CuvéeOitaWhite

Shika

しか

Ajimu Chiisana Wine Koubou

Delaware

About this wine

An unfiltered orange wine made from fully ripened Delaware grapes, named after the deer that visit the vineyard, with a label painted by artist Mikio Ban. Fermented with natural yeast and briefly macerated on its skins — a technique the winery adopted after finding that standard juice-only fermentation gave Delaware a sake-like aroma that masked its varietal character. The result is fragrant with white peach and pink grapefruit, carrying the gentle textural weight typical of orange wine but finishing soft and easy to drink thanks to short skin contact.

Beginner's Note

A gentle, low-intensity introduction to orange wine for drinkers who find deeper skin-contact wines too intense.

Sommelier's Note

"Proof that orange wine doesn't have to be intense — a soft, fruit-driven style that respects Delaware's naturally delicate character."

Food Pairings

A natural match for tempura, karaage fried chicken, and mild Southeast Asian curries; its textured body also stands up to grilled white fish.

When to drink it

Asian-inspired dinners, casual lunches, aperitif with fried foods

Specs

Grape Varieties
Delaware
Style
White
Price Range
¥2,420 (720ml)

Terroir & Winemaking

Delaware grapes fermented with indigenous yeast, briefly macerated on skins in orange-wine style, then bottled unfiltered and unfined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shika made from?
Shika is an unfiltered orange wine made from fully ripened Delaware grapes grown in Ajimu.
Why is it made in the orange wine style?
The winemaker found that fermenting Delaware juice alone gave the wine a sake-like aroma that hid the grape's character, so he ferments it briefly on its skins instead — a technique that draws out its natural white peach and pink grapefruit aromatics.
What does Shika taste like?
It's fragrant with white peach and pink grapefruit, with the gentle textural weight typical of orange wine but a soft, easy-drinking finish.
What food pairs well with Shika?
Try it with tempura, karaage fried chicken, or mild Southeast Asian curries.

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