About this wine
Ajimu Albariño is Ajimu Winery's pioneering bottling of Albariño, a Spanish grape the winery began trial-planting around 2011 at its own Oka Farm estate vineyard in the fog-laden Ajimu basin, whose warm days and sharp diurnal temperature swings suit the variety well. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperature for about two to three weeks, often using two different yeast strains, to preserve fresh varietal aromatics without oxidation. The result is a dry, aromatic white with white peach, citrus and floral (honeysuckle-like) notes, a touch of grapefruit bitterness, and a saline, mineral-tinged finish reminiscent of Albariño's Spanish homeland. The 2021 vintage won a gold medal at the Japan Wine Competition 2022 — the first gold ever awarded to an Albariño in that competition's history — cementing Ajimu as a pioneer of the variety in Japan. Building on this success, the winery has since expanded into single-vineyard Albariño bottlings from its Shimoge, Yazu and Omio plots, plus a premium late-harvest-style 'Gokka' selection, but this base cuvée remains the entry point to Ajimu's Albariño program.
If you enjoy crisp, aromatic whites like Sauvignon Blanc, this rare Japanese take on Spain's Albariño is an easy and rewarding next step — bright fruit up front with a distinctive salty mineral edge.
Sommelier's Note
"Historically significant beyond its price point: the 2021 vintage's gold medal at the Japan Wine Competition 2022 was the first ever awarded to an Albariño at that competition, proof that Japan's basins can express this Spanish variety with real precision and salinity-driven character."
Food Pairings
A natural match for seafood: raw oysters, sashimi, and grilled or steamed white fish highlight its saline minerality, while its bright acidity also cuts through tempura and delicately seasoned vegetable dishes. Works well with shellfish pasta or ceviche-style preparations too.
When to drink it
Ideal for summer seafood dinners, oyster nights, or as a conversation-starting gift for wine lovers curious about Japan's lesser-known grape varieties.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Albariño
- Style
- White
- Price Range
- ¥3,200–4,500
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Albariño grown at Ajimu Winery's own Oka Farm estate vineyard in the Ajimu basin, Usa City, Oita Prefecture. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperature for roughly two to three weeks, at times with two different yeast strains, with careful oxidation control from crushing through bottling. Dry style; alcohol content typically in the 11.5–13.5% range depending on vintage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Ajimu Albariño taste like?
- White peach, citrus and green apple fruit with honeysuckle-like floral notes, a touch of grapefruit bitterness, and a signature saline, mineral finish.
- Has this wine won any awards?
- Yes — the 2021 vintage won gold at the Japan Wine Competition 2022, the first gold medal ever awarded to an Albariño in that competition's history.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Fresh seafood is the classic match: oysters, sashimi, grilled white fish and shellfish, as well as tempura and delicately seasoned vegetable dishes.
- When should I drink it?
- Best enjoyed young, within two to three years of the vintage, while its fresh aromatics and acidity are at their peak.
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