui Metok Nupuri Winery)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the name Ape Nonno mean?
- Ape Nonno means 'flower of fire' in the Ainu language, referencing the volcanic Tokachidake mountain range near the winery.
- Is it a red wine or a rosé?
- It is technically a red wine, but its light body, deep-yet-bright color, and refreshing character make it drink like a rosé.
- What food does it pair with?
- It pairs beautifully with Japanese mushroom dishes like matsutake, seasonal vegetable tempura, and grilled fish.
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