About this wine
Kurahara Aqua is a rare white wine from Eishi Okamoto of Beau Paysage, crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc grown in the Kurahara block — a second distinct vineyard site from the primary Tsugane estate. 'Aqua' (水 / water) signals Okamoto's intention: a wine of crystalline purity, as transparent and life-giving as water itself. The Chenin Blanc expresses white flowers, sweet tropical fruit, and a round, almost spherical texture — no sharp edges, gentle acidity, and a long finish that seems to dissolve effortlessly into the palate. Exceptionally rare even by Beau Paysage standards; produced without filtration or fining.
A uniquely approachable natural white — the round, water-pure character of 'Aqua' makes it one of the most welcoming bottles from Beau Paysage, even for those new to natural wine.
Sommelier's Note
"Among the most singular white wines made in Japan: Chenin Blanc, rendered with such purity it earns its name — Aqua. Seek it out for the clearest expression of what Kurahara's terroir can achieve."
Food Pairings
The wine's round, generous texture and gentle acidity make it a natural match for seafood and delicate Japanese cuisine. Pairs beautifully with steamed white fish with ginger and scallion, clam miso soup, sea urchin on rice, oysters, scallop carpaccio, and white asparagus with hollandaise. Also works well with subtly sweet dishes or soft cheeses.
When to drink it
Ideal for seafood dinners, Japanese kaiseki courses, celebratory meals, or quiet evenings when you want a wine that feels as natural as drinking pure spring water.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Chenin Blanc
- Style
- White, natural
- Price Range
- ¥8,000-12,000
Terroir & Winemaking
Grown in the Kurahara block, a second vineyard site of Beau Paysage distinct from the Tsugane estate, Yamanashi Prefecture. 100% Chenin Blanc. Hand-harvested. Minimal-intervention fermentation with indigenous wild yeasts. No temperature control. Minimal or no SO₂ addition depending on vintage. Bottled by gravity without fining or filtration. Some vintages may show a gentle off-dry character; recent vintages tend toward dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Kurahara Aqua taste like?
- White flowers, sweet tropical fruit, and a round, almost spherical texture with gentle acidity — pure and transparent, like its name suggests.
- Why is it called 'Aqua'?
- 'Aqua' means water. Eishi Okamoto named it to express his goal of pure, transparent, life-giving naturalness — the wine should feel as clean and vital as water itself.
- What grape is it made from?
- 100% Chenin Blanc from the Kurahara block — an unusual variety for Japan, making this wine exceptionally rare.
- Is it sweet or dry?
- Most vintages are dry to off-dry. Some earlier vintages showed a gentle sweetness; recent releases tend toward dry with a round, generous texture.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Steamed white fish with ginger, sea urchin, oysters, clam miso soup, and delicate Japanese seafood dishes are ideal pairings.
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